| Fresh Meat Storage |
|
Food Item
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
Freezer Storage
|
|
Roasts, Beef & Pork
|
3 to 5 days
|
6 to 12 months
|
|
Steaks, Beef
|
3 to 5 days
|
6 to 12 months
|
|
Chops, Pork & Lamb
|
3 to 5 days
|
4 to 8 months
|
|
Ground & Stew Meat
|
1 to 2 days
|
3 to 4 months
|
|
Sausage, Pork
|
1 to 2 days
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Variety Meats and Offal
|
1 to 2 days
|
3 to 4 months
|
| Processed Meat Storage |
|
Food Item
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
Freezer Storage
|
|
Ham, Whole
|
7 days
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Ham, Half or Slices
|
3 to 5 days
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Bacon
|
7 days
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Frankfurters-Opened
|
7 days
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Deli Meats
|
3 to 5 days
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Sausage, Smoked
|
7 days
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Sausage, Semi-dry & Dry
|
2 to 3 weeks
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Cured Meats
|
3 weeks
|
1 to 2 months
|
| Cooked Meat Storage |
|
Food Item
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
Freezer Storage
|
|
Casseroles, Meat with Sauce
|
3 to 4 days
|
2 to 3 months
|
|
Soups & Stews
|
3 to 4 days
|
2 to 3 months
|
|
Stocks
|
5 to 7 days
|
2 to 3 months
|
| Fresh Poultry Storage |
|
Food Item
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
Freezer Storage
|
|
Chicken & Turkey, Whole
|
1 to 2 days
|
1 year
|
|
Chicken & Turkey, Pieces
|
1 to 2 days
|
9 months
|
|
Giblets
|
1 to 2 days
|
3 to 4 months
|
|
Duck & Goose
|
1 to 2 days
|
6 months
|
| Cooked Poultry Storage |
|
Food Item
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
Freezer Storage
|
|
Casseroles, Meat with sauce
|
3 to 4 days
|
3 to 6 months
|
|
Pieces, Grilled
|
3 to 4 days
|
2 to 4 months
|
|
Fried Chicken
|
3 to 4 days
|
3 to 4 months
|
| Fish and Shellfish Storage |
|
Food Item
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
Freezer Storage
|
|
Steaks, fillets, & Shucked Seafood
|
1 to 2 days
|
3 to 4 months
|
|
Seafood in the Shell
|
1 to 2 days
|
3 to 6 months
|
|
Cooked Fish
|
3 to 4 days
|
4 to 6 months
|
|
Smoked Fish
|
2 weeks
|
2 months
|
Vegetable Storage
(Storage times are refrigerated times unless otherwise indicated). |
|
Food Item
|
Preparation Method
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
|
Commercially Frozen
|
Store in original package
|
1 year - In Freezer
|
|
Canned Vegetables (Opened)
|
Store in airtight container. Do not store in the opened can.
|
3 days
|
|
Artichokes
|
Sprinkle with a little water and lemon juice, place in an airtight plastic container.
|
1 week
|
|
Asparagus
|
Blanch and immediately shock in ice bath. Remove as soon as cool
|
3 to 5 days
|
|
Beets
|
Leave roots and trim stems to 1 to 2 inches in length. Keep in covered container. Check weekly.
|
4 to 8 weeks
|
|
Broccoli
|
Store in a perforated plastic bag.
|
5 to 7 days
|
|
Brussel Sprouts
|
Trim damaged leaves and store in a perforated container.
|
2 to 3 weeks
|
|
Cabbage
|
Remove any loose leaves from the outer surface and place the cabbage head in a plastic bag.
|
4 to 8 weeks
|
|
Carrots
|
Keep in perforated plastic bag.
|
1 to 3 months
|
|
Cauliflower
|
Do not wash. Keep in perforated plastic bag.
|
10 to 14 days
|
|
Celery
|
Keep in original case until needed
|
3 to 4 weeks
|
|
Corn, Sweet
|
Store with husks on
|
3 days
|
|
Cucumber
|
Keep in original packaging.
|
10 to 12 days
|
|
Endive
|
Wash leaves thoroughly, shake to remove excess moisture, and gather leaves together and tie. Place tied head in a plastic bag. Disgard outer leaves as they wilt but inner leaves will still be good and crisp.
