Healthy Pantry 'SHELF STAPLES'

Use these charts as a guide to storing staples safely. If a food doesn’t have a sell-by date, affix a label to the package and mark the date you bought it so you’ll know when it’s past its prime.

Canned Tuna and Salmon:
Storage Time - Unopened, 1 year; opened, 2 days refrigerated
Storage Tip - After opening, immediately transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Canned Beans:
Storage Time - Unopened, 1 year; opened, 3 days refrigerated
Storage Tip - After opening, refrigerate in an airtight container; do not keep in the original can.

Brown Rice (including basmati and jasmine):
Storage Time - 6 months
Storage Tip - Brown rice still has its nutritious bran layer intact. Because of the oil in the bran, brown rice will not keep as long as white rice.

Whole Wheat Pasta:
Storage Time - 1 Year
Storage Tip - Store in the original container in a cool, dry place.

Barley:
Storage Time - 6 Months
Storage Tip - For longer storage, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.

Oats:
Storage Time - 6 Months
Storage Tip - Store in the original container in a cool, dark place.

Whole Wheat Couscous:
Storage Time - 6 Months
Storage Tip - If you live in a humid climate, store in an airtight container.

Dried Beans and Lentils:
Storage Time - 1 Year
Storage Tip - Store in their original plastic bag. Never store in the refrigerator; beans can absorb moisture and spoil.

Honey, Maple Syrup, Molasses:
Storage Time - 2 Years
Storage Tip - If sugar crystals form, place the container in warm water and stir until the crystals dissolve.

All-purpose Flour:
Storage Time - 1 year at room temperature; up to 2 years frozen
Storage Tip - Store in a cool, dry place.

Whole Wheat Flour:
Storage Time - 1–3 months at room temperature; 6 months refrigerated; 1 year frozen
Storage Tip - Transfer to an airtight container to preserve its moisture content.

Granulated and Confectioners’ sugar:
Storage Time - 2 Years
Storage Tip - To protect against humidity, store in an airtight container.

Light and Dark Drown Sugar:
Storage Time - 4–6 months
Storage Tip - Brown sugar dries out quickly; store in an airtight container after opening the package.

Baking Powder, Baking Soda:
Storage Time - 12–18 months
Storage Tip - Store tightly covered in a cool, dry place.

Unsweetened Cocoa:
Storage Time - 1 Year
Storage Tip - Store at room temperature in the original container.

Chocolate Chips, Baking Chocolate:
Storage Time - 1 Year
Storage Tip - Store all chocolate in a cool, dry place. A white film sometimes appears on the surface caused by temperature fluctuations; it does not affect the taste or quality.

Nuts:
Storage Time - Unopened can or jar, 1 year; opened, 3 months
Storage Tip - Store in an airtight container.

This Tip was published in 'Weight Watchers - New Complete Cookbook (Over 500 Delicious Recipes For The Health Cook's Kitchen) - p6'