Foods such as bread and sweets must be eaten within one hour to preserve their flavour. If you use the right storage techniques, these food items can be stored for many years.

You can wrap ginger in parchment paper and store it in a dark place for several months. High temperatures and moisture can cause food to lose its shelf life or alter its flavour and colour.

Did you know that foods such as Apple can be kept for up to 6 months?

Let’s find out which foods can be kept for longer periods while still safe to eat:

1. Green Leafy Vegetables

If you don’t use them within a few days, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and coriander can be stored for up to a week. You can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Place the stalks in a bowl, and then cover with a plastic bag. Keep the bag in a cool, dry place.

2. Apples

To prolong their lives, keep apples at room temperature. This temperature will keep apples fresh for up to a week or a month.

You can wrap them in Vellum and keep them far away from potatoes.

3. Dried Pasta

Dry pasta is made from semolina flour, water and other ingredients. It can be kept fresh for long periods by being stored in an airtight container. Fresh pasta made from eggs should be kept in the fridge for longer shelf life.

These different kinds of pasta are sure to please pasta lovers.

4. Mushrooms

Rinse mushrooms quickly after cleaning them. Their flesh absorbs water. To keep insects away, you can place them in a bowl of salted water. After they have been rinsed, place them on a piece of paper and then cut the ends. The mushrooms can be dried and stored in a bowl or fridge with napkins.

5. Dark Chocolate

It is possible to store dark chocolate for 5-7 years. Because it contains milk, there are high chances that it will spoil at high temperatures. It can last up to five years if the dark cocoa is kept at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dark chocolates can lose their colour if they are exposed to high temperatures. However, this is not harmful and does not affect the taste.

6. White Rice

What is the shelf life for white rice? It won’t spoil for many years. It can be stored for years. Brown rice is healthier but has oil to stave after a while. White rice can last for a lifetime if it is dried properly.

Moisture or tiny black bugs can cause white rice to become stale. If the container is not airtight, these bugs can get into rice.

7. Grapes

Hanging grapes with the rope in a dark, well-ventilated room will prevent them from touching each other. Grapes will stay fresher for longer periods if kept in the dark and well-ventilated area. The back wall is the best place to store grapes in the fridge.

8. Both soft and hard grains

If the bag is sealed with oxygen absorbers, soft grains such as rye or barley can be kept for 8-9 years.

These grains can be stored in a long-term storage facility. The sealing process preserves soft grains. If stored correctly, hard grains such as buckwheat or millet can be kept for 12 years.

9. Teabags and powdered milk

If they are not opened, teabags can be stored in a pantry for up to three years. If you open them, you can store the teabags for up to one and a quarter years. Powdered milk can be stored in a dark area for five years.

It is important to keep it away from high temperatures. Otherwise, it will spoil in 2-3 months.

10. Hemp Seeds

If not opened, hemp seeds can stay fresh for between 14-20 months. Hemp seeds are high in fibre and omega oils. They are mainly used in smoothies and yoghurts with berries.

To extend the shelf-life of the seeds, store them once they are opened in an airtight container or refrigerator.