Food storage - Keep it or throw it

[Bilgewater]

Food storage on a boat and expiration has always been a point of confusion for me and I quite often ending up throwing out good food just to be on the safe side. A good example and to my surprise; Refrigerated raw eggs in the shell are good for 3-5 weeks and hard boiled eggs in the shell last 1-2 weeks.

Here's a good website www.stilltasty.com that I use quite regularly and I thought others might find it useful. Here's an example of what is included for oysters under the "fish & shellfish" category, clicking the links will give you the shelf life and storage recommendations.

OYSTERS — FRESH, COOKED
OYSTERS — FRESH, SHUCKED
OYSTERS — FRESH, LIVE
OYSTERS — PURCHASED COMMERCIALLY FROZEN
OYSTERS, COMMERCIALLY CANNED (INCLUDING SMOKED VARIETIES) — OPENED
OYSTERS, COMMERCIALLY CANNED (INCLUDING SMOKED VARIETIES) — UNOPENED

[mitiempo]

I've had eggs kept cool with no other care last 6 weeks just by putting them in storage under the floorboards. When they're gone you'll be able to tell. This is in B.C.s cold water - the tropics would definitely be different.

[buckeyesailor]

MOST Excellent link www.stilltasty.com!....thanks!

[WanderingStar]

I've kept items months past expiration. If it's not moldy, stale, or rotten, I keep it. Regular whole wheat bread keeps a couple of months in the bag.

[Bilgewater]

Originally Posted by WanderingStar

I've kept items months past expiration. If it's not moldy, stale, or rotten, I keep it. Regular whole wheat bread keeps a couple of months in the bag.

I would do the same thing until last year. Although, I must say, bread won't last anywhere near that long out here in this extremely moist environment, particularly this time of year.

I guess I'm over or very cautious about foods these days. I just got over a lung infection that the doctors couldn't solve, this lasted over a year ending in early December. It was quite the ordeal and I wouln't wish it on anyone. In my own head, I think it was a fungus. I also think I got it from food on my boat but who knows for sure. In any case, I'm being extra careful what I eat now.

[Bilgewater]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

I've had eggs kept cool with no other care last 6 weeks just by putting them in storage under the floorboards. When they're gone you'll be able to tell. This is in B.C.s cold water - the tropics would definitely be different.

That's where I keep my wine and beer, I would need to cut down on alcohol consumption to fit eggs.

[WanderingStar]

The bread keeps well until you open the bag. Even after that I'm surprised how long it keeps. We're pretty humid here too, though I guess the NW is famous for rain.
It's dry here today, but frigid.