The chart below shows how long different food items can be stored under different conditions. When freezing food, most can be stored in the freezer longer than suggested below and still be safe to eat but the quality and texture of the food will be affected. Food items that are going to be stored for any period of time should be purchased before the "sell by" or "expiration" date.

Different foods require different preparation methods depending on how it will be stored. Some common preparation methods are shown in the chart below.

Storage Chart - Meats (Fresh) To Refrigerate - Meat should be stored tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out. Whenever possible, leave the meat wrapped in its original package. If it is necessary to rewrap, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. To Freeze - Remove the meat from the original package and rewrap tightly, using moisture proof heavyweight plastic wrap, foil, freezer bags, or freezer paper.
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Roasts, Beef & Pork	3 to 5 days	6 to 12 months
Steaks, Beef	3 to 5 days	6 to 12 months
Chops, Pork & Lamb	3 to 5 days	4 to 8 months
Ground & Stew Meat	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Sausage, Pork	1 to 2 days	1 to 2 months
Variety Meats	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Meat Substitute - Tofu	4 to 5 days	6 to 8 weeks

 

Storage Chart - Meats (Processed) To Refrigerate - Meat should be stored in its original package. Once it has been opened, it is necessary to rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It can also be placed in an airtight bag or container. To Freeze - Leave the meat in the original package and overwrap tightly, using moisture proof heavyweight plastic wrap, foil, freezer bags, or freezer paper.
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Ham, Whole	7 days	1 to 2 months
Ham, Half or Slices	3 to 5 days	1 to 2 months
Ham, Canned-Opened	3 to 5 days	1 to 2 months
Ham, Canned-Unopened	6 to 9 months
Bacon	7 days	1 to 2 months
Frankfurters-Opened	7 days	1 to 2 months
Frankfurters-Unopened	14 days	1 to 2 months
Luncheon Meats- Opened	3 to 5 days	1 to 2 months
Luncheon Meats- Unopened	14 days	1 to 2 months
Sausage, Smoked	7 days	1 to 2 months
Sausage, Semi-dry & Dry	2 to 3 weeks	1 to 2 months
Summer Sausage-Opened	3 weeks	1 to 2 months
Summer Sausage-Unopened	3 months
Pepperoni, Sliced	2 to 3 weeks
Corn Beef in Pickling Juice	5 to 7 days	1 month

 

Storage Chart - Meats (Cooked) To Refrigerate - When refrigerating meat that has been cooked by itself or in a dish with other ingredients, be sure it is stored in a well sealed container so that it does not absorb any odors. If the meat is not combined with other ingredients it can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. To Freeze - Prepare the meat or dish in the same manner as for refrigerating, but be sure you use a container or wrap that is freezer safe to protect the food properly.
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Casseroles, Meat & Gravy	3 to 4 days	2 to 3 months
Soups & Stews	3 to 4 days	2 to 3 months
Broth	1 to 2 days	2 to 3 months

 

Storage Chart - Poultry (Fresh) To Refrigerate - If the raw juices are leaking from the original package, it should be removed and the chicken placed in a bowl and covered with wax paper, foil or rewrapped tightly in plastic before placing in the refrigerator. The meat should be stored in the coldest section of the refrigerator. To Freeze - Remove it from the original package and rewrap tightly, using moisture proof heavyweight plastic wrap, foil, freezer bags, or freezer paper.
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Chicken & Turkey, Whole	1 to 2 days	1 year
Chicken & Turkey, Pieces	1 to 2 days	9 months
Ground Turkey	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Giblets	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Duck & Goose	1 to 2 days	6 months

 

Storage Chart - Poultry (Cooked) To Refrigerate - When refrigerating poultry meat that has been cooked by itself or in a dish with other ingredients, be sure it is stored in a well sealed container so that it does not absorb any odors. If the meat is not combined with other ingredients it can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. To Freeze - Prepare the poultry meat or dish in the same manner as for refrigerating, but be sure you use a container or wrap that is freezer safe to protect the food properly.
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Casseroles, Meat & Gravy	3 to 4 days	3 to 6 months
Pieces (without Broth)	3 to 4 days	2 to 4 months
Fried Chicken	3 to 4 days	3 to 4 months
Chicken Nuggets	1 to 2 days	1 to 3 months

