How to label expiry dates on homemade food jars?

Question

Learn a simple and effective system for labeling your homemade food jars. Proper dating helps you track freshness and reduce food waste.

Answer 1

Label homemade food jars with a 'Best By' date, typically 1 year from the production date for shelf-stable items, or the date the first ingredient expires, whichever comes first. Always include the date of production as well.

Detailed Explanation:

Determining the expiry date for homemade food jars involves considering several factors to ensure safety and quality. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify the Ingredients: List all ingredients used in the recipe. Note the expiry dates of each ingredient, especially those with shorter shelf lives.

2. Consider the Recipe: The type of food being preserved significantly impacts the shelf life. High-acid foods like jams and pickles generally last longer than low-acid foods. Properly canned goods have a longer shelf life than refrigerated items.

3. Determine the 'Best By' Date: For shelf-stable items, a general guideline is to use a 'Best By' date of 1 year from the production date. However, if any ingredient has an earlier expiry date, use that date instead. For refrigerated items, the 'Best By' date will be much shorter, often a few days to a few weeks, depending on the ingredients and preparation method.

4. Label the Jar: Clearly label each jar with the following information:

   • Date of Production: This is the date the food was made and jarred. Use a format like MM/DD/YYYY.

   • 'Best By' Date: This is the date by which the food is expected to be at its best quality. Use a format like MM/DD/YYYY.

   • Contents: Clearly state what the jar contains (e.g., 'Strawberry Jam,' 'Pickled Onions').

5. Storage Instructions: Include any specific storage instructions, such as 'Refrigerate After Opening' or 'Store in a Cool, Dark Place.'

Pro Tip:

Always visually inspect the contents of the jar before consumption. Look for signs of spoilage, such as mold, unusual odors, or bulging lids. If you notice any of these, discard the food, even if it's before the 'Best By' date. When in doubt, throw it out!