How many times have you come across a certain ingredient in your pantry and wondered if was still safe to eat?


Though it does vary a little depending on who you ask, there are some pretty set rules for how long you should keep your pantry items. I know that I have often found something that I couldn't remember purchasing anytime in recent memory, and I usually just end up tossing it out when in fact it may be perfectly fine.

Unopened flour can be stored for up to a year, but if the package has been opened you should use it up within six months. White sugar, unopened, should be fine for two years, and though it won't spoil after being opened, it can change flavor over time. Brown sugar should only be kept unopened for four to five months though.

Honey is safe for a year, and dried spices range from two to four - all regardless of whether they have been opened or not. Before cracking the seal on cocoa, it stays fresh almost indefintiely, but once opened you have a year to use it up. Baking soda and cornstarch are good unopened for up to two years, but once opened the soda needs to be used within six months.

One I found quite surprising was ground coffee. Unopened, it is fine for a few years, but once opened it should be used up within a few weeks, or kept in the refrigerator. Personally I break this rule all the time and haven't noticed a change in flavor, but the general consensus seems to disagree with me on that.

Finally, sesame seeds. Take it from me, you do not want to leave an open package in your pantry for very long at all. If you open them, store in the freezer, otherwise you may find your cupboards infested with something very, very unpleasant. Unfortunately, I found that one out the hard way.