In buying and consuming food, one of the things that must be considered is the expiry date. Eating food that has gone bad risks causing stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness. It can even be so severe that the person consuming it has to be hospitalised.
But there are some foods that don't have an expiry date. These foods last for months, years and some are even said to last forever. Reporting from hipwee.com, here are 8 foods that can be stored for a long time.
1. White rice
According to research, as long as it is protected from moisture and insects, white rice will remain durable and have the same nutritional content. Make sure to store it in a tightly closed and dry place.
2. Honey
Honey is touted as a food that really doesn't spoil. This is because the flower juice mixed with enzymes from the bee's body produces sugar with a high acid content and very low humidity. This makes it impossible for bacteria to grow.
3. Salt
Salt (sodium chloride) which is often used as a flavouring, is a mineral that comes from the soil. So, its long-lasting nature is not surprising. Salt is also commonly used to preserve food, or dead bodies, as it reduces moisture. But iodised salt only lasts about 5 years, as the iodine itself decreases the salt's durability.
4. Soy sauce
Basically, natural soya sauce has a long shelf life, especially if it is still sealed. But if it has been opened, with contamination from some ingredients, the durability of soy sauce decreases. But it doesn't matter if it's stored in the refrigerator.
5. Sugar
Although if stored for too long, both powdered sugar and granulated sugar will clump together, it does not mean that the sugar is stale. Just like honey, sugar can be a food that lasts a very long time. However, you need to pay attention to the way it is stored. Make sure the sugar is stored in an airtight container, so that moisture cannot enter.
6. Beans
Dry beans or peas are a type of bean that can be stored forever if sealed properly and stored in a cool place. Although when stored for a long time, dry beans can harden slightly with age but it doesn't matter when cooked, because they will soften again.
7. Vinegar
The acid in vinegar prevents the growth of bacteria, so white vinegar will never spoil. It will stay fresh and can continue to be used to flavour food, make sauces, and beyond that, it can also be used to clean household utensils, be an antiseptic, and an effective deodoriser. The most important thing is to store vinegar in a dry and cool place.
8. Vanilla extract
Due to its alcohol content, vanilla essence is always fresh and also long-lasting. It also doesn't change its flavour if stored properly. However, this does not apply to vanilla essence that is no longer pure as it has no alcohol in it. If you want to keep it for stock, you should buy a good quality one that is expensive, and doesn't have an expiry date.
So, there is no need to worry about storing these food ingredients in large quantities. As long as you pay attention to how you store them.
