Ingredients

Love baking? If you love making baked goodies from scratch then you probably worked with yeast. As a baking staple, yeast contains live microorganisms that are activated once it’s been moistened. These microbes generate carbon dioxide, which allows bread to rise before baking. Good quality yeast makes the softest, fluffiest baked goods but spoiled yeast could yield to dense, funky-tasty breads.

Can Yeast Go Bad?

Usually, yeast is sold dry so the risk of contamination and mold growth is reduced. That being said, yeast does not keep forever.  It does have a limited shelf life so proper storage is a must. Yeast can keep for a couple of years after the manufacturing date. Still, this is the kind of product that should be used up as soon as possible.

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Dry yeast is made up of beneficial microorganisms that lie dormant. If you store the product for too long, the live microbes will die out eventually. This is the reason why old yeast takes a lot longer to rise than freshly bought yeast. It is also worth noting that opened packs of dry active yeast have a shorter shelf life than unopened packs of dry active yeast.

Signs that Yeast Has Gone Bad

It is easy to tell if your stored yeast has gone bad. Usually, fresh yeast is light beige in color. If the product has turned a weird shade of grey or dark brown, the yeast has gone bad. Check for significant texture changes too. If the yeast started clumping together or if it starts emitting a moldy odor, the product is no longer usable. If the yeast doesn’t activate when moistened, toss the product in the trash.

How to Store Yeast?

Since yeast is made up of live microorganisms, it is quite sensitive to temperature changes, humidity, and air exposure. Unopened packs of yeast should be stored in the pantry, at room temperature. Keep the product away from sources of heat or hot, humid climates. Since yeast activates when moistened, never store this product near the sink.

As for opened packs of yeast, these are best kept in the refrigerator. This goes especially if the product is nearing its expiry date. Refrigeration could delay the degradation of the product, extending its shelf life. While you can use the original packaging of the product, we highly suggest transferring the product to a more resilient container. The container should protect the yeast from fridge moisture.

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When kept in the pantry, dry yeast will keep for 1 to 4 months. When kept in the fridge, the product will keep fresh for 4 to 5 months. Opened packs of yeast will keep in the fridge for 4 months or so. As for cake yeast, this product will keep in the pantry for a week or two.

Can You Freeze Yeast?

Yes, you can freeze regular dry yeast for long-term storage. And no, the live microorganisms won’t die when the product is kept in the freezer. They will only lie dormant until you are ready to start baking.

That being said, cake yeast or compressed yeast has a much shorter shelf life than dry activated yeast because the live microorganisms are much more sensitive to temperature changes. If you’re storing cake yeast, just keep the product in the fridge, never in the freezer. And to be on the safe side, use up your yeast supply as soon as you can.

Summary

Stocking up on yeast is a great idea if you love baking! Can yeast go bad? Yeast doesn’t keep forever but as long as the product has been stored properly, you don’t have to worry about the storage life at all. We hope that these tips have been helpful to you!

As the name implies, peanut oil is a type of cooking oil made from peanuts! Often used in Asian cooking, peanut oil is a great alternative to vegetable oil. Peanut oil is one of the healthiest types of cooking oils on the market. It is high in unsaturated fats and loaded with vitamin E and phytosterols. Peanut oil does not contain trans-fat or cholesterol that could cause heart disease.

It’s versatile too! You can use peanut oil for baking, frying, deep-frying and sautéing. Peanut oil has a delicate nutty flavor and a delectable peanut-y aroma! But what about the storage life of peanut oil? Can peanut oil go bad? Peanut oil has a high smoking point so it will keep for a long, long time.

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Can Peanut Oil Go Bad?

Peanut oil has a reasonably long shelf life but it won’t keep forever. As with most types of cooking oil, peanut oil will keep well in storage for months. This goes especially for unopened bottles of peanut oil. That being said, the shelf life of the product becomes shorter once the container has been opened.

Peanut oil has a clean taste so it can be reused several times. But reused peanut oil has a shorter shelf life than fresh peanut oil. However, as long as the oil has been stored properly, there is no need to worry about spoilage at all.

