Interesting stuff

I found two very interesting, helpful charts on the web. How long things last in the freezer (by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) and how long things last unopened in a pantry (by the Food Marketing Institute, USDA)

For example, in the freezer, soups and stews only last 2 to 3 months; bacon and sausage only 1 to 2 months; ham only 1 to 2 months (and I'm still eating the Christmas ham!) So, now I'm gonna have to put expiration dates on stuff I freeze.

And, in the pantry, an unopened jar of mayonnaise is good for 2 to 3 months, while baking powder, chili powder, coffee lightener (dry), hot cereals, olive or vegetable oil and salad oils (all unopened) are only good for 6 months! Cornmeal is only good for 6 to 12 months (and, thanks to Luanne, I have a LOT of cornmeal).

I made the charts into a spreadsheet and I'll hang it on my fridge.