Organize Your Storage Area | Storage Charts

Storing your food properly and under the best condition possible will extend its life to its maximum potential. Some foods can be stored at room temperature and some must be refrigerated. Freezing can be used to extend the life of many products. To get the most out of the storage areas, certain conditions must be maintained. Shelf Storage - Shelf storage should be in a cool, dry area. Many food items should also be kept out of direct light. The temperature should be keep at 70° F or below. Refrigerator Storage - The refrigerator should be kept at a temperature between 33° F to 40° F. Check the temperature frequently with a refrigerator/freezer thermometer. Freezer Storage - The freezer should be kept at a temperature of 0° F or below. Check the temperature frequently with a refrigerator/freezer thermometer.

Organize Your Storage Area Organizing your storage areas will give you more room and easier access to the stored food. Having food organized in the refrigerator and freezer will also help save energy by allowing quicker access to the food you are retrieving. The more time that the refrigerator or freezer is open, the more the temperature will drop. This causes the appliance to have to run more to get the temperature back down to what it needs to be, so quick access is important for energy saving. Shown below are some organizing suggestions. Shelf Storage - Use Lazy Susans on shelves that hold small items or where items would be several deep. The Lazy Susan will make access of these items a lot easier.

Use shallow organizer shelving in tall, deep shelves to add layers for stacking small or shorter items.

Use wire or plastic baskets to hold odd shaped or bulky items.

Store opened items, such as pasta, rice and cereals, in clear plastic or glass containers with tight fitting lids to keep them fresh and easily visible. Clear self-sealing bags can also be used.

If you have a pantry with empty walls, add more shelving or stackable bins.

When organizing items, place like items together to make it easier to remember where items are store. Store baking ingredients together, canned goods in one area, and dry ingredients in another.



When adding items to storage, be sure to place newest products in back of what is already on the shelf so that older items get used first. Refrigerator Storage - Keep like items together so you know where to look for them. Have sauces in one area, keep meats in the meat drawer if you have that option available, keep vegetables in the vegetable crispers, and store beverages in the same location.

Store leftovers in clear containers or bags so you can see what you are searching for without having to open several containers to find it.

Keep all items as orderly as possible. This will allow more storage space and easier access to the food being stored.

Remove and discard food that is spoiled or has been stored past the recommended storage time. Freezer Storage - In a refrigerator freezer, keep food stacked as neat as possible by placing the largest flat packages on the bottom. Place other flat packages on top of them with the smallest being at the top. Fit odd size food items in where they best fit. Refrigerator freezers are small and can easily become disorganized, which makes it hard to find the stored item you are searching for.

Be sure all packages are well marked.

In large freezer units, organize food into groups of like items. Divide meat into types, such as all beef in one section and pork in another or keep steaks and chops separate from roasts. Food groups can be divided according to your own personal preference.

Use the freezer baskets to organize smaller items.

Plastic bags can also be used to organize smaller items. Like items, such as packages of frozen vegetables or individual packages of ground meat, can be put in a bag and placed on top of other items. When they need to be retrieved, the bag can be pulled out and the item accessed. The bag can also be easily removed to allow access to the items below it.

When adding food to the freezer that is the same as something already stored there, be sure to place it in the same area and under or behind what is already there. This will ensure that the oldest food is used first.

Storage Charts The chart below shows how long different food items can be stored under different conditions. When freezing food, most can be stored in the freezer longer than suggested below and still be safe to eat but the quality and texture of the food will be affected. Food items that are going to be stored for any period of time should be purchased before the "sell by" or "expiration" date. Different foods require different preparation methods depending on how it will be stored. Some common preparation methods are shown in the chart below. Storage Chart - Meats (Fresh) To Refrigerate: Meat should be stored tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out. Whenever possible, leave the meat wrapped in its original package. If it is necessary to rewrap, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. To Freeze: Remove the meat from the original package and rewrap tightly, using moisture proof heavyweight plastic wrap, foil, freezer bags, or freezer paper. Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Roasts, Beef & Pork 3 to 5 days 6 to 12 months Steaks, Beef 3 to 5 days 6 to 12 months Chops, Pork & Lamb 3 to 5 days 4 to 8 months Ground & Stew Meat 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months Sausage, Pork 1 to 2 days 1 to 2 months Variety Meats 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months Meat Substitute - Tofu 4 to 5 days 6 to 8 weeks