|
2 to 3 weeks
|
|
Fennel
|
Store in a plastic bag.
|
6 or 7 days
|
|
Kale
|
Remove as much moisture as possible by blotting with a paper towel. Store in a loosely sealed or perforated plastic bag.
|
7 to 10 days
|
|
Kohlrabi
|
Trim roots and stems and place in a loosely sealed or perforated plastic bag.
|
2 to3 weeks
|
|
Leeks
|
Remove excess moisture by blotting with a paper towel. Place in a plastic bag or wrap with plastic.
|
1 to 2 weeks
|
|
Lettuce, head
|
Do not wash before using. Remove the core and outside damaged leaves. Cut to spec. Wash and spin in salad spinner. Store in sealed container
|
10 to 12 days
|
|
Lettuce, leaf
|
Wash leaves and dry in a salad spinner or by shaking off excess water. Layer leaves between paper towels and place in a plastic bag.
|
10 to 12 days
|
|
Mushrooms
|
Keep in original package
|
2 to 3 days
|
|
Okra
|
Store in a plastic bag and place in the warmest area of the cooler.
|
5 to 7 days
|
|
Onions
|
Be sure onions are dry and then store in a mesh bag or a basket. Storage area must have good air circulation.
|
1 to 3 months
(refrigerate or cool, dry area)
|
|
Parsnips
|
Be sure leaves have been trimmed and store parsnips in a perforated plastic bag.
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Peas
|
Store unshelled peas in a perforated plastic bag. Shelled peas can be stored in a regular plastic bag.
|
5 to 6 days
|
|
Peppers
|
Keep in original package.
|
1 to 2 weeks
|
|
Potatoes, Sweet
|
Place in a well ventilated box or basket and store in a cool (55° to 60° F), moist area with good ventilation. Do not refrigerate.
|
2 to 4 months
(do not refrigerate)
|
|
Potatoes, White
|
Place in a well ventilated box or basket and store in a dark, cool (around 40°F works best), moist area with good ventilation. Do not refrigerate and do not store in plastic bags.
|
2 to 4 months
(do not refrigerate)
|
|
Radishes
|
Store in original packaging
|
2 to 3 weeks
|
|
Spinach
|
Store in original packaging
|
2 to 3 days
|
|
Squash, Summer
|
Store in a perforated plastic bag. Do not wash until ready to use.
|
1 week
|
|
Squash, Winter
|
Store, whole, in a cool, dry place. Do not wash until ready to use. If cut, store wrapped in plastic and refrigerate for up to 1 week. If whole squash is properly cured in the sun (at 70° to 80° F) for 10 days, it will extend storage time.
|
2 to 3 months
(do not refrigerate)
|
|
Swiss Chard
|
Store in original packaging
|
2 to 4 days
|
|
Tomatoes, Ripe
|
Store with stems down at room temperature.
|
5 to 7 days
(do not refrigerate)
|
|
Tomatoes, Green
|
Wrap individually in newspaper and store with stems down at room temperature. Can also be placed in a deep box in 1 or 2 layers, unwrapped. Allow for adaquate air circulation. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 50° F. Check weekly for ripeness.
|
2 to 5 weeks
(do not refrigerate)
|
|
Turnips
|
Leave unwashed and trim leaves off. Store in a perforated bag.
|
1 to 3 weeks
|
Fruit Storage
(Storage times are refrigerated times unless otherwise indicated). |
|
Food Item
|
Preparation Method
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
|
Commercially Frozen (Unopened)
|
Store in original package.
|
1 year - In Freezer
|
|
Canned Fruits (Opened)
|
Store in airtight container. Do not store in the opened can.
|
3 days
|
|
Apples
|
For best results, Store in original packaging and store in the coldest area of the refrigerator. Keep apples away from other fruits and vegetables because they give off a gas called ethylene that speeds up ripening.