Signs that Peanut Oil Has Gone Bad

It’s quite easy to tell if peanut oil has gone bad, just check the clarity, color, and smell of the oil. If the oil has turned a deeper shade of brown or it starts emitting an unpleasant odor, it is no longer safe to use. If the product has turned cloudy or the fats started breaking down, toss the product in the trash.

How to Store Peanut Oil?

The pantry is the best place to store sealed and/or freshly opened bottles of peanut oil. Keep the product in a cool, dark place away from sources of heat and light to extend the oil’s shelf life. Peanut oil is quite sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. Unstable temperature could cause the product to spoil much more quickly. Avoid storing the oil near the stove or other appliances that heat up while in use.

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When kept in the pantry, sealed bottles of peanut oil will keep for 3 years. On the other hand, opened bottles of peanut oil will keep in the pantry for a year or so.

As for peanut oil that’s nearing its expiry date, you can store the oil in the fridge. Of course, the peanut oil will solidify and turn cloudy when stored in the fridge but it’s still safe to use. There won’t be any changes in flavor or aroma once the refrigerated oil is used in cooking. Peanut oil kept in the fridge will stay fresh for 3 to 4 years.

Can You Freeze Peanut Oil?

You can freeze peanut oil but it’s not the best storage method for the product. Freezing could alter the taste and aroma of the oil. But if you must freeze the peanut oil, transfer the product in a freezer-safe, airtight container. The container must be sealed at all times to keep frost away. We highly suggest dividing the product into manageable portions so defrosting is much easier.

Summary

Peanut oil imparts a lovely flavor, adding something extra to your favorite dishes. Since it’s one of the healthiest cooking oils in the market, you can use cooking oil for everyday dishes. Can peanut oil go bad? Peanut oil is not impervious to spoilage but as long as the product is stored properly, there is no need to worry about the storage life of peanut oil at all!

Are you a pasta lover? Nothing warms the heart quite like a nourishing bowl of pasta drenched in white or red sauce then topped with grated cheese! Pasta has been a kitchen staple in Italian homes. It can be made from scratch or store bought. Whatever type of pasta you have at home, it’s always a treat to enjoy a plateful of it for lunch or dinner. But can pasta go bad? That depends on the state of the product prior to storage.

Dry, sealed packs of pasta have an extremely long shelf life. Since dried pasta has zero moisture content, the risk of bacterial or mold growth is minimal. Hence, it will keep fresh for a while.  On the other hand, cooked pasta has a shorter shelf life.

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Can Pasta Go Bad?

As mentioned above, cooked and uncooked pasta have radically different storage lives and it all boils down to moisture content. Since cooked pasta is boiled and drenched in hot water, there is a good chance that it will go bad within days. This goes especially if the product has been stored improperly. Exposure to humid temperatures could cause the pasta to spoil quickly.

Dry pasta has a long shelf life but it’s not resistant to spoilage either. It will go bad at some point although this will take a while. It’s important to store cooked and uncooked pasta properly to extend the products’ shelf life. You can start by reading the label for storage instructions.

Signs that Pasta Has Gone Bad

How do you know when the pasta you’ve kept in storage for so long has gone bad? Check for the presence of mold. Cooked and uncooked pasta that’s been exposed to air for far too long will develop mold. Check for obvious signs of discoloration or an off-odor too. If the pasta smells strange, discard the product.

Even if there are no obvious signs of spoilage, dry pasta that’s been stored for too long will lose its original flavor. The texture, once cooked, will be different too. That’s why we recommend using up your pasta supply as soon as possible for optimal flavor.

How to Store Pasta?

For uncooked sealed and opened packs of pasta, store the product in the pantry. Since uncooked pasta is sold dry, it won’t go bad when stored at room temperature. However, we highly recommend storing opened packs of uncooked pasta in an airtight container for optimal flavor. Always keep the container sealed to reduce air exposure.

