Food Storage Guide . . .
Answers the Question . . . (continued)
FN-579, August 1998
Refrigerator/Freezer Storage Chart (continued)
Fresh Vegetables
Frozen vegetables
(in box or bag, without sauce): Keep frozen three to six months.
Once prepared, store covered in the
refrigerator up to two days.
Refrigerator
Products at 32 to 40 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Asparagus, 1-2 days Keep moist.
corn in husks
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Beans - 1-2 days Keep in crisper or moisture-
green or wax resistant wrap or bag.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Beets, 1-2 weeks Remove leafy tops and keep in crisper.
carrots,
radishes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabbage, 1-2 weeks Keep in crisper or moisture-resistant
celery wrap or bag.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lettuce, head
- unwashed 5-7 days Store in moisture-resistant wrap, bag
or lettuce keeper.
- washed, 3-5 days Wrap and store away from other drained
thoroughly vegetables and fruits to prevent
russet spotting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mushrooms 1-2 days Do not wash before storing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Onions, Refrigeration not needed.
potatoes, See cupboard storage chart.
sweet potatoes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shredded 1-2 days Keep in moisture-resistant
cabbage, wrap or bag.
leaf and
Bibb lettuce,
salad greens
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomatoes 1-2 days Ripen tomatoes at room temperature
(ripe) away from direct sunlight;
then refrigerate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unshelled 3-5 days Keep in crisper or moisture-resistant
peas, lima wrap or bags.
beans
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fresh Uncooked Meat, Fish, Poultry
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Red meats
- chops 3-5 days 4-6 months When meat, poultry or
- ground meat 1-2 days 3-4 months fish is bought in plastic
- roasts 3-5 days 6-12 months wrapping from self-service
- steaks 3-5 days 6-12 months counters, store in these
- stew meat 1-2 days 3-4 months packages. Meat packages in
- bratwurst, 5-7 days 2-3 months self-service counters have
precooked been handled by many
- bratwurst, 2-3 days 2-3 months shoppers. Opening these
fresh before storing risks
- variety 1-2 days 3-4 months contamination.
meats
(liver,
heart,
etc.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Poultry
- chicken 1-2 days 1 year
or turkey,
whole
- chicken
or turkey,
pieces 1-2 days 9 months
- duck or
goose,
whole 1-2 days 6 months
- giblets 1-2 days 3-4 months
- ground 1-2 days 6 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish and Shellfish
Refrigerator
at 32-40 �F
-------------- Freezer at 0 �F
(Thawed: --------------------------
Never frozen (Purchased
or previously (Purchased commercially
frozen fresh frozen for
and home and home freezer
Products refrigerated) frozen) storage) Comments
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish fillets/steaks
- lean
�cod, 36 hours 6-8 months 10-12 months N/A � not
flounder applicable or not
�haddock, 36 hours 6-8 months 10-12 months advised. These
halibut storage guidelines
�pollock, 36 hours 4 months 8-9 months indicate optimal
ocean shelf life for
perch seafood products
�sea 36 hours 4 months 8-9 months held under proper
trout, refrigeration or
rockfish freezing
�Pacific 36 hours 4 months 8-9 months conditions.
Ocean Temperature
perch fluctuations in
home refrigerators
- fat will affect
�mullet, 36 hours N/A 6-8 months optimal shelf
smelt life, as will
�salmon 36 hours N/A 7-9 months opening and
(cleaned) closing
refrigerators and
freezers often.
- shellfish
�dungeness 5 days 6 months 6 months Although these
crab storage times
�snow crab 5 days 6 months 6 months ensure a fresh
�blue 5-7 days 4 months N/A product for
crabmeat maximum
(fresh) refrigeration
�blue 6 months N/A N/A storage life at
crabmeat 32 �F, the
(pasteurized) consumer should
�cocktail 5 days 4 months N/A plan on using
claws seafood within 36
�king crab 7 days 9 months 12 months hours for optimal
�surimi 2 weeks 9 months 10-12 months quality and
seafoods freshness of the
�shrimp 4 days 5 months 9 months product.
