Almost every kitchen pantry contains basic baking essentials, but we often overlook the expiry rules of those items. You need to know how long they remain fresh and how to store them for better use. Here’s how to prolong the shelf lives of different baking ingredients.

Flour

Generally, all-purpose white flour is considered a non-perishable ingredient. But, if not stored properly, flour only stays fresh for just three months. So, always transfer your store-bought flour to an airtight container or a storage container to extend its expiry date for two years. Alternative types like almond or oat flour spoil faster than white ones but when stored in an airtight container, can stay fresh for up to one year.

Sugar

Granulated white sugar has an almost unlimited shelf life, especially if stored in a dark, dry place. It acts as a preservative by itself and keeps foods like peanut butter, jelly, etc. good for a long time. But brown sugar acts differently when exposed to air and tends to get hardened. So, it’s better to store it in an airtight container and to use it within two years to get maximum flavor and freshness. The same rule goes for powdered or confectioners’ sugar too.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is not just a baking staple but also has a range of uses in your household. But unfortunately, this highly useful life hack ingredient has a shorter shelf life. An opened box of baking soda can last for only six months. To keep it fresh for a bit longer, store it in a sealed container in a dry cabinet in your pantry.

Salt

Salt comes in many different variations. While the kitchen staple regular salt can last for a lifetime, flavored or iodized salt can go bad faster due to the other ingredients mixed within it. Though most types of salt can last for a long time, it’s a better idea to go for a dry container or wooden salt cellar to keep it fresh and healthy for a longer period of time.

Vanilla Extract

A few drops of vanilla extract can take any dessert recipe up a notch and it generally has an unlimited shelf life. A bottle of vanilla extract can last for years when stored in a dry, cool, dark place. But it’s better to smell it every time before using it. If that regular sweet scent is absent, it’s time to replace it with a new bottle.

Cornstarch

It is another baking pantry staple that can last for a long time. But still, cornstarch can get a funky odor, discolored, or sour taste, and then it’s best to chuck it in the trash. You’ll need proper storage with minimal exposure to light and moisture to keep it staying fresher for longer.

The 40th wedding anniversary is a monumental milestone in your life. A thoughtful gift is the best way to honor and celebrate that journey. Here are a few awesome gift ideas for you to give something special to your significant other on that special day.

Red Roses

When it comes to expressing love, you can never go wrong with red roses. A classic anniversary present, a beautiful bouquet of ruby-red roses can say it all on your special day while adding a touch of glamor to the celebration. Upscale florists are coming up with forever roses or eternal roses, a specially preserved type for freshness. What better message of undying and evergreen love to your life partner?

Sundial

This is a unique gift to present to your loving spouse on your 40th anniversary. Traditionally, sundials were used to measure the passing of time throughout one day. So, an anniversary sundial gift can speak volumes about how much you treasure the time and moments you have passed together, and also how much you’re counting on the future days. For a personal touch, customize the sundial with your wedding date.

Keepsake

You don’t need to spend a fortune on your 40h anniversary gift. A special keepsake can do the trick easily and better. The keepsake can be a special family heirloom, something small but meaningful to you both, or a thoughtful unique token of love. Any piece of history or happy memory of your life so far, gifted with care and love, is the best way to say I love you on that special day.

An Experience

A gift doesn’t always need to be packed in a box and wrapped with a bow. A gift is all about special moments, and nothing creates special moments better than shared experiences. So, a shared experience on that special day would be a wonderful celebration and gift at the same time by creating lasting anniversary memories. Plan a day of activities you’ll both enjoy or a surprise trip you’ve had in mind for a long time.

Gift Box

If settling on any particular gift item seems tough to you, consider creating a gift basket or gift box instead. It’s a highly flexible idea, as a gift box can be customized and personalized in any way you want. It may contain supplies for your partner’s new hobby, an assortment of favorite items you both treasure, or anything you desire. An anniversary gift box is a memorable present that allows you to express your love without breaking the bank.