Homemade pasta and cooked pasta should be kept in the fridge. The chilly temps will inhibit mold growth and reduce the risk of spoilage. Keep the pasta in an airtight container so it won’t dry out. Always seal the container until you used up the pasta to extend its shelf life.

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Dry pasta that’s been kept sealed will keep for 2 years or so in the pantry. Fresh pasta, on the other hand, will only keep for 5 days in the fridge. Cooked pasta will keep for a week or so in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Pasta?

Surprisingly, pasta keeps so well in the freezer. If you have no plans of consuming your pasta supply anytime soon, freezing makes a great storage option. For dry pasta, place the product in a freezer-safe container, original packaging and all. The extra layer of protection will keep frost at bay. For cooked pasta or homemade pasta, store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container then stick in the freezer.

Summary

Who doesn’t love a plateful of pasta? It’s the ultimate comfort food! Can pasta go bad? Yes, pasta will go bad but only when it’s stored improperly. Keep all these storage tips in mind to extend the shelf life of dry, cooked and homemade pasta!

Can miso go bad? Technically, miso has already gone bad because this is a type of fermented soybean paste. Miso is a highly nutritious food that’s often used in Asian cooking. It can add depth and flavor to soups, stews, and salad dressing. It is also used as a seasoning for dips and sauces!  Since miso has a lot of uses, it makes sense to keep this product in stock. But what about its shelf life? Can miso go bad?

Can Miso Go Bad?

Although miso has a reasonable shelf life, it won’t keep forever. Miso has a limited shelf life and will go bad at some point. This is the reason why proper storage is important when keeping extra miso at home. The good news is, you can extend the shelf life of miso!

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On top of that, miso contains natural preservatives that actively inhibit the growth of bad bacteria and mold. But still, you have to store the product properly because miso isn’t impervious to spoilage at all. This product is often sold in sealed packaging to minimize air exposure. Air exposure is the enemy here. It can inhibit mold growth and dry out the product. You have to keep the miso tightly sealed after every use to extend its shelf life!

Signs that Miso Has Gone Bad

It’s hard to tell if miso has gone bad or is about to spoil because fermented products tend to give off a pungent aroma even when they’re still unspoiled. Still, miso will emit a distinct aroma when it is no longer safe to eat.

Since miso stays moist during storage, there is an increased risk of mold growth. So one of the first things you need to check is a moldy film that develops on top of the product. If there is a presence of mold, toss the miso in the trash. If the product has developed an off-color or there were changes in its appearance, discard the product.

How to Store Miso?

The best way to store miso is to keep it in the refrigerator. As with all types of fermented products, miso will continue to ferment because it contains probiotics. Essentially, this product is “alive” because it contains millions of good bacteria. You can tell that your miso is alive when it starts producing gas while in storage. The plastic container would puff up due to gas build up.

Since this product is “alive,” it is sensitive to temperature changes. The probiotics must be preserved during storage so you can maximize the nutritional value of this product. You can use the miso’s original packaging to store the product, no added prep needed.

Just chill the product at the back of the fridge and you’re done. You can also transfer the product in an airtight container, just make sure the lid is tightly sealed after every use for optimal quality and flavor. When kept in the refrigerator, miso will stay fresh for 18 months or so.

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Can You Freeze Miso?

Yes, you can freeze miso for long-term storage. Freezing won’t kill the probiotics within the product. The chilly temps will cause the friendly microbes to go dormant. We do suggest dividing the product into manageable portions so you do not have to defrost and re-freeze the rest of your supply.

You can use small resealable plastic bags or ice trays to store miso in the freezer. If you’re using an ice cube tray, just spoon a small amount of the product in the container and stick in the freezer. Leave the miso to freeze solid for 2 hours.

Then, take the miso out of the freezer, pop all the cubed miso carefully then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Write the storage date then stick in the freezer again. When kept in the freezer, miso will keep indefinitely. However, we recommend consuming your supply as soon as possible for optimal flavor.

Summary

Miso adds a wonderful flavor to everyday dishes so go ahead, buy more than you need and just keep the rest in the fridge or freezer for future recipes. Can miso go bad? Yes, this product won’t keep forever but it boasts of a long shelf life.

