Showing posts with label out. Show all posts
Showing posts with label out. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Veggie Might HOW Old Is That Oatmeal When to Clean Out the Pantry
Written by the fabulous Leigh, Veggie Might is a weekly Thursday column about all things Vegetarian.
Last week, I came across an article in Slate, Ignore Expiration Dates, which claims that product dating is arbitrary and can largely be ignored. Since there are no food industry standards for “sell by,” “best by,” and “use by” dates, and because storage conditions will vary wildly, consumers are wise to use their judgment when deciding what to eat and what to toss.
Ignoring the “best by” date is something I do regularly. I tend to trust my nose and taste buds when deciding when food is past its prime, particularly with leftovers. It may seem reckless, but I seldom buy perishable food with such labels: never meat, occasionally dairy, and rarely eggs. Vegetables are pretty clear about letting you know when they’re done with you.
But what about the pantry? I have a bag of jasmine rice that’s been in my cupboard for at least a year. Is it time for us to part ways? How about that ancient package of texturized vegetable protein (TVP) nuggets? I can’t remember when I bought it or the last time I used it.
I mean, after a taste test of 28-year-old rolled oats, Brigham Young researchers determined that, if stored properly (sealed container, cool, dry place), dry goods and canned goods can last for years and years, taste be damned. Good news for emergency stockpilers and promising for my rice situation.
So what’s the skinny on pantry shelf life and storage? I jumped into my InterWebShip to see what I could find.
I was initially shocked at what I didn’t find: the FDA website has no recommendations for dry goods—at least not that I could find. Meat, eggs and dairy, and fruit and vegetables are covered, but grains, nuts, legumes, and spices are sadly neglected.
Fortunately, the usual culinary suspects (and one newbie) are chock full of great information:
(Photo courtesy of Flickr member Maksis.)
~~~
If you dug this article, you may dig:
Readmore...
Last week, I came across an article in Slate, Ignore Expiration Dates, which claims that product dating is arbitrary and can largely be ignored. Since there are no food industry standards for “sell by,” “best by,” and “use by” dates, and because storage conditions will vary wildly, consumers are wise to use their judgment when deciding what to eat and what to toss.
Ignoring the “best by” date is something I do regularly. I tend to trust my nose and taste buds when deciding when food is past its prime, particularly with leftovers. It may seem reckless, but I seldom buy perishable food with such labels: never meat, occasionally dairy, and rarely eggs. Vegetables are pretty clear about letting you know when they’re done with you.But what about the pantry? I have a bag of jasmine rice that’s been in my cupboard for at least a year. Is it time for us to part ways? How about that ancient package of texturized vegetable protein (TVP) nuggets? I can’t remember when I bought it or the last time I used it.
I mean, after a taste test of 28-year-old rolled oats, Brigham Young researchers determined that, if stored properly (sealed container, cool, dry place), dry goods and canned goods can last for years and years, taste be damned. Good news for emergency stockpilers and promising for my rice situation.
So what’s the skinny on pantry shelf life and storage? I jumped into my InterWebShip to see what I could find.
I was initially shocked at what I didn’t find: the FDA website has no recommendations for dry goods—at least not that I could find. Meat, eggs and dairy, and fruit and vegetables are covered, but grains, nuts, legumes, and spices are sadly neglected.
Fortunately, the usual culinary suspects (and one newbie) are chock full of great information:
- Shelf Life of Pantry Items from Slashfood provides a handy chart of basic dry goods and their life spans.
- The Kitchn deftly handles Condiments and Expiration Dates and Vinegar: Does It Have a Shelf Life?
- The grand dame herself, Martha Stewart, gives up a Kitchen Chart of baking staples.
- StillTasty kicks it with a comprehensive shelf life database. Just enter the food item that concerns you and get the life span and storage suggestions.
- Cool, dry location: vital. Pantry items should be kept between 60° and 70° F
- Air-tight containers: important. Storing food in jars and canisters with tight-fitting lids increase the mileage of your goods.
- Refrigeration/freezing: helpful. The oils in nuts and flours can turn rancid over time. Refrigeration stabilizes the oils and slows the aging process.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr member Maksis.)
~~~
If you dug this article, you may dig:
- 20 Cheap Healthy Dishes Made from 10 Pantry Staples
- Pantry of the Gods
- A Beginner’s Guide to Beans
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Watch out staying up late can make the added fat!
Watch out, staying up late can make the added fat! - For some people, staying up late is certainly not a stranger. Many people are willing awake until nighttime for a variety of reasons, ranging from overtime, studying, traveling, or because it likes to party. A study reveals that the habit of staying up late can promote weight loss because most people often snacking and eating junk food when staying up.
These results were found after researchers conducted observations of 225 adults. Participants who stayed up until four in the morning to consume 550 more calories. In addition, this study also revealed that people who slept only four hours (starting at four to eight in the morning) was gaining weight than participants who slept 10 hours every night.
Not only consume more calories, people who often stay up also tend to eat more fatty foods. In this research note men are more likely to gain weight than women.
In addition to finding the possibility of weight gain due to staying up late, these results also provide support for the importance of sufficient sleep for eight to 10 hours every day, as reported by the NY Daily News.
Separate research published earlier this year also found that sleeping for five hours each night during the weekdays with snacks is not good for weight loss. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado showed that participants gained weight rapidly during five days in such circumstances.
Readmore...
These results were found after researchers conducted observations of 225 adults. Participants who stayed up until four in the morning to consume 550 more calories. In addition, this study also revealed that people who slept only four hours (starting at four to eight in the morning) was gaining weight than participants who slept 10 hours every night.
Not only consume more calories, people who often stay up also tend to eat more fatty foods. In this research note men are more likely to gain weight than women.
In addition to finding the possibility of weight gain due to staying up late, these results also provide support for the importance of sufficient sleep for eight to 10 hours every day, as reported by the NY Daily News.
Separate research published earlier this year also found that sleeping for five hours each night during the weekdays with snacks is not good for weight loss. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado showed that participants gained weight rapidly during five days in such circumstances.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Sniffing Out a Low Blood Sugar
Researchers in Ireland and the UK are investigating whether dogs can detect a falling blood sugar in their diabetic owners. Anecdotal reports suggest they can.Dr. Deborah Wells from the School of Psychology at Queens University, Belfast (pictured), and Dr. Shaun Lawson from the University of Lincoln, UK, are looking for 100 type 1 diabetics to complete an online survey.
They are also seeking video footage of dogs reacting to their owners low blood sugar levels.
Anyone interested in partaking in the study may contact Dr. Deborah Wells at 028-9097-4386 or email d.wells@qub.ac.uk
Queens University press release:
Dogs Sniff Out Diabetes
BBC News summary:
Dogs To Sniff Out Owner Diabetes
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