While it seems like the old saying, “all good things must come to an end” always rings true, there are some things that never truly come to an end. For example, rice.
What do we mean by that? There are some foods that absolutely refuse to go bad, and for those of you who seem to never get to your produce before it starts turning sour, this is just the piece of news you needed to hear.
Not only that, but these items make up a good portion of essentials that you should stock up in your pantry. Seriously, if you have these you can pretty much consider yourself an adult… I think.
1. Honey
Thanks to the magic of bees, honey is essentially highly acidic but very low in moisture (counter-intuitive, right?) meaning that bacteria growth is virtually impossible. As a matter of fact, honey has been known to be used as a natural anti-bacterial – hence the popular use of using it as a face mask for acne and a natural remedy for a sore throat.
2. Sugar
My explanation for this is that sugar (white, brown, etc.) is so refined and processed that it would be impossible to grow bacteria. That being said, while it doesn’t promote moisture, not sealing it properly may result in one big clump over time. Wack it with a hammer or just prevent it by putting it in a jar.
3. White Rice
This is only true for white, jasmine and basmati rice. Brown rice has a higher oil content, so it’s more likely to spoil.
4. Salt
FUN FACT: Salt is not really food. It’s actually a rock mineral, meaning it cannot spoil. Huzzah!
5. Ghee
Ok, while ghee can go bad, it’s actually been known to last years. For those of you not in the know, ghee is a clarified butter originating from India with a growing fan base state-side.
6. Liquor
Ah, even in the hardest of times, you will always have alcohol to console you. That is settling.
7. Maple Syrup
Another sweetener? It looks like the world post-electricity is looking promising after all. Pure maple syrup is another natural anti-microbial that is set to last a very long time. Maple syrup experts (I need that job) say that if mold does form over the top of your golden liquid, to pour the contents into a saucepan, bring to a boil and skim the mold off the top. After this you can place the syrup into another container and tightly seal it. Good as new.
8. Dried Beans
Apparently you can eat dried beans (after they’ve been cooked, of course) up to thirty years after you bought them. What a trip down memory lane, right?
9. Dried Pasta
Similar to rice and dried beans, while you should probably eat the food you buy, dried pasta has a very long shelf life. In case of emergencies, store a box away. Or, if you’re as neurotic as my father, you can always hoard them in bulk in the basement..
10. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce being extremely high in salt (similar to the foods extremely high in sugar) means that it is not ideal for bacteria to grow in. That’s good news for you, isn’t it?
For more Food Facts and How-Tos, check out our features here.
Are you stocked up on these foods that don’t expire?
