Can I freeze food to extend its life?

Yes! Freezing stops bacterial growth and can extend food life from days to months. Most foods can be frozen, though some lose texture quality (lettuce, cucumbers, eggs in shell). For best results, freeze before the fridge expiration date.

What does 'use by' vs 'best before' mean?

Use By: Safety date - do not consume after this date, especially for perishables. Best Before: Quality date - food is safe but may lose flavor/texture after this date. Sell By: Retailer inventory control - not a safety indicator for consumers.

Food Storage FAQs | Does It Last?

Q: What about vacuum-sealed foods?

The times shown apply to foods AFTER opening the package. Unopened vacuum-sealed foods should follow the package expiration date. Vacuum-sealed products last 3-5x longer than shown times when unopened. Once opened, normal storage times apply.

Q: How long do complex dishes last (paella, lasagna, stews)?

Multi-ingredient dishes last as long as the MOST DELICATE ingredient. If your dish contains raw chicken (1-2 days), cooked rice (3-4 days), and vegetables (3-5 days), the dish lasts 1-2 days maximum due to the chicken.

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Why do storage times vary?

Storage times are approximations based on optimal conditions. Actual duration depends on:

• Fridge/freezer temperature (fridge: 4°C or below, freezer: -18°C or below)
• Home climate and humidity
• Initial food freshness at time of purchase
• Storage conditions (airtight containers, separation of raw/cooked)

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What about vacuum-sealed foods?

The times shown on this website apply to foods AFTER opening the package:

• Unopened vacuum-sealed: check package expiration date
• Vacuum-sealed products last 3-5x longer than shown times when unopened
• Once opened: normal storage times apply

💡 Tip: If you buy vacuum-sealed ham showing '10 days after opening', that's the time AFTER you open it, not the total shelf life.

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How long do complex dishes last (paella, lasagna, stews)?

Multi-ingredient dishes last as long as the MOST DELICATE ingredient:

⚡ Quick Rule:

With seafood/fish → 2 days maximum
With ground meat → 3 days maximum
With chicken/meat → 3-4 days maximum
Vegetables only → 4-5 days maximum
With dairy (cream, fresh cheese) → 3 days maximum

📋 Real examples:

Seafood Paella → 2 days

Chicken Paella → 3 days

Veggie Paella → 4 days

Lasagna (meat) → 3-4 days

Veggie Curry → 4-5 days

Beef Stew → 3-4 days

💡 When in doubt: use the storage time of the ingredient that expires fastest.

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How do I know if my fridge is at the right temperature?

• Refrigerator: 4°C (40°F) or below
• Freezer: -18°C (0°F) or below
• Buy an inexpensive fridge thermometer (€5-10)
• Place in middle shelf for accurate reading

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Can I freeze any food?

Most foods can be frozen, but some lose quality:

✅ Freeze well:

Meat, poultry, fish
Cooked dishes
Bread, cookies
Fruits (for smoothies)

❌ Don't freeze:

Lettuce, cucumber (high water)
Raw eggs in shell
Mayonnaise (separates)
Cream cheese (for spreading)

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What if food smells weird but has no mold?

Trust your senses. Bad smell = bacteria growth.

🛑 Golden Rule:

'When in doubt, throw it out'

Signs food is bad:

Bad smell (sour, rotten, ammonia)
Slimy or sticky texture
Unusual color
Mold (even small spots)

Frequently asked questions