Hari ini sofieyya nak kongsi  tips mengenai bahan atau makanan  yang boleh kita simpan samaada bahan kering atau basah,dimana tempat yang sesuai  perlu kita simpan dan tahan berapa lama.Tips ini basic jer ,sekadar untuk pengetahuan semoga ianya  dapat membantu dan memberi manfaat untuk kita semua.

How long can I store _________ before its
quality deteriorates or it’s no longer safe to eat?

Like many answers, this one depends on several factors: the type of food, length of time the food sat on the store shelf before you bought it, the temperature of the food while it was in the store, its packaging, how efficiently your refrigerator or freezer runs, and the temperature in your cupboards.

While you can’t control all these factors, there are some precautions you can take. For example, always read the package labels and buy the products with the most distant expiration dates. When you’re shopping, buy perishable foods, like meats, last. In fact, you may want to organize your shopping list so your perishables are at the bottom. At home, put purchase dates on packaging and rotate your food supplies on a regular basis. Be sure to always use the “first in first out” rule.

This publication provides handling tips and recommendations for storing food in your cupboards, refrigerator or freezer. Beyond the guidelines, though, you still have to rely on some old-fashioned common sense. And remember the most basic of rules: When in doubt, throw it out.

Cupboard Storage Chart

• Store foods in cool cabinets and away from appliances which produce heat.
• Many staples and canned foods have a relatively long shelf life, but buy only what you can expect to use within the time recommended in the chart. Date food packages and use the oldest first. Foods stored for longer than recommended times or beyond date on the package may change quality, color and flavor.
• Buy fresh-looking packages. Dusty cans or torn labels can indicate old stock. Do not purchase dented or bulging cans.

Staples

Food                      Storage       Handling Hints
----------------------------------------------------------------
Baking powder             18 months or  Keep dry and covered.
                          expiration
                          date on can
----------------------------------------------------------------
Baking soda               2 years       Keep dry and covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Bouillon cubes            1 year        Keep dry and covered.
or granules
----------------------------------------------------------------
Bread crumbs (dried)      6 months      Keep dry and covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Bread, rolls              3 days
----------------------------------------------------------------
Bulgur                    6-12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------
Cereals
- ready-to-eat, unopened  6-12 months   Check date on package.Refold
- ready-to-eat, opened    2-3 months    package liner tightly
                                        after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hot cereal (dry)          6 months
----------------------------------------------------------------
Chocolate
- premelted               12 months     Keep cool.
- semi-sweet              18 months     Keep cool.
- unsweetened             18 months     Keep cool.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Cocoa                     Indefinitely
----------------------------------------------------------------
Chocolate syrup
- unopened                2 years
- opened                  6 months      Cover tightly.Refrigerate
                                        after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Cocoa mixes               8 months      Cover tightly.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Coffee
- cans, unopened          2 years       Refrigerate after opening;
- cans, opened            2 weeks       keep tightly closed. Use dry
- instant, unopened       1 to 2 years  measuring spoon. Can be
- instant, opened         2 months      frozen to extend shelf life.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Coffee lighteners
- unopened, dry           9 months      Keep tightly covered.
- opened, dry             6 months      Keep tightly covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Cornmeal                  12 months     Keep tightly covered. Can be
                                        frozen for indefinite storage.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Cornstarch                18 months     Keep tightly covered.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Flour - Can be frozen for indefinite storage.
- white                   6-8 months    Keep in airtight container.
                                        Keep refrigerated.
- whole wheat             6-8 months    Store in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gelatin (all types)       18 months     Keep in original container.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Grits                     12 months     Store in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Honey                     12 months     Cover tightly.
                                        If crystallizes, warm opened
                                        jar in pan of hot water.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Jellies, jams             12 months     Cover tightly.
                                        Refrigerate after opening.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Molasses
- unopened                2 years
- opened                  6 months      Keep tightly covered.
                                        Refrigerate to extend
                                        storage life.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Marshmallow cream
- unopened                3-4 months    Cover tightly. Refrigerate
                                        after opening to extend
                                        storage life. Serve at room
                                        temperature.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Marshmallows              2-3 months    Keep in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayonnaise - unopened     2-3 months    Check package date.
                                        Refrigerate after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Milk
- condensed or            12 months     Refrigerate after opening.
  evaporated, unopened
- nonfat dry
  . unopened              6 months
  . opened                3 months      Store in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta
- spaghetti,macaroni,etc. 2 years       Once opened, store in
- egg noodles             6 months      airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Pectin
- liquid or dry           1 year or expiration date
  . unopened
- liquid - opened         1 month       Recap and refrigerate.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Rice
- white                   2 years       Keep tightly covered.
- brown, wild             6-12 months
- flavored or herb        6 months
----------------------------------------------------------------
Salad dressings
- bottled, unopened       10-12 months
- bottled, opened         3 months      Refrigerate after opening.
- made from mix           2 weeks       Refrigerate prepared dressing.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Vegetable oils
- unopened                6 months
- opened                  1-3 months    Refrigeration not needed.
                                        Store in a cool, dark place
                                        in tightly closed container.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Shortenings (solid)       8 months      Refrigeration not needed.
                                        Store in a cool, dark place
                                        in tightly closed container.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Sugar
- brown                   4 months      Put in airtight container.
- confectioners'          18 months     Put in airtight container.
- granulated              2 years       Cover tightly.
- artificial sweeteners   2 years       Cover tightly.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Corn syrup                Up to 3 years Keep tightly covered.
                                        Refrigerate to extend storage
                                        life. Remove any light
                                        surface mold and heat to
                                        180 ?F before use.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Pancake syrup             3-4 months    Refrigerate after opening.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tea
- bags                    18 months     Put in airtight container.
- instant                 3 years       Cover tightly.
- loose                   2 years       Put in airtight container.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Vinegar
- unopened                2 years
- opened                  12 months     Keep tightly covered.
                                        Slightly cloudy appearance
                                        doesn't affect quality.
                                        Distilled vinegar keeps
                                        longer than cider vinegar.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Refrigerator/Freezer Storage Chart