 

Storage Chart - Fish and Shellfish To Refrigerate - Rinse the fish with cold salt water and pat dry with a paper towel. Wrap it with wax paper or plastic wrap and place it in a self sealing bag. Have a pan of ice ready and place the bag on the bed of ice. Place the pan of ice with the fish in the refrigerator. To Freeze - Clean the fish by rinsing with cold salt water. Place the fish in a double plastic bag or a milk carton and fill it with cold water. Be sure the fish is completely covered and seal the container. Place in the freezer.
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Steaks, fillets, & Shucked Seafood	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Seafood in the Shell	1 to 2 days	3 to 6 months
Cooked Fish	3 to 4 days	4 to 6 months
Smoked Fish	2 weeks	2 months

 

Storage Chart - Vegetables Storage times are refrigerated times unless otherwise indicated.
Food Item	Preparation Method	Refrigerator Storage
Commercially Frozen	Store in original package	1 year - In Freezer
Canned Vegetables (Opened)	Store in airtight container. Do not store in the opened can.	3 days
Artichokes	Sprinkle with a little water and place in an airtight plastic bag.	1 week
Asparagus	Do not wash asparagus before storing. Wash it just before using. To store, wrap in a paper towel and place in a plastic bag, or place upright in a jar or glass containing 1/2 inch of cold water.	3 to 5 days
Beans, Lima	Beans should be shelled and store in a perforated plastic bag.	3 to 6 days
Beans, Snap	Leave beans whole and unwashed. Store in a perforated plastic bag in warmest area of the refrigerator.	3 to 6 days
Beets	Leave roots and trim stems to 1 to 2 inches in length. Brush off dirt but do not wash. Allow to dry in shady area. Place in a plastic bag with a moist paper towel. Check weekly.	4 to 8 weeks
Broccoli	Store in a perforated plastic bag.	5 to 7 days
Brussel Sprouts	Trim damaged leaves and store in a perforated bag.	2 to 3 weeks
Cabbage	Remove any loose leaves from the outer surface and place the cabbage head in a plastic bag.	4 to 8 weeks
Carrots	Trim tops, leaving 1/2 to 1 inch in length and clean dirt from roots if necessary. Wrap them in a paper towel and place in a plastic bag or place in a perforated plastic bag.	1 to 3 months
Cauliflower	Do not wash. Place in a perforated plastic bag.	10 to 14 days
Celery	Wrap a damp paper towel around the celery and then wrap with aluminum foil.	3 to 4 weeks
Corn, Sweet	Store with husks on	3 days
Cucumber	Wrap with plastic wrap.	10 to 12 days
Endive	Wash leaves thoroughly, shake to remove excess moisture, and gather leaves together and tie. Place tied head in a plastic bag. Disgard outer leaves as they wilt but inner leaves will still be good and crisp.	2 to 3 weeks
Fennel	Store in a plastic bag.	6 or 7 days
Kale	Remove as much moisture as possible by blotting with a paper towel. Store in a loosely sealed or perforated plastic bag.	7 to 10 days
Kohlrabi	Trim roots and stems and place in a loosely sealed or perforated plastic bag.	2 to3 weeks
Leeks	Remove excess moisture by blotting with a paper towel. Place in a plastic bag or wrap with plastic.	1 to 2 weeks
