Maytag Food Storage Chart, EGGS, Foods, FRUIT, MEATS, Freezer, VEGETABLES, Refrigerator, Storage Tips, DAIRY PRODUCTS, POULTRY & FISH

Food Storage Chart (Storage times are approximate and may vary depending on type of packaging, storage temperature, and the quality of the food when purchased.)

Foods	Refrigerator	Freezer	Storage Tips
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Butter	1 month	6-9 months	Wrap tightly or cover.
Milk & cream	1 week	Not recommended	Check carton date. Close tightly. Don’t return unused portions to
			original container. Don’t freeze cream unless whipped.
Cream cheese, cheese spread	1-2 weeks	Not recommended	Wrap tightly.
& cheese food
Cottage cheese	3-5 days	Not recommended	Store in original carton. Check carton date.
Sour cream	10 days
Hard cheese (Swiss, Cheddar	1-2 months	4-6 months	Wrap tightly. Cut off any mold.
& Parmesan)		May become crumbly
EGGS
Eggs in the shell,	3 weeks	Not recommended	Refrigerate, small ends down.
Leftover yolks or whites	2-4 days	9-12 months	For each cup of yolks to be frozen, add 1 tsp. sugar for use in
			sweet dishes, or 1 tsp. salt for non-sweet dishes.
FRUIT
Apples	1 month	8 months (cooked)	May also store unripe or hard apples at 60-70°F.
Bananas	2-4 days	6 months (whole/peeled)	Ripen at room temperature before refrigerating. Bananas &
Pears, plums, avocados	3-4 days	Not recommended	avocados darken when refrigerated.
Berries, cherries, apricots	2-3 days	6 months
Grapes	3-5 days	1 month (whole)
Citrus fruits	1-2 weeks	Not recommended	May also store at 60-70°F. If refrigerated, store uncovered.
Pineapples, cut	2-3 days	6-12 months	Will not ripen after purchase. Use quickly.

VEGETABLES

Asparagus

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, green peas, lima beans, peppers

Cabbage, celery

Carrots, parsnips, beets & turnips

Lettuce

POULTRY & FISH

Chicken and turkey, whole Chicken and turkey, pieces Fish

1-2 days	8-10 months	Don’t wash before refrigerating. Store in crisper.
3-5 days	8-10 months	Wrap odorous foods. Leave peas in pods. Store in crisper.
1-2 weeks	10-12 months	Wrap odorous foods & refrigerate in crisper.
7-10 days	8-10 months	Remove tops. Wrap odorous foods & refrigerate in the crisper.
5-7 days	Not recommended	Store in crisper.
1-2 days	12 months	Keep in original packaging for refrigeration. When freezing
1-2 days	9 months	longer than 2 weeks, overwrap with freezer wrap.
1-2 days	2-6 months

MEATS

Bacon	7 days	1 month
Beef or lamb, ground	1-2 days	3-4 months
Beef or lamb, roast & steak	3-5 days	6-9 months
Ham, fully cooked, whole	7 days	1-2 months
half	5 days	1-2 months
slices	3 days	1-2 months
Luncheon meat	3-5 days	1-2 months
Pork, roast	3-5 days	4-6 months
Pork, chops	3-5 days	4 months
Sausage, ground	1-2 days	1-2 months
Sausage, smoked	7 days	1-2 months
Veal	3-5 days	4-6 months
Frankfurters	7 days	1 month

Fresh meats should be kept in original packaging for refrigeration. Place in the Meat and Cheese Drawer. When freezing longer than 2 weeks, overwrap with freezer wrap.

Unopened, vacuum-packed luncheon meat may be kept up to 2 weeks in the Meat and Cheese Drawer.

Processed meats should be tightly wrapped and stored in the Meat and Cheese Drawer.

Sources: United States Department of Agriculture; Food Marketing Institute; Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University

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