• Use foil, plastic wrap, plastic bags or airtight containers designed for use with food for packaging foods for refrigerator storage. Moisture- and vapor-proof materials are best.
• Clean refrigerator regularly to reduce food odors. Remove spoiled foods immediately so decay cannot pass to other foods.
• Store foods at cool temperatures. From 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit is best. Perishable foods stored at temperatures above 40 ?F spoil rapidly. Check temperatures with a refrigerator thermometer or an outdoor thermometer.
• Use foods quickly. Don’t depend on maximum storage time.
• Freeze foods in containers or materials designed for freezer storage.
• Keep freezer clean and at 0 ?F or lower.

Breads, Pastries, Cakes

               Refrigerator    Freezer
Products       at 32 to 40 ?F  at 0 ?F      Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unbaked        2-3 weeks       1 month      Longer storage causes
rolls and                                   yeast to become
bread                                       inactivated and the
                                            gluten weakened.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Partially baked                2 months
cinnamon rolls
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked quick                    2 months
breads
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked muffins                  6-12 months
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked breads   2-3 weeks       2-3 months   Refrigeration storage is
with no                                     recommended to inhibit
preservatives                               mold growth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfrosted                      2-4 months
doughnuts
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Waffles                        1 month
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unbaked        1-2 days        2-4 months
fruit pies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked          2-3 days        6-8 months
fruit pies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin or     2-3 days        1-2 months
chiffon pies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked cookies                  6-12 months  Cookies will keep two to
                                            three weeks in airtight
                                            container in cupboard.
                                            Cookies do not need to
                                            be refrigerated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Freezer                        12 months    If package is open and 
pie shells                                  not used, rewrap and
(ex. Pet Ritz)                              freeze remaining crust
                                            and use within two months.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cookie dough                   3 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unbaked                        1 month      Use double-action
cakes (batter)                              baking powder if batter
                                            is frozen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Frosted                        1 month
baked cakes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfrosted                      2-4 months
baked cakes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Angel cakes                    6-12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruit cakes                    6-12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerated   Expiration      *            Don't store in 
biscuits,      date on label                refrigerator door because
rolls,                                      temperature fluctuation
pastries,                                   and jarring lower quality.
cookie dough
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dairy Products – Real and Substitutes

