[Wind Chaser]

Is non perishable food really non perishable? 

Moreover what would you classify as non perishable?  Vacuum sealed canned goods?  Grains?  Seeds like sunflower and flax?  Nuts?

[Dan Driscoll]

Is non perishable food really non perishable?

No. According to the FDA, non-perishable just means that it has been treated or preserved in some manner that prevents decay for at least 7 days.

To my knowledge, the only truly non-perishable food is Twinkies. However, that may stretch the definition of "food".

Moreover what would you classify as non perishable?  Vacuum sealed canned goods?  Grains?  Seeds like sunflower and flax?  Nuts?

A lot will have to do with how it is stored. Even canned goods can go bad quickly if they are not kept cool. Same for dried and/or cured foods, plus they should be kept in air-tight containers with very low moisture levels. Most root vegetables, grains and nuts will last for months, if stored properly (i.e. in a root cellar).

[Wind Chaser]

I ask because I have a fair bit of canned food that was purchased two years ago.  I guess it might be wise to open up a few cans and see what's inside.

Saw the following video the other day... too bad it's not of the healthier variety.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSIcPiIAeIE

[lonewolfny42]

Now....in the U.S. ....canned food has shelf life "use-by" dates....meaning "for best quality use by"....such and such date.

Canned food has a shelf life of at least two years from the date of processing. Canned food retains its safety and nutritional value well beyond two years, but it may have some variation in quality, such as a change of color and texture. Canning is a high-heat process that renders the food commercially sterile.

[lonewolfny42]

Rule of thumb I follow....

When in doubt.....throw it out !

[some young guy]

Honey can last thousands of years...

[Wayner]

So can margarine, as it's one molecule from actually being a plastic, or so I'm told. Canned goods can last a long time, as long as they (as mentioned) are stored in a cool place, not in direct sunlight and the cans have not been damaged. I wouldn't be afraid of them, but I would cycle them thru your kitchen cupboards so they get used soon, or send them to the food shelf so they get used immediately.

Wayner

[Rob Babcock]

Honey is essentially an immortal food.  Honey buried with the pharaohs of ancient Egypt is still edible today.  Canned food can keep for decades under the right conditions.  MRE's have a shelf life of up to 12 years when stored in a cool place.  Freeze dried foods like the stuff from Mountain House will keep for up to 30 years.  Dried grains and legumes can last many years when stored properly, as can rice.  Typically the foods with very low aw (water activity) will store very well.  Bacteria and mold needs water to grow just like other living things; things will very little water won't spoil very fast.  Dried pasta will store very well, for instance.

If you plan to store food long term it's important to store it correctly.  A cool, dark place is generally best.  Grains, beans and rice can be stored very well in 5 gallon plastic pails lined with metalized foil liners.  Typically oxygen absorbers are also tossed in the top.  Many people will freeze the food for a couple days prior to storing; this will kill a lot of the insects that can infest the food, as well as their eggs.

As much as people make sport of the Twinkie, it actually has a shelf life of only a couple weeks.  It's probably edible for much longer, though...assuming you find them edible to begin with!

[konut]

Thought this might be useful.
http://www.stilltasty.com/searchitems/search_page