Cornstarch is the go-to ingredient for thickening sauces, desserts and puddings. Of course, you probably aren’t making gravy every day, so that box of cornstarch could easily go forgotten. Can cornstarch go bad? How should you store cornstarch to extend its shelf life as long as possible?

What Is Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is the fine, powdery starch derived from kernels of corn. Because this starch expands so much in water, it’s a great way to thicken sauces and puddings without changing the flavor. The fine, powdery nature of cornstarch brings a soft and velvety texture to gravies and desserts alike.

Can Cornstarch Go Bad?

Cornstarch is actually one of those few kitchen items that really won’t go bad! With proper storage, cornstarch actually can last indefinitely. Of course, improper storage can lead to contamination and spoilage, but storing cornstarch is pretty easy, and shouldn’t be a problem.

How to Store Cornstarch

Cornstarch should be stored in an airtight container, away from moisture and contaminants. Stored in this way, cornstarch can pretty much last forever! Many brands of cornstarch now come packaged in plastic containers, which is great for storage. If you happen to purchase cornstarch that still comes in a cardboard container, or a paper bag, it’s best to transfer the cornstarch to a glass jar that will seal tightly.

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Refrigerating cornstarch will not really extend the shelf life, and could actually work against you! The humid environment of the refrigerator could introduce too much moisture to the cornstarch, rendering it less useful over time. Storing cornstarch in the freezer could have similar results.

How to Tell If Cornstarch Has Gone Bad

Unless moisture or other contaminants are introduced to cornstarch, it should last indefinitely. Of course, there is still a chance of spoilage if the container is not properly sealed. Moisture will be the number one enemy of the shelf life of cornstarch! Excess moisture can increase the chance of mold growth, but won’t necessarily “deactivate” the cornstarch. Unlike baking soda or powder, cornstarch won’t lose potency with exposure to liquid. If the cornstarch clumps due to excess moisture, simply sift it before the next use. However, if mold starts to grow in the cornstarch, it should no longer be consumed.

Another way that cornstarch could spoil is with an insect infestation. Part of the reason an airtight container is so important is that bugs are drawn to the “all you can eat buffet” appeal of a giant bag of cornstarch! So, like with all grains, sealing the cornstarch tightly is incredibly important. In addition to sealing the container tightly, folk remedies suggest adding bay leaves to a container of grain to repel bugs that are likely to want to get inside. If you see any signs of insects in the cornstarch – including eggs, larvae or full grown insects – the cornstarch should not be consumed.

An even more effective method for eliminating insects and potential mold growth is storing the cornstarch in an airtight container with an oxygen absorber. This will prevent insect eggs from hatching, as well as mold spores from germinating.

Cornmeal is a common pantry item, but may not be used more than a few times a month. People tend to think that flours have an indefinite shelf life, but this may not be entirely true! Can cornmeal go bad, and how should you store the cornmeal to extend its shelf life for as long as possible?

What is Cornmeal?

Cornmeal is a flour made by simply grinding up dried kernels of corn. Many recipes will call for a bit of cornmeal to add a bit more texture. For instance, many pizza recipes will have both flour and cornmeal on the surface when the dough is being shaped. This not only keeps the dough from sticking, but will also add some crunch to the crust!

Can Cornmeal Go Bad?

Like all flours, cornmeal can go bad. The shelf life of cornmeal in the original paper, cardboard or wax packaging from the store is around a year, whether opened or not. Of course, there are ways to extend the shelf life of your cornmeal. Proper storage is important for making sure that the cornmeal remains sealed from moisture, insects, mold spores and other potential contaminants.

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How to Store Cornmeal

To maximize the shelf life of cornmeal, you should transfer the flour from its original packaging upon bringing it home from the store. Storing cornmeal in a sealed glass container will protect it from many of the contaminants that can permeate the paper and wax bag used to package most commercially sold cornmeal. Be sure to mark the expiration date on the jar!

