What Foods Do Not Go Bad?

There are a number of foods that do not spoil or spoil with the passage of time. As long as they are kept in good conditions. What are they ?

We often look at the expiration date of foods so that they last as long as possible and don’t end up in the trash. Consuming products after this date has passed can negatively affect its organoleptic qualities.

However, the most dangerous thing is that the food itself has developed microorganisms that can endanger the health of the consumer. But  did you know that there are foods that don’t go bad? What are they ?

What foods do not go bad?

All perishable products must have an expiration date. However,  some foods can be eaten “stale” because in reality they take several years to deteriorate.

The expiry date is indicated on highly perishable products with a microbiological risk: raw and fresh meat and fish, vegetables and fruit. Once the date has passed, the product should not be consumed as it may be in poor condition or spoiled.

In addition, it can be dangerous due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria. This is what points out an article published in the magazine Clinical Microbiology Reviews which discusses the most common symptoms of poisoning by salmonella , a bacteria found in raw meats.

On the other hand,  the best before date applies to products that are more durable and stable. Once this date has passed, the food may have lost some of its properties, its taste may be rancid, less aromatic, or have changed in texture, etc. But there is no microbiological risk.

However,  there are foods that we can store for a very long time  in good conditions and which do not go bad. What are they ?

1. Salt

Salt is a natural preservative, used in brining or salting methods. Therefore, it does not expire. In addition, at home  we can also use it to preserve foods such as fish or meat.

However, be careful with salt intake because it is easy to exceed the recommended daily allowance of 2.5 grams. Be aware that many products already contain added salt.

2. Rice

White rice can retain its nutrient and flavor content for 30 years  if stored in oxygen-free containers at temperatures below 5 ° C. Brown rice, on the other hand, does not keep that long. It can be stored for about 6 months, due to the natural oils found in the bran layer.

3. Other foods that don’t spoil: soy sauces

For the shelf life of soy sauce to be near eternal, it must be stored without removing the seal. However,  if you open the bottle, the sauce can stay in the cupboard for several years. This is due to the amount of salt it contains which, as we have pointed out, is a preservative.

4. Dark chocolate

As long as it is stored in a cool, dry place, dark chocolate can be stored for a long time. It is a beneficial food because it contains biologically active components  such as flavonoids, which are cardioprotective according to research published in Current Medicinal Chemistry magazine.

That said, it is important to consume chocolate as part of a healthy and varied diet. You can therefore eat a piece of dark chocolate regularly without problems, provided that the pure cocoa content exceeds 80%.

5. Pulses

Legumes can have an indefinite shelf life. This is due to the drying process they undergo and by which they lose all their water. On the other hand, they can harden over time, and in this case the cooking time increases.

6. Foods that don’t spoil: sugar

If stored in a dry place with mild temperatures, sugar can last quite a long time. Bacteria cannot actually colonize it because it contains little moisture. If it solidifies into lumps, simply heat in the microwave at very low temperature for a minute or two.

7. Drinks with high alcohol content

Spirits with a high alcohol content, such as vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, or tequila,  can stay in good condition for a long time as long as the bottles are unopened and away from the light. The only downside is that they can lose their taste a bit.

8. Spices

In order for spices to keep for a long time,  they should remain in tightly closed glass jars. However, it is not recommended to keep them too long because they lose their aroma and flavor.

9. Coffee

Usually, ground coffee comes in opaque packages to keep it better. It can actually last for months or even years beyond the expiration date. Coffee should be stored away from light and moisture. Do not put it in the fridge, it might lose its aroma.

10. Foods that don’t spoil: honey

Honey is the only food that is truly eternal. Thanks to the bees that create a highly acidic product that is low in humidity. After a while, it may crystallize, but it does not affect the quality and safety.

11. Vinegar

Like salt,  vinegar is a natural preservative due to its acidic nature. It is also used to preserve other foods.

12. Olive oil

Here is another food that does not spoil and that can be stored for up to two or three years in a dry place. Even if it can lose its organoleptic qualities.

Foods that never go bad

While many products that one buy have an expiration date or an expiration date, there are also foods that are unaffected by the passage of time. However, it is necessary to store them in adequate temperature and humidity conditions.