Some foods, such as honey, dried beans, and dark chocolate, are still edible and fresh after a long time.
Archaeologists found honey that is 3,000 years old but still edible when excavating tombs in Egypt in 2015, according to Science Alert. Honey lasts so long because it’s low in water and high in sugar, so bacteria can’t grow. Honey also contains a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which inhibits microbial growth. (Photo: Good Ground).
Just like honey, dried beans are low in water and high in sugar. Therefore, bacteria and mold cannot grow easily. If we store beans in an airtight container, they will last for many years and still contain a large amount of protein. (Image: Wikimedia).
Soy sauce has a shelf life of at least 3 years due to a combination of its high salt content and natural fermentation. The maximum storage time depends on the type of soy sauce and the storage temperature. If the soy sauce has an unpleasant odor, it is most likely caused by mold growth around the lid. (Photo: Epicurious).
Some people may assume that vinegar is actually spoiled wine or cider. However, the acidity of vinegar is created by using Acetobacter bacteria for fermentation. Other types of bacteria cannot grow in an acidic environment, so the shelf life of vinegar is very long. (Image: Wikimedia).
White rice stored for 30 years in a tin can still be eaten, the key is in the atmosphere and temperature. Studies show that a low storage temperature (about 3 degrees Celsius) and an oxygen-deficient environment are very important factors for the “lifetime” of rice. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life, because the fibrous bran contains unsaturated fats that cause rancidity. If you find the brown rice is oily and smells like old paint, it’s best to throw it away. (Photo: Recafo).
The addition of milk to chocolate can reduce the shelf life of this dish. If not kept at a constant temperature, the fat in the chocolate will float to the surface forming a mold-like film. But if kept at a constant temperature, chocolate can last for 2 years or more without losing nutrients. (Photo: Fitday).
If the salt and sugar are stored in a sealed moisture-proof container, you can use them indefinitely. But if salt has added additives, such as iodine, the life of the salt will be reduced to about 5 years. (Image: Wikimedia).
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