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Avocados
|
Store unripened avocados at room temperature. When the fruit feels slightly soft, it is ripe. Ripe avocados can then be stored in the cooler.
|
2 to3 days
(after ripened)
|
|
Bananas
|
It is best to store bananas at room temperature. They can be refrigerated without damaging the fruit but refrigeration will turn the skins black.
|
2 to3 days
(after ripened)
|
|
Berries
|
. Store in original packaging Wash gently just before using.
|
2 to 3 days
|
|
Cranberries
|
Place in an airtight bag or keep in their original package. Clean just before use.
|
3 to 4 weeks
|
|
Grapefruit
|
Can be stored at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if stored in the refrigerator.
|
2 to 3 weeks
|
|
Grapes
|
Store in original packaging
|
1 to 2 weeks
|
|
Kiwi Fruit
|
Store in original packaging in the cooler
|
6 to 8 days
|
|
Lemons
|
Can be stored at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if stored uncovered in the cooler. Keep fruit from touching each other for extended shelf life.
|
2 to 5 weeks
|
|
Limes
|
Store in original packaging
|
1 to 3 weeks
|
|
Melons
|
Store in original packaging
|
6 to 8 days
|
|
Oranges
|
Can be stored at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if stored in the cooler
|
2 to 3 weeks
|
|
Peaches
|
Ripen at room temperature. To speed ripening, place in a loosely closed paper bag. They are ripe when they yield to slight pressure and have a sweet smell. Refrigerate when ripe.
|
2 to 3 days
|
|
Pears
|
Ripen at room temperature and then store in coldest part of the refrigerator.
|
10 to 14 days
|
|
Pineapple
|
Store at room temperature for 1 to 2 days and then refrigerate.
|
3 to 5 days
|
|
Plums
|
Store in original packaging
|
2 to 3 days
|
|
Rhubarb
|
Cut leaves from stalks and store in a plastic bag or wrapped in plastic.
|
1 to 2 weeks
|
|
Tangerines
|
Store in original packaging
|
1 week
|
|
Watermelon
|
Uncut watermelon can be stored at room temperature for a few days but cut sections should be wrapped with plastic wrap and refrigerated as soon as possible.
|
6 to 8 days
|
Canned and Bottled Food Storage
(The storage times below are the length of time the foods should be stored after they have been opened). |
|
Food Item
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
Freezer Storage
|
|
Fish or Seafood
(such as tuna and salmon)
|
2 to 3 days
|
Do Not Freeze
|
|
Meats
|
2 days
|
Do Not Freeze
|
|
Mayonnaise
(prepared commercially)
|
2 months
|
Do Not Freeze
|
|
Salad Dressings
(prepared commercially)
|
3 months
|
Do Not Freeze
|
|
Ketchup, Mustard, Pickles, & Relishes
|
4 to 6 months
|
Do Not Freeze
|
| Dairy and Egg Products Storage |
|
Food Item
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
Freezer Storage
|
|
Butter & Margarine
|
2 to 3 months
|
6 to 8 months
|
|
Cheese, Fresh
|
1 to 2 days
|
Do Not Freeze
|
|
Cheese, Soft
|
3 to 4 days
|
1 month
|
|
Cheese, Hard or Semi-hard
|
2 to 3 weeks
|
3 to 6 months
|
|
Cheese Spread & Dips
|
1 to 2 weeks
|
1 month
|
|
Milk & Cream
|
1 week
|
3 weeks
|
|
Ice Cream
|
Do not Refrigerate
|
1 to 2 months
|
|
Whipped Topping (Non-Dairy)
|
10 to 14 days
|
1 year
|
|
Yogurt
|
1 week
|
5 to 6 weeks
|
|
Eggs in the Shell
|
4 to 5 weeks
|
Do Not Freeze
