You've probably been here before: you're cleaning out the fridge and you get to that open jar of mayonnaise. You wonder how long it's been there, and when you opened it. Then you realize that even if you could remember when you opened it, you wouldn't know if it was still any good. The labels, if they're even there, are often confusing. So what do you do? Well luckily I've got the tip and the answer to help you out. To find out read more
The folks at ShopSmart were recently on the CBS Early Show and offered some practical advice regarding how long things last once opened.
Here are some of their tips:
- Mayonnaise lasts 2 months once opened.
- Eggs last 3-5 weeks.
- Leftovers should be good for 3-4 days.
- Jarred pasta sauce is good for 5 days once opened.
These are just general guidelines, you should just use your best judgement. And as I always say, when in doubt, toss it!
So how do you know how long stuff has been in your fridge? It may sounds ridiculously simple, but all you have to do is label the jars when you open them. Simply put today's date on the labels and then next time, you'll know how long it's been in there. I have a set of adhesive labels that I use, but a set of "Hello My Name Is" stickers could be a lot of fun too.
How about you, do you have any labeling tips?
Source: LifeHacker and CBS News
Jovovich-Hawk
Hah, I learned about jarred pasta sauce the hard way!
1excellent tips! now i can make sure i'm not giving anyone food poisoning.
2I just Sharpie everything with the date it's purchased (month & year); cans, boxes, etc. I'm not much for condiments but I'll sharpie when they're opened.
3I throw out stuff probably sooner than I need to but something about aged leftovers and condiments especially grosses me out...better safe than sorry!
4I'm with susanec, I use a Sharpie. I hadn't thought to do condiments, but I think I'll start. I mostly do it with freezer stuff so I can make sure I don't leave any good meat or something in there too long to get freezer burn!
5sharpie sounds like the best idea.
6i just use a sharpie too - mainly i just label the soy milk containers as i go through the sauces pretty fast.
7anyone have tips on salad dressing in my fridge?? i think it's been longer than 2 months
8I didn't know eggs lasted that long!! That's awesome. And I wish jarred tomato sauce lasted longer, either that or they made it in smaller jars. Guess you could always freeze it, too.
9I use a sharpie! But, you also nee dto be aware of when you stick things in your freezer!
Also, for leftovers, I use those disposable containers by like Ziploc or Glad, and before you wash them, just take some acetone fingernail polish remover and it removes the permanent marker so you have a clean slate to date with!
10How about that with the mayo... I KNOW that the mayo in my fridge has been there for more than 2 months and I just used it last night!!
11Hm. Didn't want that little kiss face... X:
12I sharpie the top of the salad dressing bottles too.
13Lalalaurie-I have the same question about the salad dressing. Also what about Salsa in a jar after being opened??
14I've always wondered about eggs...
but I think salad dressing stays good for pretty much forever. ok not forever, but a long time. salsa on the otherhand can get moldy.
15I've had jarred tomato sauce last longer than that...
16We must be a family of cast iron stomachs. My husband will eat leftovers 6 days after they were dinner. We've also kept jarred spaghetti sauce in the fridge for up to two weeks without anyone getting sick. Except after reading this, I'm not so sure I'll be able to eat it the next time!
17same with ALSW...i've had pasta sauce for muuuuch longer...
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