Storage Chart - Meats (Processed) To Refrigerate: Meat should be stored in its original package. Once it has been opened, it is necessary to rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It can also be placed in an airtight bag or container. To Freeze: Leave the meat in the original package and overwrap tightly, using moisture proof heavyweight plastic wrap, foil, freezer bags, or freezer paper. Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Ham, Whole 7 days 1 to 2 months Ham, Half or Slices 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months Ham, Canned-Opened 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months Ham, Canned-Unopened 6 to 9 months Bacon 7 days 1 to 2 months Frankfurters-Opened 7 days 1 to 2 months Frankfurters-Unopened 14 days 1 to 2 months Luncheon Meats- Opened 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months Luncheon Meats- Unopened 14 days 1 to 2 months Sausage, Smoked 7 days 1 to 2 months Sausage, Semi-dry & Dry 2 to 3 weeks 1 to 2 months Summer Sausage-Opened 3 weeks 1 to 2 months Summer Sausage-Unopened 3 months Pepperoni, Sliced 2 to 3 weeks Corn Beef in Pickling Juice 5 to 7 days 1 month

Storage Chart - Meats (Cooked) To Refrigerate: When refrigerating meat that has been cooked by itself or in a dish with other ingredients, be sure it is stored in a well sealed container so that it does not absorb any odors. If the meat is not combined with other ingredients it can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. To Freeze: Prepare the meat or dish in the same manner as for refrigerating, but be sure you use a container or wrap that is freezer safe to protect the food properly. Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Casseroles, Meat & Gravy 3 to 4 days 2 to 3 months Soups & Stews 3 to 4 days 2 to 3 months Broth 1 to 2 days 2 to 3 months

Storage Chart - Poultry (Fresh) To Refrigerate: If the raw juices are leaking from the original package, it should be removed and the chicken placed in a bowl and covered with wax paper, foil or rewrapped tightly in plastic before placing in the refrigerator. The meat should be stored in the coldest section of the refrigerator. To Freeze: Remove it from the original package and rewrap tightly, using moisture proof heavyweight plastic wrap, foil, freezer bags, or freezer paper. Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Chicken & Turkey, Whole 1 to 2 days 1 year Chicken & Turkey, Pieces 1 to 2 days 9 months Ground Turkey 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months Giblets 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months Duck & Goose 1 to 2 days 6 months

Storage Chart - Poultry (Cooked) To Refrigerate: When refrigerating poultry meat that has been cooked by itself or in a dish with other ingredients, be sure it is stored in a well sealed container so that it does not absorb any odors. If the meat is not combined with other ingredients it can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. To Freeze: Prepare the poultry meat or dish in the same manner as for refrigerating, but be sure you use a container or wrap that is freezer safe to protect the food properly. Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Casseroles, Meat & Gravy 3 to 4 days 3 to 6 months Pieces (without Broth) 3 to 4 days 2 to 4 months Fried Chicken 3 to 4 days 3 to 4 months Chicken Nuggets 1 to 2 days 1 to 3 months

Storage Chart - Fish and Shellfish To Refrigerate: Rinse the fish with cold salt water and pat dry with a paper towel. Wrap it with wax paper or plastic wrap and place it in a self sealing bag. Have a pan of ice ready and place the bag on the bed of ice. Place the pan of ice with the fish in the refrigerator. To Freeze: Clean the fish by rinsing with cold salt water. Place the fish in a double plastic bag or a milk carton and fill it with cold water. Be sure the fish is completely covered and seal the container. Place in the freezer. Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Steaks, fillets, & Shucked Seafood 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months Seafood in the Shell 1 to 2 days 3 to 6 months Cooked Fish 3 to 4 days 4 to 6 months Smoked Fish 2 weeks 2 months

Storage Chart - Vegetables Storage times are refrigerated times unless otherwise indicated. Food Item Preparation Method Refrigerator

Storage Commercially Frozen Store in original package 1 year - In Freezer Canned Vegetables