|
|
Eggs, Raw Whites
|
2 to 4 days
|
6 to 9 months
|
|
Eggs, Raw Yolks
|
2 to 4 days
|
3 to 6 months
|
|
Eggs, Hard Boiled
|
1 week
|
Do Not Freeze
|
| Baked Goods Storage |
|
Food Item
|
Refrigerator Storage
|
Freezer Storage
|
|
Bread
|
1 week
|
3 months
|
|
Cakes, with Cream Filled, Whipped Topping, or Cream Cheese Frosting
|
4 to 5 days
|
3 months
|
|
Pies, Custard
|
2 to 3 days
|
Do Not Freeze
|
|
Pies, Fruit
|
3 to 4 days
|
6 to 8 months
|
|
Cookie Dough
|
4 to 5 days
|
2 to 3 months
|
|
Cookies, Baked
|
1 week
(Room Temperature)
|
3 months
|
|
Cookies, Containing Cream Cheese or Cream Frosting
|
3 to 5 days
|
3 months
|
| Dry and Canned Goods Storage |
|
Food Item
|
Shelf Storage
|
|
Baking Powder
|
18 months - unopened
6 months - opened
|
|
Baking Soda
|
2 years - unopened
6 months - opened
|
|
Biscuit Mix
|
12 to 18 months
|
|
Bread
|
3 to 5 days
|
|
Bread Crumbs
|
6 months
|
|
Brownie Mix
|
1 year
|
|
Cake Mixes
|
1 year
|
|
Candy (Commercially Made)
|
1 year
|
|
Canned Fruit and Vegetables
|
1 year
|
|
Cereal
|
6 to 12 months - unopened
2 to 3 months - opened
|
|
Chilli Powder
|
2 years
|
|
Chocolate, Semi-sweet
|
1 to 2 years
|
|
Chocolate, Syrup
|
2 years
Refrigerate after opening
|
|
Chocolate, Unsweetened
|
18 months
|
|
Cocoa
|
Indefinitely - unopened
1 year - opened
|
|
Coconut
|
1 year - unopened
|
|
Coffee, Ground
|
2 years - unopened
2 weeks - opened
|
|
Coffee, Instant
|
1 year - unopened
2 weeks - opened
|
|
Coffee Creamer, Powder
|
6 months
|
|
Cornmeal
|
1 year
|
|
Cornstarch
|
18 months
|
|
Crackers
|
6 months
|
|
Extracts
|
6 months
|
|
Fish, Canned
|
12 to 18 months
|
|
Flour
|
6 to 8 months
|
|
Formula (Infant)
|
12 to 18 months - unopened
2 weeks - opened
|
|
Gelatin / Pudding
|
12 to 18 months
|
|
Herbs & Spices
|
6 to 12 months
|
|
Honey
|
1 year
|
|
Jams, Jellies, Preserves
|
1 Year - unopened
6 months - opened (refrigerated)
|
|
Juice, Canned-Citrus
|
6 months
|
|
Juice, Canned-Noncitrus
|
1 year
|
|
Marshmallow Creme
|
4 months
|
|
Marshmallows
|
3 months
|
|
Mayonnaise, commercial
|
4 months - unopened, on shelf
2 months - opened, refrigerated
|
|
Meats & Poultry, Canned
|
12 to 18 months
|
|
Milk, Canned
|
1 year
|
|
Milk, Nonfat Dry
|
6 months
|
|
Molasses
|
1 year - unopened
6 months - opened
|
|
Nuts
|
8 months
|
|
Olives
|
1 year
|
|
Pancake Mixes
|
6 months
|
|
Paprika
|
8 months
|
|
Pasta / Noodles, Dried
|
2 years
|
|
Peanut Butter
|
6 to 9 months
|
|
Peppers, Canned or Pickled
|
1 year
|
|
Pickles
|
1 year
|
|
Popcorn, Unpopped
|
1 to 2 years
|
|
Potatoes, Instant
|
18 months
|
|
Rice, White
|
2 years
|
|
Salad Dressing
|
10 months - unopened
3 months - opened, refrigerated
|
|
Salt
|
Store Indefinitely
|
|
Sauces, Condiments, Relishes
|
1 year - unopened
|
|
Shortening
|
8 months - unopened
6 months - opened
|
|
Sodas
|
3 months - unopened
|
|
Stuffing Mix
|
6 months
|
|
Sugar, Brown
|
4 months
|
|
Sugar, Confectioners
|
18 months
|
|
Sugar, Granulated
|
2 years
|
|
Sugar, Substitutes
|
2 to 3 years
|
|
Syrups
|
1 year
|
|
Tea, Bags
|
18 months
|
|
Tea, Instant
|
3 years
|
|
Tea, Loose
|
2 years
|
|
Tomato Sauce or Paste
|
12 to 18 months
|
|
Vinegar
(Do not store in a metal container. Store in its original container or in a glass container.)
|
Store Indefinitely
|
|
