Meal planning can be a challenge, especially when unexpected events or busy schedules disrupt our routines. To save time and effort, it’s helpful to have a few non-perishable or long-lasting food items on hand that can be easily prepared for lunch or dinner. This article explores various foods that can be stored in the refrigerator or pantry for extended periods, providing convenient options for those moments when the fridge is stocked but inspiration for meals is lacking.
Long-Lasting Foods for the Refrigerator
Fruits and Vegetables:
- Apples: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Oranges: Can be refrigerated for 1-2 weeks.
- Grapes: Last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Carrots: Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
- Celery: Lasts for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
Dairy Products:
- Hard cheese: Can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
- Yogurt: Lasts for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Milk: Can be refrigerated for 5-7 days.
Other:
- Eggs: Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 weeks.
- Deli meats: Last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Cooked rice: Can be refrigerated for 4-6 days.
Long-Lasting Foods for the Pantry
Canned Goods:
- Canned fruits and vegetables: Have a shelf life of 1-2 years.
- Canned beans: Can be stored for 2-3 years.
- Canned tuna: Lasts for 2-3 years.
Dried Foods:
- Rice: Can be stored for up to 2 years.
- Pasta: Has a shelf life of 2-3 years.
- Beans: Can be stored for 1-2 years.
Other:
- Peanut butter: Can be stored in the pantry for 6-12 months.
- Honey: Has an indefinite shelf life.
- Crackers: Can be stored for 6-12 months.
Safety Considerations
While these foods have relatively long shelf lives, it’s important to note that all food items eventually spoil. To ensure safety, always check for signs of spoilage, such as mold, discoloration, or an off odor, before consuming. If in doubt, discard the food item.
By keeping a variety of long-lasting foods on hand, you can save time and effort during busy or unexpected moments. The foods listed above provide convenient options for quick and easy meals, ensuring that you always have something to eat, even when the fridge is stocked but inspiration is lacking. Remember to always check for spoilage before consuming any food item, and enjoy the convenience of having these non-perishable staples at your disposal.
Foods to eat for a better night’s sleep
FAQ
Is it OK to eat food that was left out overnight?
What foods go bad without refrigeration?
Can you store food overnight?
What fruits can you keep out of the fridge?
If it is whole, it is good to stay out. Bananas, grapefruit, lemons, limes, mangoes, oranges, papaya, pineapple, pomegranates, watermelon, and apples can all be kept out of the fridge, according to Spoon University. However, after seven days, you should move your apples to the fridge to keep them fresh.
What foods can be eaten at night?
There is no food that should not be consumed only at night. It is recommended that dinner be at an appropriate time, not too late and at least two hours before bedtime. For the general healthy population, any healthy food option may be appropriate for dinner.
Can you keep spoiled food in the fridge overnight?
While eating spoiled or bad food can make you very sick, here’s a list of six foods that can actually be kept in the fridge overnight—with some exceptions. 1. Brewed Tea There is some talk that if you leave tea in the fridge overnight, it will lose all its flavor.
Can you eat bread if you leave it out overnight?
There are some types of foods that don’t necessarily need to be stored in the fridge and some things like bread, that shouldn’t be kept in the fridge at all, so if you leave them out overnight, they’re still safe to eat. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview