Do you regularly clean out the food in your refrigerator? Some foods may not show many signs of spoilage on the outside but are likely to have gone bad, which can adversely affect your health after consumption. Let's take a look at which foods need regular cleaning!
1. Olive Oil
Most olive oil has a best-by date on the bottom of the bottle, but this only applies when the bottle is unopened. Once opened, olive oil can easily go bad after sitting on the shelf for a few months, developing a rancid smell from fatty acids.
2. Flour
If it's been a while since you last baked, the flour in your pantry is likely past its prime. All-purpose flours, such as bread flour and cake flour, can last for about 8 months after the "best-by" date, while whole-grain flours, like whole wheat and rye, last for about 6 months. Expired flour may have a slightly sour smell.
3. Oatmeal
Unprocessed whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, can be stored for about 1-2 years, while more processed grains, like breakfast oatmeal, are more perishable with a shelf life of about 6 months.
Oat and Pumpkin Porridge
Further Reading: A Complete Guide to Eating Oats
4. Spices
Adding spices like pepper and thyme to your dishes is delicious, but seasonings also have an expiration date of about 1-2 years. If you're unsure if your nutmeg or oregano is still good, try rubbing some in your palm. If the aroma is no longer strong, it's time to replace it.
5. Nuts and Seeds
If nuts or seeds like peanuts and sunflower seeds in your home have been stored for more than 6 months, they have likely gone bad. Nuts and seeds like almonds and flax seeds can become rancid from oxidation in just a few weeks, so they should be refrigerated as soon as you buy them.
6. Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are very susceptible to moisture absorption. Consider replacing breadcrumbs that are older than 6 months.
Ham and Egg Burger
Further Reading: A Complete Guide to Eating Bread
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