Horseradish comes in two different forms: prepared in a bottle or as the whole root. If yours has been sitting in the fridge for a while you may be wondering: does horseradish go bad?

Quick Answer

Yes, horseradish can go bad. Horseradish root will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks outside the fridge. If kept in the fridge, it will last up to 3 months. Horseradish root can also be frozen, keeping it fresh for up to a year. Jarred or canned horseradish sauce will last 6-8 months. Once opened, canned horseradish will last about 5 months. read more

Nutmeg is a spice commonly used in the fall season. It can go in beverages, desserts, and some dinner dishes. If you use nutmeg rarely, you may be wondering: does nutmeg go bad?

Quick Answer

Nutmeg does go bad. If kept properly maintained, whole nutmeg can last 4-5 years and ground nutmeg will last 2-3 years. Proper storage includes keeping the spice in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.

Keep nutmeg out of direct sunlight, and ensure it does not come in contact with water. When nutmeg loses its flavor or smell, it has gone bad. read more

Shallots are root vegetables that can grow to produce numerous bulbs at the time of harvest. They are enjoyed by many and used in many different dishes. Do they ever go bad? Let’s explore this topic together.

Quick Answer

Like all fruits and vegetables, shallots will eventually go bad. When stored at room temperature, shallots can last for about a month, as long as the environment is relatively dry and cool. Storing shallots in the refrigerator can help keep them looking fresh for up to 2 months unless they are peeled or diced. Doing these will shorten the shelf life by a couple of weeks. If you store your shallots in the freezer, they can last for about 3 months, permitted your store them whole. Peeled or diced shallots will be preserved for between 15 days if diced, to 2 months if peeled. read more

Margarine is made from a variety of oils and water. It makes for a great butter substitute, but does it ever go bad? Keep reading to find out.

Quick Answer

Margarine will go bad over time. If left on the countertop, margarine will last between 2-3 days. If stored in the refrigerator, it can last for about 2 months once opened. If left unopened, margarine can last for up to 5 months. If you store margarine in the freezer, it can last for up to 8 months. Margarine can be stored in its original container, tin foil or cling wrap. read more

The ripe ruby color of a container of cherries is what catches the eye and the plump taught skin is what urges the purchase. Once home, you wonder how long do these last or should I leave them out or refrigerate them? Can these be frozen?

Quick Answer

Cherries are picked and put out on the market at their peak. Cherries can be enjoyed for up to 7 days if housed in the fridge and 2-3 days if left out on the counter. Freeze your cherries to get the most life out of them. These should be consumed within 12 months; the texture of the skin will likely be altered. Though, this isn’t an issue as they can still be used in a merit of recipes. read more

Vanilla beans and its seeds are used to spice sauces, ice creams, drinks, and desserts. Vanilla beans provide real vanilla depth and flavor to many recipes. Often times, this spice is purchased in a jar in bulk quantities. Over time the bean’s aroma is lost and will spoil if not used within an allotted time.

Quick Answer

Vanilla beans can last up to two years or longer if the whole spices are stored properly.  Keep vanilla beans in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place like the kitchen cabinet. read more

Have you used a bottle of oyster sauce for a meal then you open the fridge and realize you cannot remember the date you bought it? The question that comes to mind is does this sauce go bad?

Quick Answer

Oyster sauce darkens and its flavor grows stronger over time. If it’s too strong a flavor, then it can be trashed. It is not bad at this point, this would be a preference. Though, if you notice white or green fuzz upon looking in the bottle or there is an off smell or there is water separation, then it is absolutely time to throw the bottle away. read more

Saffron is a delicate reddish spice. It tastes like notes of aromatic honey, vanilla, and floral flavors. As it is handpicked, it is known as one of the most expensive spices in the world. At that price point, you might be wondering if saffron spoils, can it be frozen to elongate its shelf life, and how to properly store saffron to ensure quality.

Quick Answer

The orange threads of this spice do not necessarily spoil, instead the potency is lost over time. If stored properly this spice can maintain flavor for up to 2 years. Saffron is best if stored in cool and dark place while avoiding constant air exposure. Freezing this spice will add a year to its two-year shelf life, if delicately stored. read more

Grits are a thick and smooth porridge made from cornmeal meal popular in the American South. But do grits go bad?

Quick Answer

Grits go bad depending on how they’re made as microwave grits can last two to five years past the expiration date. Stone grits can last a year past the expiration date and grits that have been prepared can last two to five days. When grits go bad, they get moldy, have an off smell, and they won’t taste normal.

But why do they go bad? What happens if you eat bad grits? Where is the best place to put grits? Answers to those questions and more shall be revealed below. read more

As the sweetener depriving from the agave plant Agave nectar, or more accurately, agave syrup used as a substitute for honey. As sweet as it is, you might wonder, does agave nectar go bad?

Quick Answer

For the most part, agave nectar doesn’t go bad as quickly as the best-by date implies as it has an indefinite shelf-life. Even if it’s been opened, it can last for dozens of years before it goes bad. If it succumbs to time after the years go by, it will suffer from mold, a bad taste, a change in color, and a bad smell. read more