Thawing 101

Thawing 101
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Stocked up on groceries, but not sure where to store them? Try the freezer. Not only does freezing your food free up in-demand real estate in your refrigerator and pantry, but it can also keep food fresh for longer. But, as the old saying goes, nothing lasts forever – and your freezer food is no exception.

You’ll eventually want to remove your groceries from that icebox and, you know, use ’em!

How long does your food last in the fridge once it’s out of the freezer? Well, it’s complicated. Every type of food has a different shelf life; plus, those expiration dates are no longer valid. Note that it’s safe to eat food with freezer burn, but it will have a dry and unpleasant texture.

Here’s how long thawed food lasts…

Here are 10 foods you had no idea you could freeze.

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Protein

Protein
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Bacon, Cooked: 4 to 5 days

Bacon, Uncooked: 7 days

Beef Roast, Steaks or Ribs, Uncooked: 3 to 5 days

Chicken, Cooked: 3 to 4 days

Chicken, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days

Fish, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days

Ground Beef, Cooked: 3 to 4 days

Ground Beef, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days

Hot Dogs, Opened: 1 week

Hot Dogs, Unopened: 2 weeks

Lunch Meat, Opened: 3 to 5 days

Lunch Meat, Unopened: 2 weeks

Pork Roast, Chops or Ribs, Uncooked: 3 to 5 days

Prawns, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days

Tofu: 1 week

Here are 6 silent signs you could be eating too much protein.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and Vegetables
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Berries: 4 to 5 days

Broccoli: 3 to 5 days

Corn: 3 to 4 days

Green Beans: 3 to 4 days

Tomatoes: 2 to 3 days

Discover 13 fruits and vegetables you shouldn’t peel – and 9 you should.

Dairy

Dairy
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Butter: 1 to 3 months

Shredded Cheese, Unopened: 1 month

Whipped Topping: 1 to 2 weeks

Yoghurt: 1 to 3 weeks

Here are 14 foods you think are dairy-free, but aren’t.

Prepared Foods

Prepared Foods
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Bread: 1 to 2 weeks

Bagels: 1 to 2 weeks

Cakes: 1 to 2 days

Leftovers: 3 to 4 days

Pies: 3 to 4 days

Rolls: 1 week

Learn which 11 foods you’re throwing out too soon.

The gut test

The gut test
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No matter what the food is – or how long it’s been out of the freezer – it’s best to go with your gut. While we’re big proponents of making the most out of your groceries, it’s a good idea to discard anything that looks (or, worse, smells) strange.

These are the 20 foods you shouldn’t put in the fridge.

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Source: RD.com

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