10 Items in Your Fridge You Should Throw Away Right Now
3. Condiments
This one is tricky. You can extend the shelf life of some condiments significantly by keeping them in the fridge, so you don’t have to buy more. But at the start of a new year, it’s best to check expiration dates and be honest with yourself. How old is that ketchup? Is the crust on that mustard old enough to vote? Check your hot sauce while you’re at it, too.
4. Jam or Jelly
It may seem like certain jam jars are good forever but at the end of the year, it’s always good to check. High levels of sugar or acid with cooler temps can extend the life of jelly but not if they’ve been introduced to other things (like peanut butter) that can accelerate bacterial growth. Unopened jars last for up to a year in a cool pantry but it’s best to discard open jars in the fridge after 6 months.
5. Open Broth Cartons
Now that the last bit of pan drippings has been turned into gravy, it’s time to let that open container of vegetable or chicken broth go. Because most containers are opaque, it can be hard to tell whether that liquid has turned. Instead of leaving it in the container to slowly degrade, try freezing leftovers in an ice cube tray for perfectly portioned broth cubes for later. Future you will be grateful.
6. Soft Cheeses
This one might seem obvious, but how many times have you looked at a wrapped cream cheese package and decided to leave it a bit longer? Soft cheeses, especially, have a short shelf life of about 1 to 2 weeks after purchase, so say bye to that half-eaten Brie from your gathering last weekend.
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