               Refrigerator    Freezer
Products       at 32 to 40 ?F  at 0 ?F      Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Butter         1-2 weeks                    Wrap or cover tightly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Margarine      4-6 months      12 months    Wrap or cover tightly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Buttermilk     1-2 weeks       *            Cover tightly. Flavor not
                                            affected if buttermilk
                                            separates; remix before
                                            serving. Check date on
                                            carton. Will keep several
                                            days after date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheese
- cottage,     1-2 weeks       4 weeks      Keep all cheese tightly
  ricotta                                   packaged in moisture-
- cream,       2 weeks         *            resistant wrap. If outside
  Neufchatel                                of hard cheese gets
- hard and                                  slightly moldy, just cut
  wax-coated in                             away cheese ? inch beneath
  large pieces,                             and beside the mold - it
  Cheddar, Edam,                            won't affect flavor. If
  Gouda, Swiss,                             cheese is covered with
  brick                                     heavy mold, discard
   . unopened  1-2 months      6-8 months   entire block. For longer
   . opened    3-4 weeks                    storage, freeze. Freezing
- sliced       2 weeks                      will affect the texture
- soft cream   5-6 days                     and possible taste. Cream
  cheese       (after opening)              cheese becomes crumbly
                                            when frozen, may be used
                                            for cooking. Keep
                                            refrigerated. Use within
                                            one week of the "best
                                            when purchased by" date.
- Parmesan     2 months                     Refrigerate after opening.
  Romano-                                   See cupboard storage
  grated                                    chart.
  (opened)
- process      3-4 weeks       6-8 months   Refrigerate slices of
  (opened)                                  process cheese and cheese
                                            food. Refrigerate loaves
                                            and jars after opened.
                                            Most squeeze packages and
                                            aerosol cans don't need
                                            refrigeration, but
                                            check label.
- shredded cheeses                          Keep refrigerated. Use
                                            within two days of the
                                            "best when purchased by"
                                            date on the label.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dips
- commercial   2 weeks                      Keep tightly covered.
- homemade     2 days                       Keep tightly covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Milk
- evaporated   4-5 days        *            Keep covered.
  (opened)
- homogenized, 5 days          *            Keep containers tightly
  reconstituted                             closed. To prevent
  dry nonfat,                               spoilage, skimmed don't
                                            return unused milk to
                                            original container.
- sweetened,   4-5 days        *            Keep covered.
  condensed
  (opened)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sour cream     2 weeks         *            Keep covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Whipped topping
- in aerosol   3 months        *
  can
- prepared     3 days          *            Keep covered.
  from mix
- (eg.         2-3 weeks       14 months    May be refrozen four or
   Cool Whip)                               five times if thawed in
                                            refrigerator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yogurt         7-10 days       *            Keep covered and
                                            refrigerated. Follow the
                                            "use by" date on the
                                            package, or up to two
                                            weeks after the "sell by"
                                            date. Yogurt may separate
                                            when frozen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eggs
- in shell     3 weeks         *            Store covered. Keep small
                                            end down to center yolks.
- whites       2-4 days        1 year       Store in covered
  or yolks                                  container. For longer
                                            storage, freeze.
- hard cooked  1 week          *
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eggs
- containing   1-2 days        *
  products
- custards,
  custard-filled
  pastries, cream pies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquid
pasteurized
eggs or egg
substitutes
- opened       3 days          *
- unopened     10 days         1 year
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Fruits and Juices

               Refrigerator    Freezer
Products       at 32 to 40 ?F  at 0 ?F      Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bananas                                     Refrigerate only when
                                            fully ripe. Skin will
                                            darken.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Apples         1-3 weeks                    Discard bruised or
                                            decayed fruit. Don't wash
                                            before storing because
                                            moisture encouraged
                                            spoilage. Store in
                                            crisper or moisture-
                                            resistant bag or wrap.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Berries,       1-2 days
cherries
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Citrus fruit   3 weeks
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Juices -       6 days          8 months     Thaw in refrigerator.
canned,        (diluted)                    Keep fruit juice tightly
bottled or                                  covered. Transfer canned
reconstituted                               juice to glass or plastic
                                            container when opened. Do
                                            not store in cans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-mixed,                                  Keep refrigerated. Do not
full strength                               use after the "used by"
fruit juice                                 date on the carton.
(eg. Tropicana)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Lemon     12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cranberry      5-6 days        3-6 months
cocktail       (diluted)
(canned)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Melons         1 week                       Wrap uncut cantaloupe
                                            and honeydew to prevent
                                            odor spreading to other
                                            foods.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other          3-5 days                     Wrap cut surfaces of
                                            citrus fruit and
                                            cantaloupe to prevent
                                            drying.
----------------------------------------------------------------------