�oysters, 4-7 days N/A N/A
shucked
�clams, 5 days N/A N/A
shucked
�lobster, 1-2 days N/A N/A
live
�lobster, 4-5 days 6 months 8 months
tailmeat
- breaded seafoods To determine
�shrimp N/A 8 months 12 months approximate
�scallops N/A 10 months 16 months storage time for
�fish sticks N/A N/A 18 months those species not
�portions N/A N/A 18 months listed, ask your
retailer which
category (lean,
fat, shellfish,
breaded, or
smoked) they fall
within.
- smoked fish
�herring 3-4 days 2 months N/A
�salmon, 5-8 days 2 months N/A
whitefish
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerator
at 32-40 �F
-------------- Freezer at 0 �F
(Thawed: --------------------------
Never frozen (Purchased
or previously (Purchased commercially
frozen fresh frozen for
and home and home freezer
Products refrigerated) frozen) storage) Comments
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Venison 3-5 days 3-4 months
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rabbit, 1-2 days 12 months
squirrel
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wild duck, 1-2 days 6 months
pheasant,
goose
(whole)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Meat leftovers
- cooked meat 3-4 days 2-3 months Keep covered.
and meat
dishes
- gravy and 1-2 days 2-3 months Keep covered.
meat broth
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cooked poultry, leftovers
- fried chicken 3-4 days 4 months
- cooked 3-4 days 4-6 months
poultry
dishes
- pieces, plain 3-4 days 4 months
- pieces 1-2 days 6 months For quick cooking, cool
covered with meat and broth separately.
broth, gravy Stir broth to prevent the
formation of a top coating
of fat which may seal in
heat. Ice cubes can be
added to concentrated
broth to speed cooling.
- chicken 1-2 days 1-3 months
nuggets,
patties
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cured and Smoked Meats
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bacon 7 days 1 month Keep wrapped. Store in
------------------------------------------ coldest part of refrigerator
Bologna, 4-6 days or in meat keeper. Times
liverwurst are for opened packages.
------------------------------------------ Refer to processor's
Dried beef 10-12 days freshness date on package
for storage times of
unopened packages.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotdogs and lunch meats
- hotdogs, 1 week 1-2 months In freezer wrap.
opened
package
- hotdogs, 2 weeks 1-2 months
unopened
package
- lunch meats, 3-5 days 1-2 months
opened
- lunch meats, 2 weeks 1-2 months
unopened
- sausage, 1-2 days 1-2 months
raw from
pork, beef,
turkey
- smoked 7 days 1-2 months
breakfast
links,
patties
- hard 2-3 weeks 1-2 months
sausage -
pepperoni,
jerky sticks
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ham, corned beef
- corned 5-7 days 1 month Drained, wrapped.
beef, in
pouch with
pickling
juices.
- ham, canned 6-12 weeks Don't freeze Store ham in refrigerator
(unopened) unless label indicates
label says refrigeration is not
keep needed. Once canned ham is
refrigerated opened, use within three
- ham, fully 7 days 1-2 months to five days.
cooked, whole
- ham, fully 3-5 days 1-2 months
cooked, half
- ham, fully 3-4 days 1-2 months
cooked, slices
- liver sausage 4-6 days
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquids
- expressed 2 days 3-4 months For shelf storage of
breast milk unopened cans of
- formula 2 days not recommended formula, observe "use
- whole milk 5 days 3 months by" dates printed on
- reconstituted 3-5 days not recommended containers. Store
evaporated milk evaporated milk up to
12 months. Heat
liquid in hot tap
water, not the
microwave oven. Shake
bottle before testing
the temperature on the
top of your hand.
