Foods that don’t go bad
There are a few food items that never go bad. With proper storage, these foods can last indefinitely. This can be very helpful in an emergency situation when you can’t get to the store. Here is a list of foods that never go bad.
Fruits
Fruits are one of the few food groups that don’t generally expire. Most fruit is picked before it’s ripe and then left to ripen on its way to the grocery store. Once ripened, fruit continues to age, but at a much slower pace. This is why you can often find moldy bread but not moldy grapes.
Fruit generally starts to spoil when it’s overripe, so if you’re not planning on eating it right away, it’s best to err on the side of under-ripeness. Once ripened, fruit can be stored in the fridge to help slow down the aging process.
Some fruits, like avocados and bananas, will change color and texture when they’re overripe, but they’re still safe to eat. Others, like berries and grapes, may start to grow mold. Moldy fruits should be thrown away because they can cause food poisoning.
Here are some tips for how long different kinds of fruit will last:
- Apples: 3-4 weeks in the fridge; 6-8 weeks in the pantry
- Apricots: 1-2 days on the counter; 2-3 days in the fridge
- Bananas: 3-5 days on the counter; 2-3 weeks in the fridge (peeled bananas will brown but are still safe to eat)
- Berries: 1-2 days in the fridge; 2-3 days in the freezer
- Citrus fruits: 1 week in the fridge; 2 weeks in the pantry
- Grapes: 1 week in the fridge; 2 weeks in a cool, dark place
Vegetables
It’s widely known that most vegetables, whether they are root vegetables, leafy greens, or cruciferous vegetables, can be stored for long periods of time as long as they are properly handled and prepared. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, and shallots are examples of root vegetables that can last for months in the pantry or cellar. These vegetables will continue to sprout new growth if left in the light too long but can be eaten after trimming the sprouts. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collards can also be stored for several weeks if they are properly washed and dried then wrapped in a perforated plastic bag and placed in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kohlrabi will also last for several weeks when refrigerated.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are among the foods that don’t go bad, thanks to their high fat and protein content. They can last for months or even years if stored properly. Just be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Foods that last a long time
There are many reasons why you might want to consider stocking up on food that has a long shelf life. Maybe you’re worried about an impending apocalypse, or maybe you just want to save some money by buying in bulk. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know which foods will last the longest.
Grains
All whole grains—including oats, brown rice, quinoa, and Popcorn—have an indefinite shelf life if stored properly. Grains can be kept in their original packaging or stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration and freezing aren’t necessary.
Cooked grains can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to six months.
Canned goods
Canned goods are a great way to have food that lasts a long time. Canned goods can be stored for a long time and still taste fresh. The only problem with canned goods is that they can sometimes be BPA-lined, which can cause health problems.
Canned goods last for:
-Soups and stews: 2 to 5 years
-Fruits: 2 to 4 years
-Vegetables: 3 to 5 years
-Tomatoes: 1 to 2 years