11 Foods That Practically Never Expire
In the realm of non-perishable foods, a category of culinary wonders defies the conventional rules of spoilage. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, these 11 items have the remarkable ability to stand the test of time.
1. Baking Soda
This popular cleaning and baking ingredient lasts indefinitely. While its leavening power may diminish over time, you can easily test it by mixing it with vinegar to determine its effectiveness. If it bubbles, your baking soda is good.
2. Salt
Non-iodized salt, like natural sea salt, will last forever. Even iodized table salt has a healthy shelf-life of up to five years.
3. Dried Spices
Dried spices may lose some of their aroma and flavor over time, but there is no reason they can't be consumed after this happens.
The low moisture content in dried spices helps them stay shelf stable for years.
4. Dried Beans and Legumes
Most dried beans and legumes, from black beans and black eyed peas to chickpeas and lentils, will stay good in the pantry for years to come — although they will require longer soaking and cooking times as they age.
5. White Rice
White rice, when stored properly, emerges as a reliable staple with an indefinite shelf life, making this versatile grain a smart addition to your pantry.
If stored properly, white rice has an almost indefinite shelf life.
6. Raw Honey
Raw honey is another food that will last in the pantry forever with its natural sugars, high acidity, and low moisture content. While it will crystallize over time, it can still be consumed or put in a hot water bath to reliquefy the sweet syrup.
7. Pure Maple Syrup
Like honey, pure maple syrup's sugar and moisture content will cause it to crystalize over time, but it can still be consumed.
Pure maple syrup is made from the sap of sugar maple trees.
8. Sugar
Whether granulated, powdered, or brown, sugar stored in a dark, dry, and cool place will last indefinitely. While the quality will diminish over time, it will remain safe to eat.
9. Pure Vanilla Extract
Pure vanilla extract, because of its high alcohol content, has an indefinite lifespan. This is true of all hard alcohols, except cream liqueurs.
Pure vanilla extract is made from infusing vanilla beans with alcohol and water.
10. Corn Syrup
While it may darken in color over time, corn syrup will maintain its integrity when stored in the pantry.
11. Vinegar
Vinegar, whether apple cider, balsamic, red wine, or rice, will retain its tang and acidity for years.
In the realm of non-perishable foods, these 11 culinary wonders practically never expire. From leaveners to sweeteners and spices to spirits, these items withstand the test of time in our pantries and diets. So go ahead and stock up; they won't be going bad any time soon.
