Have you ever left something in the fridge for a while, and forgotten about it, until you come across it two weeks later? All of a sudden you’re not entirely sure if you should take the risk and make use of this forgotten food, or just toss it and avoid possible food poisoning.
Here is a guide to some foods that you might not be sure about keeping in the fridge or freezer. The best way to keep track of your food, once you know how long it will last, is to label it with the date it was put in the refrigerator or freezer.
You probably don’t know this but not everything in your fridge should be there
All cuts keep in the fridge for about 3-5 days, but can be frozen 4-6 months (sometimes longer!).
You probably don’t know this but not everything in your fridge should be there
All fresh poultry only lasts in the fridge one or two days before it should be tossed, but interestingly whole poultry can last in the freezer up to one year, while cut poultry only holds up frozen for about 9 months.
You probably don’t know this but not everything in your fridge should be there
Fish should only be kept in the fridge 1-2 days, so make sure you purchase your fish close to the time you want to cook it.
You probably don’t know this but not everything in your fridge should be there
Cooked meat, poultry, and fish last 3-4 days in the refrigerator, so don’t worry about using those leftovers for lunches throughout the week.
You probably don’t know this but not everything in your fridge should be there
Because hard cheese is less permeable than soft cheese, it can last in the fridge up to 6 months (just make sure to cut off any excess dark spots found on the block). Soft cheeses, on the other hand, will last 3 to 4 weeks if they remain unopened. If it is opened, however, it must be used up in the next week or so.
You probably don’t know this but not everything in your fridge should be there
These will last for an entire week, so they are another great snack to prepare before the week starts so they can be easily accessed throughout the week to take to work, school, or serve to the family quickly and easily.
You probably don’t know this but not everything in your fridge should be there
If you live alone, sometimes it is hard to use up an entire cucumber or eggplant in one go, and it is okay to save the leftover parts of the veggies that you use, just make sure to keep them in the fridge and finish them off in the next 3-4 days. Uncut veggies and fruits can last a pretty long time, especially if they are refrigerated, and checking for bruising, softness, and a change in smell (not to mention looking at the inside once it’s been cut) is the best way to keep track of whether or not your produce is still safe to eat.