Foods that Never Spoil
We all know the feeling of opening our fridge and seeing that carton of milk that expired last week. Or how about that block of cheese that’s been sitting in the back of the fridge for who knows how long. Yuck! However, there are some foods that never spoil no matter how long you keep them.
Fruits
Although fruits are perishable, some fruits never spoil and only harden with age. These fruits include:
-Apples
-Pears
-Oranges
-Lemons
-Limes
Fruits that spoil quickly include:
-Berries
-Grapes
-Mangoes
-Melons
Vegetables
There are many vegetables that, when stored properly, will never spoil. Here are just a few examples:
-Onions: When stored in a cool, dark place, onions will keep indefinitely.
-Potatoes: Potatoes will also keep indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place. However, they may start to sprout after a few months, so you may want to eat them sooner rather than later.
-Garlic: Garlic will keep for months if stored in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. You can also store garlic in oil to extend its shelf life even further.
-Carrots: Carrots will keep for weeks if stored in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. You can also store them in water to extend their shelf life.
-Beans: Beans can be stored indefinitely if they are dry and kept in an airtight container.
Nuts
When it comes to nuts, most of them will last for several months to a year without going bad. The only exceptions are pistachios and chestnuts, which generally only last for a month or two. If you keep them in the fridge, they may last a little longer — but ultimately, they’re not going to last as long as other nuts.
Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins and minerals, so they’re a great addition to any diet. They’re also relatively shelf-stable, so they’re perfect for stocking up on and keeping on hand for when you need them.
Seeds
Certain seeds, like buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth, have a natural chemical called saponin coating their outer layers. Saponin is nature’s soap, and it breaks down the membranes of cells, causing them to leak and die. That’s why these seeds can sit on your cupboard for years without ever going bad—the saponin prevents mold and bacteria from getting in.
Foods that Hardens
Many people think that all food will spoil over time. The truth is that there are some food items that will actually harden as they age, but they will never spoil. This can be a great way to have food on hand that will last a long time without worry.
Bread
Bread is a food that hardens over time due to the lack of moisture. The harder the bread, the longer it will last without spoiling.
Cereal
Cereal is a type of food that is usually made from grinding up grains and other plants. The grains are then soaked in water or milk, and sometimes eggs, honey, or other sweeteners are added. Cereal is usually eaten for breakfast, but it can also be eaten as a snack or as part of a meal.
Rice
Rice is a food that hardens over time but does not spoil. Rice will absorb moisture from the air, so it is important to store it in an airtight container. Rice will harden if it is not used within a few months, but it can be re-softened by cooking it in water.