Refrigerating the cornmeal (so long as it’s in a tightly sealed container), can also help to extend the shelf life, as can freezing. So long as no additional moisture enters the container, freezing cornmeal can preserve its shelf life for well over a year. When using frozen cornmeal, be sure to remove only the amount needed from the container, and to seal and replace it in the freezer immediately. Too many changes in temperature will promote spoilage.

If you prefer not to freeze or refrigerate your cornmeal, simply keeping it in a tightly sealed container in your pantry should suffice. Many home cooks use bay leaves to help extend the shelf life of flours and grains. Placing a few bay leaves in the sealed container is said to keep moths and weevils away. Garlic is said to have a similar effect, but may impart a stronger flavor.

Signs that Cornmeal Has Spoiled

Cornmeal is subject to a few different forms of spoilage. If the grain becomes too moist, mold is likely to grow. In some cases, excess moisture can even lead to fermentation. If there is any sign of mold, or the cornmeal appears wet and sticky (whether or not there are bubbles, or other signs of fermentation present), it should be discarded.

Because cornmeal is made from the whole grain, there is a bit of fat present that will eventually go rancid. Proper storage should slow this process, and freezing will prolong it even longer. If cornmeal is not stored in a tightly sealing container, or if it is exposed to a warm environment, it will become rancid far more quickly. Rancid corn will have a strong unpleasant or bitter smell, and should not be consumed.

Another spoilage issue that comes into play with grains is insect contamination. Signs of insects (mostly moths and weevils) include eggs present in little pockets of the grain, a dusty or chalky appearance to the cornmeal, and actual larvae and adult insects in the grain. The best way to prevent insects from contaminating the cornmeal is to tightly seal and freeze the cornmeal. Refrigeration should also prevent insect infestation. As said before, if you can’t freeze or refrigerate your grains, adding bay leaves to the tightly sealed container of cornmeal is a folk remedy that’s said to deter bugs.

Corn Syrup is the secret ingredient that makes so many baked goods chewy and sweet, but once that baking and candy making whim has passed, what do you do with the rest? Can corn syrup go bad? Should you keep the bottle in the refrigerator, or can you leave it in the pantry for a few months? This article should make that all clear!

What is Corn Syrup?

Corn syrup is a versatile sweetener made from corn starch that has been around since 1812. Because corn syrup attracts moisture from the air, this sweetener works well with soft and chewy baked goods. Corn syrup can also be used in frozen desserts to create a smooth texture, free of ice crystals, and can even make a great glaze for meats.

Can Corn Syrup Go Bad?

When corn syrup is stored under proper conditions, manufacturers state that the product will have an indefinite shelf life. This holds true whether the product has been previously opened, or not! Of course, should improper storage occur, corn syrup can eventually spoil. However, this should be a problem so long as syrup is kept away from moisture or any environmental contaminants.

Corn syrup will often have the manufacturer’s expiration date printed on the label. This is more to indicate the best time to consume the syrup for quality purposes, and does not indicate a date for spoilage. Syrup consumed after that date will likely still be safe for consumption, but the texture or taste of the product may have changed slightly.

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How to Store Corn Syrup

Unopened corn syrup can be stored indefinitely at room temperature in the pantry, or cupboard. Once the bottle has been opened, storing it in the pantry is still the preferred option, and will not reduce the shelf life, so long as the bottle remains tightly sealed. When storing corn syrup, be sure that the cap is clear of syrup or debris, and that it closes tightly. Airtight, moisture-free storage conditions will ensure that the syrup does not spoil.

Refrigeration is another option, if you are concerned about pantry space, or if you want a bit of extra assurance. While refrigeration will help to slow the growth of any mold or bacteria, the likelihood of contamination is low enough that storage at room temperature is completely fine.

Freezing corn syrup is not recommended, as this will not really increase the shelf life, and will only serve to change the texture of the product.

No matter where you choose to store corn syrup, the important thing is that it remains tightly sealed, to keep out any moisture or other contaminants. It’s also important not to use a utensil to scoop out the syrup, as this may introduce foreign food particles, and potentially lead to mold growth.