Discard any unused
milk left in a bottle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Solids (opened or freshly made)
- strained 2-3 days 6-8 months Observe "use by" date
fruits and for shelf storage of
vegetables unopened jars. Check
- strained 1 day 1-2 months to see that the safety
meats and button in lid is down.
eggs If the jar does not
- meat/ 1-2 days 1-2 months "pop" when opened or
vegetable is not sealed safely,
combinations do not use. Do not
- homemade 1-2 days 3-4 months heat meats, meat
baby foods sticks, eggs or jars
of food in the
microwave. Transfer
food from jars to
bowls or heating dish.
For 4 ounces of food,
microwave on high for
15 seconds; stir and
let stand 30 seconds.
Stir and test the
temperature of the
foods before feeding
baby. Don't feed a
baby from the jar.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned goods
- fruits 1 week 1-2 months Transfer to glass or
(opened) plastic container as soon
- vegetables 2-3 days 1-2 months as opened. Do not store in
(opened) can. Keep covered. Texture
- puddings, 1-2 days * will be softer after
custards freezing, but product is
(opened) acceptable in sauce,soups,
- gravy 2 days 2-3 months stews. Store all canned
and broth food tightly covered.
- meats 2-3 days * Acidic foods should be
- sauce, 5 days 2-3 months transferred to glass or
tomato plastic containers to
based avoid metallic taste if
stored for more than one
or two days.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous
- soups, 2-3 days 4-6 months
stews
- sandwiches 2-3 days 1 month
- casseroles 1-2 days 1 month
- leftover see other 1 month
cooked charts
food
- ground 6 months 6-12 months Can be stored in cupboard
spices instead of refrigerator.
- candies not necessary 3-6 months
- fats, several months * Refrigeration is
oils, recommended to prevent
salad rancidity. Some oils may
dressings become cloudy or solidify
(opened) in the refrigerator, but
this is not harmful.
Commercial vegetable oils,
shortenings and salad
dressings may be stored at
room temperature for
several weeks without
undergoing flavor change.
- vegetable Keep refrigerated. Use
oil spread within one week of "best
when purchased by" date.
- mayonnaise 2 months * Refrigerate after opening.
(commercial)
- TV dinners, 3-4 months Keep frozen until ready to
frozen serve. (Best if used in
casseroles three or four months, may
be frozen up to
12 months.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deli and vacuum-packed products
- store- 3-5 days *
prepared
(or homemade)
egg, tuna,
chicken, ham,
macaroni
salads
- pre-stuffed 1 day *
pork and lamb
chops, chicken
breasts stuffed
with dressing
- store-cooked 1-2 days
convenience
meals
- commercial 2 weeks *
brand
vacuum-
packed
dinners with
USDA seal,
unopened
- freezer 12-18 months
microwave
popcorn
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mixes and Packaged Foods
Food Storage Handling Hints
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biscuit, brownie, 9 months Keep cool and dry.
muffin mix
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cakes
- purchased 1-2 days Refrigerate if buttercream,
- mixes 12 months whipped cream or custard frostings
- angel food 12 months or fillings. Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Casserole mix
- complete or 9-12 months Keep cool and dry. After
add own meat preparation, store as casserole.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cookies
- homemade 2-3 weeks Put in airtight container.
- packaged 2 months Keep box tightly closed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Entrees 18 months Store in cool, dry place in
original container. Do not store
in a closed container that stops
air circulation around the package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Crackers 3 months Keep box tightly closed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Frosting
- canned 3 months Store leftovers in the
- mix 8 months refrigerator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot roll mix 18 months If opened, put in airtight
container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pie crust mix 8 months Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pies and pastries 2-3 days Refrigerate whipped cream,
custard and chiffon fillings.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Potatoes
- instant mix 6-12 months Keep in airtight package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Powdered 18-24 months
drink mixes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pudding mixes 12 months Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rice mixes 6 months Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sauce and 6-12 months Keep cool and dry.
gravy mixes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Soup mixes 12-15 months Check package date.
Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Toaster pastries 2-3 months Keep in airtight package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned and Dried Foods
Food Storage Handling Hints
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned food
- plastic cans 6-12 months Possibly longer, depending on
ingredients.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned fruit juices 9 months Keep cool.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Juice/drink boxes 9 months Follow "best used by" date
on label.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned foods
- unopened 12 months Keep cool.
- opened
� baby foods 2-3 days Close jar tightly and refrigerate.
� fish and seafood 2 days For all opened canned foods,
� fruit 1 week transfer foods in cans to glass or
� meats 2 days plastic storage containers.
� pickles, olives 1-2 months Tightly cover and refrigerate. If
� poultry 2 days left in the opened can, off
� sauce, tomato 5 days flavors of some foods may develop.
� vegetables 3 days
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruits (dried) 6 months Keep cool in airtight containers.
Refrigerate if possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegetables
- dried 1 year Keep cool in airtight container.
- dehydrated flakes 6 months Refrigerate if possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spices, Herbs, Condiments, Extracts
Food Storage Handling Hints
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Catsup, chili sauce
- unopened 12 months
- opened 1 month Refrigerate for longer storage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mustard, prepared yellow
- unopened 2 years
- opened 6-8 months May be refrigerated.
Stir before using.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spices and herbs
- whole 1-2 years Store in airtight containers in
- ground 6 months dry places away from sunlight and
- herb/spice blends 6 months heat. At times listed, check
aroma; if faded, replace. Whole
cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks
maintain quality beyond two-year
period. Can be stored in the
freezer to extend shelf life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanilla
- unopened 2 years
- opened 12 months Keep tightly closed. Volatile
oils escape.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other extracts
- opened 12 months Keep tightly closed. Volatile
oils escape.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Soy sauce (unopened) 3 years Use within six to nine months
after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tabasco, worchestershire 2 years
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Storage Handling Hints
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheese, parmesan (grated)
- unopened 10 months
- opened 2 months Refrigerate after opening. Keep
tightly closed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Coconut
- shredded, canned
or packaged
� unopened 12 months
� opened 6 months Refrigerate after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Meat substitutes
- textured protein 4 months Keep tightly covered. For longer
products (imitation storage, refrigerate.
bacon bits, etc.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Metered caloric 6 months Keep in can, closed jar or
products, powdered original packets.
breakfast mixes,
liquid breakfast
formulas
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nuts
- in shell, unopened 4 months
- nutmeats, packaged Refrigerate after opening. Freeze
� vacuum can, for longer storage. Unsalted and
unopened blanched nuts keep longer than
� other packaging, salted.
unopened 3 months
� package or can,
opened 2 weeks
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Peanut butter
- unopened 6-9 months Refrigeration not needed. Keeps
- opened 2-3 months longer if refrigerated. Natural
peanut butter must be
refrigerated after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Peas, beans (dried) 12 months Store in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Popcorn 2 years Store in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Microwave popcorn 18 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegetables, fresh
- onions 2 weeks Keep dry and away from sun.
- potatoes
� white 2-4 weeks For longer storage,keep below 50�F.
� sweet 1-2 weeks Don't refrigerate sweet potatoes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Soft drinks 6 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Whipped topping (dry) 12 months Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeast (dry) Expiration date Can be frozen to extend shelf life.
on package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do packaging dates mean?
"Sell by" means the store should sell the
product by the printed date, but the product still can be
safely eaten by the consumer.
"Best if used by" means the consumer should use
the product by the date listed for best quality and flavor
(not for safety reasons).
"Use by" or "expires" means the
product should be used by consumers by the date
listed; you are likely to see a marked deterioration in
product quality and safety after that date.
[ Table of Contents
]
[ Introduction ]
[ Cupboard Storage Chart ]
[ Refrigerator/Freezer Storage
Chart ] [ Mixes and Packaged Foods ]
[ What do packaging dates mean? ]
FN-579, August 1998
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