Lettuce, head	Do not wash before using. Remove the core and outside damaged leaves. Wrap with a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag.	10 to 12 days
Lettuce, leaf	Wash leaves and dry in a salad spinner or by shaking off excess water. Layer leaves between paper towels and place in a plastic bag.	10 to 12 days
Mushrooms	Place in a single layer on a shallow tray or plate. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel or place them in a paper bag, leaving the bag open.	2 to 3 days
Okra	Store in a plastic bag and place in the warmest area of the refrigerator.	5 to 7 days
Onions	Be sure onions are dry and then store in a mesh bag or a basket. Storage area must have good air circulation.	1 to 3 months (refrigerate or cool, dry area)
Parsnips	Be sure leaves have been trimmed and store parsnips in a perforated plastic bag.	1 to 2 months
Peas	Store unshelled peas in a perforated plastic bag. Shelled peas can be stored in a regular plastic bag.	5 to 6 days
Peppers	Do not wash. Wrap in a paper towel or place in a paper bag. Do no use a plastic bag. Store in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.	1 to 2 weeks
Potatoes, Sweet	Place in a well ventilated box or basket and store in a cool (55° to 60° F), moist area with good ventilation. Do not refrigerate. If potatoes are harvested from your garden, they must be cured by setting in a warm, dark place for about one week before storing them. This will help toughen the skins and sweeten the potato.	2 to 4 months (do not refrigerate)
Potatoes, White	Place in a well ventilated box or basket and store in a dark, cool (around 40°F works best), moist area with good ventilation. Do not refrigerate and do not store in plastic bags. If potatoes are harvested from your garden, they must be cured by setting in a warm, dark place for about one week before storing them. This will help toughen the skins and store longer.	2 to 4 months (do not refrigerate)
Radishes	Trim off leaves and place in a loosely sealed or perforated plastic bag. Wash radishes and trim roots just before using.	2 to 3 weeks
Spinach	Remove damaged leaves, wash thoroughly with cold water and drain well. Using a salad spinner also works well to dry. Wrap with paper towels and store in a plastic bag.	2 to 3 days
Squash, Summer	Store in a perforated plastic bag. Do not wash until ready to use.	1 week
Squash, Winter	Store, whole, in a cool, dry place. Do not wash until ready to use. If cut, store wrapped in plastic and refrigerate for up to 1 week. If whole squash is properly cured in the sun (at 70° to 80° F) for 10 days, it will extend storage time.	2 to 3 months (do not refrigerate)
Swiss Chard	Store unwashed in a open or perforated plastic bag. If leaves are damp, pat dry with a paper towel before placing in the plastic bag.	2 to 4 days
Tomatoes, Ripe	Store with stems down at room temperature.	5 to 7 days (do not refrigerate)
Tomatoes, Green	Wrap individually in newspaper and store with stems down at room temperature. Can also be placed in a deep box in 1 or 2 layers, unwrapped. Allow for adaquate air circulation. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 50° F. Check weekly for ripeness.	2 to 5 weeks (do not refrigerate)
Turnips	Leave unwashed and trim leaves off. Store in a perforated bag.	1 to 3 weeks