How to Tell Corn Syrup Has Gone Bad

While it’s unlikely that corn syrup will spoil, it can happen under certain circumstances. This is typically if the syrup is improperly stored, either with the cap open, or if moisture gets into the bottle. Improperly stored corn syrup can either grow mold, or begin to ferment. A visual assessment of the syrup can tell you whether there is mold present. Any mold indicates spoilage, and the corn syrup should not be consumed.

Fermentation is noticeable as well. If the syrup has begun to ferment, you will see tiny bubbles, or foam, in and on the surface of the corn syrup. If only a few bubbles are present, and you’re not sure as to whether the syrup has begun to ferment – smell it! If the syrup smells sour, yeast-like, overly sweet or alcoholic, it’s time to buy a new bottle.

Over time, you may also notice that the corn syrup will thicken and may even become darker in color. This is a natural occurrence, and does not indicate spoilage.

Coconut milk is an incredibly versatile cooking and baking ingredient which can add a creaminess, and sweetness to a dish without dairy. Of course, if that recipe only requires half a can, what can you do with the rest (not to mention the unopened can in your pantry)? Can coconut milk go bad?

How is Coconut Milk Made?

There are several different varieties of coconut milk on the market, but all produced by grating the white “meat” of the coconut, and then squeezing or pressing the grated coconut meat to extract the milk. For thick coconut milk, no additional liquid is added, but for thinner coconut milks, the grated meat is soaked in water before being squeezed.

Thicker coconut milk is most often used in culinary applications – many soup and sauce recipes require coconut milk in the base, as do plenty of delicious desserts. Coconut milk can also be used as a non-dairy cream substitute in cooking and baking. Thicker coconut milk is very high in fat, and almost always packaged in cans.

Thinner coconut milks that have had a lot of water added to them are most often used as a milk substitute by vegans, and those with dairy allergies. These coconut milks are often packaged in aseptic, shelf-stable containers, though there are some brands of refrigerated coconut milk available.

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Can Coconut Milk Go Bad?

Like all nondairy milk products, coconut milk can in fact go bad. The shelf life of coconut milk depends on the type of milk (thick, or thin), and the packaging. Unopened coconut milk that is canned, will have a shelf life of two to five years, when properly stored. Coconut milk that is in aseptic packaging has a shelf life of between six and twelve months, and can last for up to a month after the printed expiration date when sealed and properly stored. Finally, coconut milk that is sold in the refrigerated section and is not in aseptic packaging should be consumed within a week of the expiration date.

Once any type of coconut milk has been opened, it will begin to spoil. Thicker coconut milks will stay good for seven to ten days in the refrigerator, while thinner milks will spoil in about seven days. Be sure to check coconut milk for freshness before using or consuming it.

Signs that Coconut Milk Has Gone Bad

Mold is a strong indicator that coconut milk has spoiled. If there are any signs of mold or a film on the surface, the coconut milk should not be consumed. Similarly, if the milk appears chunky, darkens in color, or starts to curdle, it has gone bad and should be discarded. Smell is another good indicator of whether or not coconut milk has spoiled. If the milk smells sour, or rancid, then it should not be consumed.

If the container appears at all swollen or bulging, that is a sure sign that the coconut milk has spoiled, and the container should be discarded.

Separation of thick coconut milk is completely normal, and is not a sign that the milk has gone bad. Often, the fat will float to the top of the can, and the more watery liquid will sink. Shaking the unopened can, or stirring an opened one, can re-mix the coconut milk.

Storing Coconut Milk

Unopened, shelf stable or canned coconut milk should be stored in a cool, dark place free from heat or humidity. Once opened, the coconut milk should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezing a whole container of unopened coconut milk is not recommended, as this will not dramatically increase the shelf life. Freezing leftover opened coconut milk will extend its life to six months. Coconut milk should be frozen in an airtight container, and can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Try freezing coconut milk in ice cube trays to add some creaminess to your smoothies!