Brennan Haselton, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – It won’t be long before barbecue season is in full-swing, and now is the time for the refrigerator to get a spring cleaning.
Ketchup bought in 2008? Toss it. Mayonnaise from last summer? Say, “so long!”
According to Consumer Reports, condiments have different “toss by” dates. Here’s a helpful list:
- Ketchup, cocktail or chili sauce: six months;
- Chutney: one to two months;
- Horseradish: three to four months;
- Mustard: 12 months;
- Pickles and olives: two weeks;
- Mayonnaise and salad dressing: Up to two months;
- Barbecue sauce: four months;
- Worcestershire sauce: 12 months;
- Jams and jellies: six months.
To maximize the lifespan of condiments, Consumer Reports says keep the fridge at 37 to 38 degrees.
Follow Brennan and WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