(Opened) Store in airtight container. Do not store in the opened can. 3 days Artichokes Sprinkle with a little water and place in an airtight plastic bag. 1 week Asparagus Do not wash asparagus before storing. Wash it just before using. To store, wrap in a paper towel and place in a plastic bag that is not airtight, or place upright in a jar or glass containing 1/2 inch of cold water. 3 to 5 days Beans, Lima Beans should be shelled and store in a perforated plastic bag. 3 to 6 days Beans, Snap Leave beans whole and unwashed. Store in a perforated plastic bag in warmest area of the refrigerator. 3 to 6 days Beets Leave roots and trim stems to 1 to 2 inches in length. Brush off dirt but do not wash. Allow to dry in shady area. Place in a plastic bag with a moist paper towel. Check weekly. 4 to 8 weeks Broccoli Store in a perforated plastic bag. 5 to 7 days Brussel Sprouts Trim damaged leaves and store in a perforated bag. 2 to 3 weeks Cabbage Remove any loose leaves from the outer surface and place the cabbage head in a plastic bag. 4 to 8 weeks Carrots Trim tops, leaving 1/2 to 1 inch in length and clean dirt from roots if necessary. Wrap them in a paper towel and place in a plastic bag or place in a perforated plastic bag. 1 to 3 months Cauliflower Do not wash. Place in a perforated plastic bag. 10 to 14 days Celery Wrap a damp paper towel around the celery and then wrap with aluminum foil. 3 to 4 weeks Corn, Sweet Store with husks on 3 days Cucumber Wrap with plastic wrap. 10 to 12 days Endive Wash leaves thoroughly, shake to remove excess moisture, and gather leaves together and tie. Place tied head in a plastic bag. Disgard outer leaves as they wilt but inner leaves will still be good and crisp. 2 to 3 weeks Fennel Store in a plastic bag. 6 or 7 days Kale Remove as much moisture as possible by blotting with a paper towel. Store in a loosely sealed or perforated plastic bag. 7 to 10 days Kohlrabi Trim roots and stems and place in a loosely sealed or perforated plastic bag. 2 to3 weeks Leeks Remove excess moisture by blotting with a paper towel. Place in a plastic bag or wrap with plastic. 1 to 2 weeks Lettuce, head Do not wash before using. Remove the core and outside damaged leaves. Wrap with a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag. 10 to 12 days Lettuce, leaf Wash leaves and dry in a salad spinner or by shaking off excess water. Layer leaves between paper towels and place in a plastic bag. 10 to 12 days Mushrooms Place in a single layer on a shallow tray or plate. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel or place them in a paper bag, leaving the bag open. 2 to 3 days Okra Store in a plastic bag and place in the warmest area of the refrigerator. 5 to 7 days Onions Be sure onions are dry and then store in a mesh bag or a basket. Storage area must have good air circulation. 1 to 3 months

(refrigerate or cool, dry area) Parsnips Be sure leaves have been trimmed and store parsnips in a perforated plastic bag. 1 to 2 months Peas Store unshelled peas in a perforated plastic bag. Shelled peas can be stored in a regular plastic bag. 5 to 6 days Peppers Do not wash. Wrap in a paper towel or place in a paper bag. Do no use a plastic bag. Store in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. 1 to 2 weeks Potatoes, Sweet Place in a well ventilated box or basket and store in a cool (55° to 60° F), moist area with good ventilation. Do not refrigerate. If potatoes are harvested from your garden, they must be cured by setting in a warm, dark place for about one week before storing them. This will help toughen the skins and sweeten the potato. 2 to 4 months

(do not refrigerate) Potatoes, White Place in a well ventilated box or basket and store in a dark, cool (around 40°F works best), moist area with good ventilation. Do not refrigerate and do not store in plastic bags. If potatoes are harvested from your garden, they must be cured by setting in a warm, dark place for about one week before storing them. This will help toughen the skins and store longer. 2 to 4 months

(do not refrigerate) Radishes Trim off leaves and place in a loosely sealed or perforated plastic bag. Wash radishes and trim roots just before using. 2 to 3 weeks Spinach Remove damaged leaves, wash thoroughly with cold water and drain well. Using a salad spinner also works well to dry. Wrap with paper towels and store in a plastic bag. 2 to 3 days Squash, Summer Store in a perforated plastic bag. Do not wash until ready to use. 1 week Squash, Winter Store, whole, in a cool, dry place. Do not wash until ready to use. If cut, store wrapped in plastic and refrigerate for up to 1 week. If whole squash is properly cured in the sun (at 70° to 80° F) for 10 days, it will extend storage time. 2 to 3 months

(do not refrigerate) Swiss Chard Store unwashed in a open or perforated plastic bag. If leaves are damp, pat dry with a paper towel before placing in the plastic bag. 2 to 4 days Tomatoes, Ripe Store with stems down at room temperature. 5 to 7 days

(do not refrigerate) Tomatoes, Green Wrap individually in newspaper and store with stems down at room temperature. Can also be placed in a deep box in 1 or 2 layers, unwrapped. Allow for adaquate air circulation. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 50° F. Check weekly for ripeness. 2 to 5 weeks

