How long does food last? As we all know that food that has spoiled is money down the drain. But how long DOES it last for?  Here is a guide for you!

Red Meat

Red meat will last 2 – 3 days in the fridge once you’ve gotten it home from the shop.  The best way to store it is to remove it from its packaging and transfer it to a clean plate and cover it with plastic wrap.  Store the meat in the bottom of the fridge – right up the back – this is the coldest part of the fridge – and it won’t drip onto other food which will contaminate it.

Mince should be used within 24 hours of bringing home from the shop.

To freeze red meat, place it in a freezer proof zip lock bag expelling all the air you can (air in the bag will cause freezer burn).  Red meat can be safety frozen for up to 1 year.

White Meat (Chicken and Pork)

Chicken and porkwill keep in the fridge for 2 – 3 days after purchase.  Like the red meat – take the chicken out of its packaging and keep in on a clean plate covered in plastic wrap.  Again keep in in the coldest part of the fridge which is the bottom shelf – right up the back.

Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months in a zip lock bag with all the air expelled.  Never re-freeze chicken unless it has been cooked first.  To defrost chicken from frozen, remove from the freezer and place on a plate in the fridge – it can take up to 24 hours to defrost.  Never defrost chicken on a bench or you risk food poisoning.

Vegetables

Most veggies can be stored in the vegetable drawers of your fridge for about one week.  Any root vegetables such as potatoes are best stored in a dark place such as the bottom of your pantry cupboard.  Never store potatoes in plastic – put them in baskets or similar where the air can circulate around them.  Fresh herbs should be wrapped in a damp tea towel and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Most fresh vegetables are not suited to freezing raw.  For best results you need to ‘blanch’ them first.  Blanching means to immerse them in boiling water for up to 30 seconds, before immersing them in ice cold water to stop the cooking process.  Then store in an air proof zip lock bag.  Most vegetables can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Dairy and Eggs

Cheese is best kept in the top of your fridge, sealed with plastic wrap – don’t let any air get in or it will go mouldy.  Cheese also freezes well if grated first.  It will last up to 3 months in the freezer – just make sure you seal it in small zip lock bags – otherwise the cheese might all stick together.

Eggs will last six times longer in the fridge than if you keep them at room temperature.  They are best kep in the carton you purchased them in – placed in the top of the fridge.  When cooking its usually always best to allow egg to come back to room temperature before using.  To test and see if an egg is still good or not – carefully drop the egg into a tall glass of water – if it floats – get rid of it!  If it sinks – it’s fresh!