Many in the kitchen can find stocks of cereals, cereals and pasta. It's good to always have something for a rainy day. But in fact, many of these products do not last as long as it might seem at first glance: rice is useful only for a maximum of four to five years, if stored correctly, and pasta does not spoil for only a few years. However, in the kitchen you can still find products that really last almost forever, you just need to recognize long-livers in them.
1. Salt
It is not for nothing that table salt has been used by housewives as the main ingredient for conservation for more than one generation. Natural salt, without any additives, will never go bad. It does not contain water, thereby negating conditions that can spoil the product. Since salt is not a vegetable source, but a mineral, it will also not lose its flavor over time. However, to store salt for long periods of time, it must be kept in an airtight container to help prevent moisture and water from entering it.
2. Instant coffee
Fresh coffee loses its taste pretty quickly - two to three months after it has been ground or opened in a packet. If coffee beans are high in fat content, they can even grow mold over time. To keep your coffee for a long time, it is best to have a packet of instant product on hand and get caffeine at any time without restrictions. Instant coffee is made by drying a concentrated solution of pre-brewed coffee beans. The coffee extract is then dried using hot air to turn the liquid into a fine powder, or it is frozen and then dried under vacuum. In any case, after the process of making instant coffee is completed, there is no water in it, which can spoil the drink over time.
3. Honey
Honey is one of the few products that really does not spoil for a very, very long time. In fact, sugar can also be stored for a long time, but its quality starts to deteriorate after two years. With honey, everything is much more pleasant: even if it stands for a hundred years, it will taste the same as on the first day of filling a bottle or jar. Everything is explained very simply: in order for microbes to spread, the product must contain water, which is why fresh vegetables and fruits disappear so quickly. But honey has a very low content.
Interesting fact from Novate.ru: According to National Geographic, archaeologists have found pots of perfectly safe and edible honey during excavations of Egyptian tombs, which are already 3000 years old. So you don't have to worry about your honey, which will stand on the shelf for several years.
4. Strong alcohol
Strong alcohol is one of those foods that almost never expire. As long as the drink does not have any extraneous ingredients such as fruit or cream liqueurs, it can be stored indefinitely. However, after opening the bottle, some alcohol loses its quality after several decades, and may also lose its taste or change color. If the alcohol content falls below 25 degrees, it can become a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. As a rule, the drink looks strange or smells unpleasant, so the spoiled product is easy enough to identify.
5. Dried beans and beans
Beans are a source of protein, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, making them great for a variety of meals. And they may not deteriorate for quite a long time if stored in a cool, dry place. However, when it comes to quality, beans for decades may not be as nutritious and healthy as fresh beans. Long-lasting legumes also stand out in dishes - they are no longer so soft and delicate in taste, even if they cook for a very long time.
6. Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a fermented product that is a combination of soybeans, wheat, salt, water, and yeast. After the ingredients are cooked, an edible mold known as koji is introduced into the composition. Through complex chemical processes, koji converts starch into sugar and provides the rich flavor that makes soy sauce so appealing.
Due to the fermentation process and the high sodium content that inhibits the growth of microorganisms, soy sauce is unlikely to go bad if left unopened. However, once the bottle has been opened, it is recommended to use the soy sauce within six months. And if you store it in the refrigerator, then you can extend the life of the sauce to two years.
7. Vinegar
Vinegar is one of those kitchen items that is good to have on hand. It is used in a wide variety of dishes and is a key ingredient in salad dressings, and its use in marinades is an easy way to preserve food for a long time. According to scientific studies, the shelf life of vinegar is virtually undetermined even now. And thanks to its acidic structure, the product can never be stored in the refrigerator. Over time, you may notice some color changes, sediment or cloudiness in some varieties of vinegar, but these changes do not affect the taste or health safety in any way.
And some products need check the expiration date as often as possible.