(do not refrigerate) Turnips Leave unwashed and trim leaves off. Store in a perforated bag. 1 to 3 weeks

Storage Chart - Fruit Storage times are refrigerated times unless otherwise indicated. Food Item Preparation Method Refrigerator

Storage Commerically Frozen

(Unopened) Store in original package. 1 year - In Freezer Canned Fruits (Opened) Store in airtight container. Do not store in the opened can. 3 days Apples For best results, place apples in a perforated plastic bag, sprinkle with water and store in the coldest area of the refrigerator. Keep apples away from other fruits and vegetables because they give off a gas called ethylene that speeds up ripening. 1 to 2 months Avocados Store unripened avocados at room temperature. When the fruit feels slightly soft, it is ripe. Ripe avocados can the be stored in the refrigerator. 2 to3 days

(after ripened) Bananas It is best to store bananas at room temperature. They can be refrigerated without damageing the fruit but refrigeration will turn the skins black. 2 to3 days

(after ripened) Berries Do not wash. Refrigerate as soon as possible after picking. Spread out in a thin layer on a tray or plate. Do not cover and place in the refrigerator. Wash gently just before using. 2 to 3 days Cranberries Place in an airtight bag or keep in their original package. Clean just before use. 3 to 4 weeks Grapefruit Can be stored at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if stored in the refrigerator. 2 to 3 weeks Grapes Store in a perforated bag or in a bowl. Extend storage time by placing in a sealed bag and keep in the salad crisper drawer of the refrigerator. 1 to 2 weeks Kiwi Fruit Place ripe fruit in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Can store at room temperature for 2 to 3 days 6 to 8 days Lemons Can be stored at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if stored uncovered in the refrigerator. Keep fruit from touching each other. 2 to 5 weeks Limes Place in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. 1 to 3 weeks Melons Ripen at room temperature and then refrigerate. Wrap with plastic or place in a plastic bag to keep its smell from affecting other foods stored in the refrigerator. 6 to 8 days Oranges Can be stored at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if stored in the refrigerator. Place in a plastic bag and refrigerate. 2 to 3 weeks Peaches Ripen at room temperature. To speed ripening, place in a loosely closed paper bag. They are ripe when they yield to slight pressure and have a sweet smell. Refrigerate when ripe. 2 to 3 days Pears Ripen at room temperature and then store in coldest part of the refrigerator. 10 to 14 days Pineapple Store at room temperature for 1 to 2 days and then refrigerate. 3 to 5 days Plums Store in the refrigerator 2 to 3 days Rhubarb Cut leaves from stalks and store in a plastic bag or wrapped in plastic. 1 to 2 weeks Tangerines Store in the refrigerator. 1 week Watermelon Uncut watermelon can be stored at room temperature for a few days but cut sections should be wrapped with plastic wrap and refrigerated as soon as possible. 6 to 8 days

Storage Chart - Convenience Foods Convenience foods are prepared foods ready to cook or ready to eat without further preparation. Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Prepared Salads (Store Prepared or Homemade) 3 to 5 days Do Not Freeze Deli Stuffed Chicken Breasts or Chops 1 days Do Not Freeze Deli Cooked Meats 3 to 4 days Do Not Freeze Frozen Dinners Keep Frozen 3 to 4 months Vacuum-Packed Dinners (with USDA seal) 2 weeks Do Not Freeze

Storage Chart - Canned and Bottled The storage times below are the length of time the foods should be stored after they have been opened. Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Baby Food 1 to 2 days Do Not Freeze Fish or Seafood, (such as tuna and salmon) 2 to 3 days Do Not Freeze Meat 2 days Do Not Freeze Gravy or Broth 2 days Do Not Freeze Mayonaise - Commercially Prepared 2 months Do Not Freeze Salad Dressings 3 months Do Not Freeze Ketchup, Mustard, Pickles, & Relishes 4 to 6 months Do Not Freeze

Storage Chart - Dairy and Eggs Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Butter & Margarine 2 to 3 months 6 to 8 months Cheese, Fresh 1 to 2 days Do Not Freeze Cheese, Soft 3 to 4 days 1 month Cheese, Hard or Semi-hard 2 to 3 weeks 3 to 6 months Cheese Spread & Dips 1 to 2 weeks 1 month Milk & Cream 1 week 3 weeks Ice Cream Do not Refrigerate 1 to 2 months Whipped Topping (Non-Dairy) - Carton 10 to 14 days 1 year Yogurt 1 week 5 to 6 weeks Eggs in the Shell 4 to 5 weeks Do Not Freeze Eggs, Raw Whites 2 to 4 days 6 to 9 months Eggs, Raw Yolks 2 to 4 days 3 to 6 months Eggs, Hard Boiled 1 week Do Not Freeze Egg Dish, Cooked 3 to 4 days Do Not Freeze

