Most people store salsa in jars in the refrigerator. But, if your fridge is short on real estate, you can just leave it out, even after it is opened. Canned salsa jars are often packed with preservative ingredients like vinegar, citrus acid, and salt, which keep them safer for longer.
But if you serve it, just make sure that dipping into the salsa is done with a spoon. Otherwise, pour some salsa out into a bowl to serve in order to keep the original jar clean and free of leftover nachos. Food remnants inside jarred salsa will cause it to go bad very soon.
Keep Your Carrots Their Crispest
Pulling fresh carrots from the garden or purchasing a freshly picked bunch at the farmer’s market is an experience of culinary joy. They’re sweet, crisp, and full of beta-carotene and that pop of green makes them look super fresh. To keep them this way, one should avoid putting carrots in the refrigerator.
If you are not able to gobble them up before they wilt, you can best store them in the fridge by following these steps: Wash thoroughly, chop in large chunks, and cover with water. The carrots will stay crispy and submerged in a container filled with water. Some claim they will last weeks stored this way.
Keeping Basil Fresh is Easy
Fresh basil is a game-changer in many recipes; there’s nothing like it. But storing it in the refrigerator makes it limp and flavorless. To increase the shelf life of basil, place it in a jar or a pretty vase on the windowsill. It will last many times longer than in the fridge and may also begin to sprout.
Then, you can plant baby basil plants and never run out of sweet and supple herbs. If you have way too much, a good way of preserving basil is to make it into pesto sauce. It’s a simple recipe of pureed basil, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan, and it lasts in the fridge for weeks.
Mustard Has a Long Shelf Life
If you're an avid mustard fan, you'll probably know you can keep your jar or bottle in the pantry or on the table. It is filled with natural preservatives and will not spoil while sitting out. A jar of mustard can last up to two to three years beyond its expiration date.
Not only is mustard preserved with vinegar, but it also contains no sugar and no fat, making it a great condiment to have on hand. Storing it in the fridge does increase its shelf life. However, if you like a honey and mustard version, then you should probably keep it in the fridge.
Keep Your Dried Spices Dry
Storing dried herbs and spices in the refrigerator is not a great idea. The cold, damp air of the fridge is only going to cause mold to grow. Taking the spices in and out of the fridge for use shortens the shelf life by putting extra stress on the leaves.
Light, moisture, and air are natural enemies of dry leaves and spices. However, some seeds like poppy or sesame can be stored in the fridge, and may even prefer it. Red powder spices like cayenne and paprika also do better in the fridge, which helps them hold onto their vibrant colors.