 

Storage Chart - Fruit Storage times are refrigerated times unless otherwise indicated.
Food Item	Preparation Method	Refrigerator Storage
Commerically Frozen (Unopened)	Store in original package.	1 year - In Freezer
Canned Fruits (Opened)	Store in airtight container. Do not store in the opened can.	3 days
Apples	For best results, place apples in a perforated plastic bag, sprinkle with water and store in the coldest area of the refrigerator. Keep apples away from other fruits and vegetables because they give off a gas called ethylene that speeds up ripening.	1 to 2 months
Avocados	Store unripened avocados at room temperature. When the fruit feels slightly soft, it is ripe. Ripe avocados can the be stored in the refrigerator.	2 to3 days (after ripened)
Bananas	It is best to store bananas at room temperature. They can be refrigerated without damageing the fruit but refrigeration will turn the skins black.	2 to3 days (after ripened)
Berries	Do not wash. Refrigerate as soon as possible after picking. Spread out in a thin layer on a tray or plate. Do not cover and place in the refrigerator. Wash gently just before using.	2 to 3 days
Cranberries	Place in an airtight bag or keep in their original package. Clean just before use.	3 to 4 weeks
Grapefruit	Can be stored at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if stored in the refrigerator.	2 to 3 weeks
Grapes	Store in a perforated bag or in a bowl. Extend storage time by placing in a sealed bag and keep in the salad crisper drawer of the refrigerator.	1 to 2 weeks
Kiwi Fruit	Place ripe fruit in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Can store at room temperature for 2 to 3 days	6 to 8 days
Lemons	Can be stored at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if stored uncovered in the refrigerator. Keep fruit from touching each other.	2 to 5 weeks
Limes	Place in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator.	1 to 3 weeks
Melons	Ripen at room temperature and then refrigerate. Wrap with plastic or place in a plastic bag to keep its smell from affecting other foods stored in the refrigerator.	6 to 8 days
Oranges	Can be stored at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if stored in the refrigerator. Place in a plastic bag and refrigerate.	2 to 3 weeks
Peaches	Ripen at room temperature. To speed ripening, place in a loosely closed paper bag. They are ripe when they yield to slight pressure and have a sweet smell. Refrigerate when ripe.	2 to 3 days
Pears	Ripen at room temperature and then store in coldest part of the refrigerator.	10 to 14 days
Pineapple	Store at room temperature for 1 to 2 days and then refrigerate.	3 to 5 days
Plums	Store in the refrigerator	2 to 3 days
Rhubarb	Cut leaves from stalks and store in a plastic bag or wrapped in plastic.	1 to 2 weeks
Tangerines	Store in the refrigerator.	1 week
Watermelon	Uncut watermelon can be stored at room temperature for a few days but cut sections should be wrapped with plastic wrap and refrigerated as soon as possible.	6 to 8 days

 

Storage Chart - Convenience Foods Convenience foods are prepared foods ready to cook or ready to eat without further preparation.
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Prepared Salads (Store Prepared or Homemade)	3 to 5 days	Do Not Freeze
Deli Stuffed Chicken Breasts or Chops	1 days	Do Not Freeze
Deli Cooked Meats	3 to 4 days	Do Not Freeze
Frozen Dinners	Keep Frozen	3 to 4 months
Vacuum-Packed Dinners (with USDA seal)	2 weeks	Do Not Freeze

 

Storage Chart - Canned and Bottled The storage times below are the length of time the foods should be stored after they have been opened.
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Baby Food	1 to 2 days	Do Not Freeze
Fish or Seafood, (such as tuna and salmon)	2 to 3 days	Do Not Freeze
Meat	2 days	Do Not Freeze
Gravy or Broth	2 days	Do Not Freeze
Mayonaise - Commercially Prepared	2 months	Do Not Freeze
Salad Dressings	3 months	Do Not Freeze
Ketchup, Mustard, Pickles, & Relishes	4 to 6 months	Do Not Freeze

 

Storage Chart - Dairy and Eggs
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Butter & Margarine	2 to 3 months	6 to 8 months
Cheese, Fresh	1 to 2 days	Do Not Freeze
Cheese, Soft	3 to 4 days	1 month
Cheese, Hard or Semi-hard	2 to 3 weeks	3 to 6 months
Cheese Spread & Dips	1 to 2 weeks	1 month
Milk & Cream	1 week	3 weeks
Ice Cream	Do not Refrigerate	1 to 2 months
Whipped Topping (Non-Dairy) - Carton	10 to 14 days	1 year
Yogurt	1 week	5 to 6 weeks
Eggs in the Shell	4 to 5 weeks	Do Not Freeze
Eggs, Raw Whites	2 to 4 days	6 to 9 months
Eggs, Raw Yolks	2 to 4 days	3 to 6 months
Eggs, Hard Boiled	1 week	Do Not Freeze
Egg Dish, Cooked	3 to 4 days	Do Not Freeze

 

Storage Chart - Baked Goods To Refrigerate - Baked goods should be stored tightly wrapped to prevent them from drying out. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or in self sealing plastic bags. To Freeze - Freeze baked goods while they are as fresh as possible. Wrap tightly, using moisture proof heavyweight plastic wrap, foil, or freezer bags.
Food Item	Refrigerator Storage	Freezer Storage
Bread	1 week	3 months
Cakes, with Cream Filled, Whipped Topping, or Cream Cheese Frosting	4 to 5 days	3 months
Pies, Custard	2 to 3 days	Do Not Freeze
Pies, Fruit	3 to 4 days	6 to 8 months
Cookie Dough	4 to 5 days	2 to 3 months
Cookies, Baked	1 week (Room Temperature)	3 months
Cookies, Containing Cream Cheese or Cream Frosting	3 to 5 days	3 months

 

Storage Chart - Pantry Items To Store on the Shelf - All items need to be stored in an airtight container. If the items have not been opened, they can be stored in their original contaners, otherwise a clear, clean container with a airtight cover should be used. A clear container will allow you to see what the container contains. Pantry items should be stored in a dry enviornment, away from direct sunlight. Storage times below are for whether the item is unopened or opened. If there is a difference between unopened and opend, it is indicated.
Food Item	Shelf Storage
Baking Powder	18 months - unopened 6 months - opened
Baking Soda	2 years - unopened 6 months - opened
Biscuit Mix	12 to 18 months
Bread	3 to 5 days
Bread Crumbs	6 months
Brownie Mix	1 year
Cake Mixes	1 year
Candy - Commerically Made	1 year
Canned Fruit and Vegetables	1 year
Cereal	6 to 12 months - unopened 2 to 3 months - opened
Chili Powder	2 years
Chocolate, Semi-sweet	1 to 2 years
Chocolate, Syrup	2 years Refrigerate after opening
Chocolate, Unsweetened	18 months
Cocoa	Indefinitely - unopened 1 year - opened
Coconut	1 year - unopened
Coffee, Ground	2 years - unopened 2 weeks - opened
Coffee, Instant	1 year - unopened 2 weeks - opened
Coffee Creamer, Powder	6 months
Cornmeal	1 year
Cornstarch	18 months
Crackers	6 months
Extracts	6 months
Fish, Canned	12 to 18 months
Flour	6 to 8 months
Formula (Infant)	12 to 18 months - unopened 2 weeks - opened
Gelatin / Pudding	12 to 18 months
Herbs & Spices	6 to 12 months
Honey	1 year
Jams, Jellies, Preserves	1 Year - unopened 6 months - opened (refrigerated)
Juice, Canned-Citrus	6 months
Juice, Canned-Noncitrus	1 year
Marshmallow Creme	4 months
Marshmallows	3 months
Mayonnaise, commercial	4 months - unopened, on shelf 2 months - opened, refrigerated
Meats & Poultry, Canned	12 to 18 months
Milk, Canned	1 year
Milk, Nonfat Dry	6 months
Molasses	1 year - unopened 6 months - opened
Nuts	8 months
Olives	1 year
Pancake Mixes	6 months
Paprika	8 months
Pasta / Noodles, Dried	2 years
Peanut Butter	6 to 9 months
Peppers, Canned or Pickled	1 year
Pickles	1 year
Popcorn, Unpopped	1 to 2 years
Potatoes, Instant	18 months
Rice, White	2 years
Salad Dressing	10 months - unopened 3 months - opened, refrigerated
Salt	Store Indefinitely
Sauces, Condiments, Relishes	1 year - unopened
Shortening	8 months - unopened 6 months - opened
Sodas	3 months - unopened
Stuffing Mix	6 months
Sugar, Brown	4 months
Sugar, Confectioners	18 months
Sugar, Granulated	2 years
Sugar, Substitutes	2 to 3 years
Syrups	1 year
Tea, Bags	18 months
Tea, Instant	3 years
Tea, Loose	2 years
Tomato Sauce or Paste	12 to 18 months
Vinegar - Do not store in a metal container. Store in its original container or in a glass container.	Store Indefinitely