Food 101: How Long Will That Stay Good?
You may remember our Food 101 post What Not to Freeze?, and maybe it left you thinking, “What about the fridge?” How long do things stay fresh? That date on the packaging -- is it the “sell by” date or the “eat by” date? Well, we’re here with answers!
How long can you keep eggs and milk? For milk, the date presented on the packaging is the “best before” date (also known as the “durable life” date). This is the date by which it will retain its maximum freshness, and it will usually stay good at least a few days past that date if it has been kept properly refrigerated. Similarly, eggs can stay good for up to 3 weeks after the “best before” date if properly refrigerated.
Is that meat still edible? In most of its iterations, raw beef or pork can sit in your refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, but raw chicken or turkey are edible only about a day after purchase. Ground meat should be used the day of purchase. If you don’t plan on using your meat within these timelines, it can safely be stored for months in the freezer. Cooked meats (including chicken) can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, while fresh deli meats should be eaten within 2 to 3 days. Cooked meat can also be frozen for 2 to 3 months.
And how about my Philly? All Philadelphia products are clearly labelled with a “best by date.”
How do I extend the freshness of my food? Making sure things are properly refrigerated is key to keeping your food fresh. A refrigerator should be set to maintain a temperature of 4°C or lower. Of course, not all refrigerators are created equal. Older fridges do not have the same features as newer models. For example, KitchenAid® has a new, unique Preserva™ Food Care System that keeps food fresher longer.* It has sequential dual evaporators to provide ideal temperature and humidity levels in the freezer and refrigerator, and an air filtration system that is 15 times more powerful than baking soda at reducing common food odours. In addition, the Preserva™ Food Care System has a produce preserver which maintains freshness and delays over-ripening of your fresh produce by up to 25%.* That means more deliciously crisp produce and less trips to the market.
Do you have any tips for keeping food fresh? Share with us below!
The Real Women of Philadelphia Team
*Based on commonly purchased produce.
KitchenAid® refrigerators with Preserva™ Food Care System are now available where KitchenAid® products are sold.
2 comments
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Living in the country and not having access to a grocery store for more than one trip a week, groceries are bought with a weekly plan in mind. Each grocery trip I am always bringing home more of what is commonly in the fridge already, like eggs or milk. It is very important to put the new items behind the other items that need to get used up first, otherwise a jug of milk can go unnoticed on the back shelf way past the BB date...I know because I have done that. -
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