This week, I decided to write about expiration dates on packages since we are all trying to figure out how to shop for food. Buying groceries every 2 weeks can be a challenge. Vegetables, fruits, and spreadable cheese can go bad quick. If you go by these package dates, you’ll be okay. There are three dates:
1- Use by: This is the date by which the product should be eaten because quality goes down. It’s not a safety issue. There might be a decline in quality, and date is set by manufacturer.
2- Sell By: sell to retail or remove from shelf. This doesn’t mean the food is unsafe to eat. 1/3 of products shelf life remains after sell by date for consumers to use at home. Depends on the product; some food can go bad faster than others. For example, vegetables are usually the first one to go.
3- Best by or before: This is for the consumer on which date the product should be consumed to assure for ideal quality. It’s not a purchase or safety date.
Here is a few items that last past the sell by date. The quality depends on each product. Some can last longer if you freeze it. Signs of spoilage can include rotten smell, bugs, and mold. Swatisani provides a diagram with the list of food items that expire.
For example, I used my expired brown rice flour in this no knead bread recipe. There was no sign of spoilage and it was safe to use in my bread. Website: https://www.theedgyveg.com/2020/05/12/vegan-no-knead-bread/
The second recipe, I used expired almond flour in my brownie recipe. Here is the website: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/almond-flour-brownies-recipe
This also helps reduce food waste. We waste so much food without realizing it. Everyone can do their part at home to reduce food waste. This is just one example of how you can be more sustainable at home.
Living Well In The 21st Century 