Tag: Pantry tips

According to the USDA, a standard measure for reconstituting nonfat dry milk is to add 1⅓ cups of milk powder to 4 cups of water to make one quart of fluid milk [1.2]. To properly use it, you must add water to dry milk to transform the powder into a liquid suitable for drinking, cooking, or baking [1.3].

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, canned foods can be just as nutritious as fresh or frozen foods because canning preserves many nutrients. Selecting the most healthy canned fruit depends less on the type of fruit and more on how it is processed and what liquid it is packed in. The key to making a healthy choice is to avoid added sugars found in heavy and light syrups, prioritizing fruit packed in water or 100% fruit juice.

Though chia seeds have a remarkably long shelf life, lasting up to four years when stored correctly, they can and do eventually go bad. Recognizing the subtle signs of spoilage is key to avoiding digestive discomfort and ensuring you reap the full nutritional benefits of these tiny seeds.

Invented in 1885 to offer a shelf-stable dairy product, evaporated milk is regular milk that has been cooked to remove 60% of its water content. This concentration process results in a creamier, richer product with a slightly caramelized flavor, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory recipes. If you've ever wondered how to use canned evaporated milk, the possibilities are endless and extend far beyond just pumpkin pie.

Chia seeds can last for years when stored properly in a cool, dry place, but they don't last forever. Over time, exposure to oxygen, moisture, and heat can cause the omega-3 rich oils within the seeds to turn rancid, a primary sign of chia seed spoilage. Knowing how to spot these signs is crucial for ensuring your food is both safe and beneficial.

According to the USDA, an estimated 30-40% of the food supply in the United States goes to waste, with much of that attributed to consumer confusion over date labels. This widespread confusion leads many to ask: **do expiration dates really matter?** The answer is more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

Due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, ground flaxseeds are prone to oxidation, meaning they have a significantly shorter shelf life than their whole counterparts. Understanding how many days can I store flaxseed powder is critical for preserving its nutritional value and flavor. Proper storage is key to extending its freshness and preventing it from spoiling.

Wheat bran, a rich source of dietary fiber, contains delicate oils that can turn rancid quickly if not stored correctly. Knowing where to store wheat bran is crucial for maintaining its freshness and extending its shelf life from a few months to up to two years.

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, meaning it's not a living organism, unlike active baking yeast. This crucial difference means that while refrigeration can extend its life, it is not strictly necessary to refrigerate nutritional yeast.

Over 80% of the fatty acids in natural peanut oil are unsaturated, and the oil that separates and floats to the top of organic peanut butter is a completely natural phenomenon. This visible layer of oil is actually a positive sign, indicating that the peanut butter contains no added stabilizers or hydrogenated oils.