Dried goods, out of date, ok to use or not...

Smiley_Mum

I have had a clearout of my cupboards and have a lot of dried goods. Mainly pulses, beans, broth mixes etc and some are a good bit out of date. Should I chuck them out or would they still be ok to use. Have a bag of raisins and two bags of dessicated coconut too which are out since June this year, would they be ok or should I chuck them. They look ok, the bags are unopened. Info appreciated, thanks.

Pink.

Hi smiley_mum,

Personally I'd use them, especially if the packets are still unopened. Depending on the food and how out of date they are, the taste might be be impaired a little bit, but with dried pulses and mixes I think they'll be absolutely fine.

These older threads might help you to decide:

Old currants - safe to use?

shame on me! all out of date

Out of date cans and packets

Pink

Smiley_Mum

Thanks for the quick response and the links. I've been studying Gingham Ribbon's vegetarian meal planner too and there are plenty ideas on there for me to use up the beans, lentils etc etc. Cheers. :T

wendym

I think the only 'problem' with the dried pulses will be that the older they are, the longer they take to cook, so add a bit extra to the boiling time.

I'm about to venture into the further reaches of my pantry, which I love, but it does encourage me to stash and then forget.

Smiley_Mum

I just made macaroni cheese, using the lentils as a sauce. Cooked them up, drained and then blitzed them in the F/P with some dried mustard and a pile of cheese, chuck in the pasta and it was very tasty. Less calories etc/fat than making up the sauce with milk and butter and handy if you don't have a lot of milk/butter left.

pudding06

Hi all,
I'm so glad I come on MSe and particulrly the OS boards. I too have stacks of out of date stuff in my cupboards. I was going to chuck it when I got round to clearing them out but now I think I'll open dried stuff and do a sniff test. I've lots of pulses too, so I'll check them.

I do think we tend to get hung up on sell by and use by dates, though and it does help firms to sell more - judging by the amount of waste that happens.

thnks again
pudds

furndire

If raisins, sultanas etc look a bit wizened, pour hot water on them, and leave for 10 - 15 mins - they plump up really nicely. Works with nuts as well - a lot easier to eat. I realised this after eating remains of a chinese meal with cashew nuts - they were much nicer the day after because they had been left in the sauce.

Smiley_Mum

There's plenty of recipes on Gingham Ribbon's vegetarian meal planner thread to use up your dried pulses/beans etc.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=257885