KEEP IT FRESH
Refrigerated spaghetti sauce will keep for about seven to 10 days. For best quality, do not store spaghetti sauce in an opened metal can — refrigerate in a covered glass or plastic container after opening.
In the pantry, commercial peanut butter may last six to 24 months unopened, or two to three months once opened. Natural peanut butter may last several months unopened, or up to a month once opened. Placing peanut butter in the fridge can extend its shelf life. Jam or jelly that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at its best quality for about one year.
Olives that have been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at their best quality for about 12 to 18 months. Open pickles taste best for one to two months if you refrigerate them, but should stay good for another month or two.
The shelf life of apple cider vinegar is two years unopened, and one year once you’ve broken the seal on the bottle. You don’t have to refrigerate apple cider vinegar once it’s opened. Instead, store it in a pantry or cabinet, away from direct sunlight.
Once opened, rice should be stored in the pantry or cupboard in a tightly closed container to keep out moisture and other contaminants. If stored properly, milled rice — for example, white rice — will keep almost indefinitely this way.
If you don’t go through flour quickly, store it in the freezer or fridge, preferably in an airtight container. Flour will keep this way for at least one year.
Granulated sugar stored in a covered container can last up to two years in the pantry after opening. Brown sugar can be stored in its original bag, or any type of re-sealable, moisture-proof plastic bag; it should be used within six months of purchase and opening.
Many of us store our coffee in the freezer, but you want to keep your grounds dry, so skip any storage spots exposed to moisture — that includes the refrigerator, freezer or a shelf above your stove. We recommend storing grounds in the pantry or cupboard instead, and using ground coffee within a week or two of opening, or whole beans within a month.
