Remember these 11 handy tips to never eat spoiled food, mothers!

Eating is an essential human need. To have a delicious and safe meal, choosing fresh ingredients is crucial. However, our naked eyes sometimes cannot determine this. Here are some simple tips to help you test the freshness of these 11 common foods.

1. Fresh Milk

There’s an interesting thing about unopened milk containers; the expiration date is usually 1 week after the printed date on the package. However, that only applies if you store the milk properly.

If you accidentally open the milk container but don’t finish it, you should keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature of around 4°C. Note that it should be stored inside the refrigerator, not on the refrigerator door.

2. Condiments

– For unopened tomato sauce, the expiration date is usually 1 year. Once opened, it can last for only 1 month if refrigerated.

– For mayonnaise, if unopened, it can last for 4 months, and 3 months if opened and refrigerated.

– For soy sauce, if you’ve opened the bottle, it can last for 3 years, and if unopened, it can last indefinitely.

– For mustard, if unopened, it can last for about 2 years, and once opened, it can last for only 1 year.

However, even if it hasn’t reached the expiration date, if you notice any changes in taste, texture, or color of the condiments, don’t hesitate to throw them away.

3. Watermelon

If you’re not a seasoned watermelon consumer, it can be challenging to choose a good one because they all look similar on the outside. However, once you’ve bought a watermelon, there are a few tricks to know if it’s still fresh:

– If you can easily separate the seeds from the flesh, it means the watermelon is no longer good.

– If the flesh looks dull or mushy, it’s a sure sign that the watermelon is old. Remember that even though they may all look similar on the outside, the inside should always have a deep pink or red color. Any change or pale color indicates an old watermelon.

– The watermelon should have a fresh smell and taste sweet and refreshing when eaten.

4. Beef

You can keep beef in the refrigerator for 2 days or in the freezer for a few months. However, if you notice any signs like changes in color, sliminess, or strange odor, you should discard it.

5. Smoked Meat

Smoked meat can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 weeks if unopened and stored correctly. However, if the meat turns green, slimy, or develops a strange smell, don’t hesitate to throw it away immediately.

6. Eggs

Eggs can be kept for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator and 1 year in the freezer. However, if you’re unsure if an egg is still good, there’s a simple test you can do. Fill a glass with water and place the egg into it. If the egg sinks, it is still good to use. If it floats, it has gone bad.

7. Almonds

With almonds, if you keep them in a sealed container, they can last for 2-4 weeks after opening. To have them last longer, you should store them in a cool, dark place (you can place them in the refrigerator). If you store almonds in the refrigerator, they can last up to 1 year.

However, if you notice any black spots on the skin, you should discard them immediately.

8. Olive Oil

The expiration date for olive oil is usually 1-2 years. However, olive oil can be easily spoiled if it’s exposed to heat or direct light. The best place to store olive oil is in the refrigerator. If you see the oil becoming cloudy when taken out of the refrigerator, don’t worry, as it’s due to the oil solidifying. Once it’s heated, the oil will become clear again.

9. Yogurt

The maximum shelf life of unopened yogurt is usually 1 week in the refrigerator, and only 5 days if it’s opened. However, whether unopened or opened, if the yogurt changes color or shows signs of mold, you should discard it immediately.

10. Salmon

If kept in the refrigerator, salmon can stay fresh for 2 days, and 2-3 months if kept in the freezer. Any fish, not just salmon, should be stored in the refrigerator. If you notice any signs like a strange smell, sliminess, or being too mushy, you should discard the fish.