Storage Chart - Baked Goods To Refrigerate: Baked goods should be stored tightly wrapped to prevent them from drying out. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or in self sealing plastic bags. To Freeze: Freeze baked goods while they are as fresh as possible. Wrap tightly, using moisture proof heavyweight plastic wrap, foil, or freezer bags. Food Item Refrigerator

Storage Freezer

Storage Bread 1 week 3 months Cakes, with Cream Filled, Whipped Topping, or Cream Cheese Frosting 4 to 5 days 3 months Pies, Custard 2 to 3 days Do Not Freeze Pies, Fruit 3 to 4 days 6 to 8 months Cookie Dough 4 to 5 days 2 to 3 months Cookies, Baked 1 week

(Room Temperature) 3 months Cookies, Containing Cream Cheese or Cream Frosting 3 to 5 days 3 months

Storage Chart - Pantry Items To Store on the Shelf: All items need to be stored in an airtight container. If the items have not been opened, they can be stored in their original contaners, otherwise a clear, clean container with a airtight cover should be used. A clear container will allow you to see what the container contains. Pantry items should be stored in a dry enviornment, away from direct sunlight. Storage times below are for whether the item is unopened or opened. If there is a difference between unopened and opend, it is indicated. Food Item Shelf Storage Baking Powder 18 months - unopened

6 months - opened Baking Soda 2 years - unopened

6 months - opened Biscuit Mix 12 to 18 months Bread 3 to 5 days Bread Crumbs 6 months Brownie Mix 1 year Cake Mixes 1 year Candy - Commerically Made 1 year Canned Fruit and Vegetables 1 year Cereal 6 to 12 months - unopened

2 to 3 months - opened Chili Powder 2 years Chocolate, Semi-sweet 1 to 2 years Chocolate, Syrup 2 years

Refrigerate after opening Chocolate, Unsweetened 18 months Cocoa Indefinitely - unopened

1 year - opened Coconut 1 year - unopened Coffee, Ground 2 years - unopened

2 weeks - opened Coffee, Instant 1 year - unopened

2 weeks - opened Coffee Creamer, Powder 6 months Cornmeal 1 year Cornstarch 18 months Crackers 6 months Extracts 6 months Fish, Canned 12 to 18 months Flour 6 to 8 months Flour, Self-Rising 4 to 6 months Formula (Infant) 12 to 18 months - unopened

2 weeks - opened Gelatin / Pudding 12 to 18 months Herbs & Spices 6 to 12 months Honey Indefinitely - quality may be affected if over exposed to direct sunlight and/or heat Jams, Jellies, Preserves 1 Year - unopened

6 months - opened (refrigerated) Juice, Canned-Citrus 6 months Juice, Canned-Noncitrus 1 year Marshmallow Creme 4 months Marshmallows 3 months Mayonnaise, commercial 4 months - unopened, on shelf

2 months - opened, refrigerated Meats & Poultry, Canned 12 to 18 months Milk, Canned 1 year Milk, Nonfat Dry 6 months Molasses 1 year - unopened

6 months - opened Nuts 8 months Olives 1 year Pancake Mixes 6 months Paprika 8 months Pasta / Noodles, Dried 2 years Peanut Butter 6 to 9 months Peppers, Canned or Pickled 1 year Pickles 1 year Popcorn, Unpopped 1 to 2 years Potatoes, Instant 18 months Rice, White 2 years Salad Dressing 10 months - unopened

3 months - opened, refrigerated Salt Store Indefinitely Sauces, Condiments, Relishes 1 year - unopened Shortening 8 months - unopened

6 months - opened Sodas 3 months - unopened Stuffing Mix 6 months Sugar, Brown 4 months Sugar, Confectioners 18 months Sugar, Granulated 2 years Sugar, Substitutes 2 to 3 years Syrups 1 year Tea, Bags 18 months Tea, Instant 3 years Tea, Loose 2 years Tomato Sauce or Paste 12 to 18 months Vinegar - Do not store in a metal container. Store in its original container or in a glass container. Store Indefinitely