Question
Maria Allen
What is the fridge shelf life of cashew yoghurt Also, is it suitable for freezing?
Answer
For this particular preparation, and really for any prepared foods/leftover foods, understand that there will be multiple variables that can affect a person's experience around the shelf life of an item. And one, for example, is the temperature setting of your refrigerator. Another one is a related factor, and that is how frequently is the door opened and closed, which affects the inside temperature. Also, where in the refrigerator is that food item stored? Farther back in the refrigerator is going to be the coldest and the most stable of the temperature zones. And as you come toward the door, and often on the door itself, is where you find the warmest temperatures or the most fluctuation as we use the refrigerator or access the refrigerator each day. Also affecting the shelf life is, I'll say, the cleanliness of the container or utensils that are used. And if we're introducing more microorganisms, then the shelf life is going to be shortened. Okay? But generally, as we work with a cashew yogurt or cashew cream or a cashew paste, something like that in this category, I typically experience a shelf life of say four to five days. It can be a plus or minus a little bit, but four or five days is often what I have in mind. As I approach day three or so, I keep a closer eye on the quality, taking note of the smell, the look, and also the texture to see if there might be some changes that do not sit well with me. Okay? And as you expose yourself to foods of different shelf lives, you'll start to learn about these different characteristics, and you'll figure out just where in this process of degradation you are comfortable eating a food or uncomfortable eating a food. Okay? In this big picture, it's on a spectrum of change in the food. And one person's tolerance may also differ from the next person. So do pay attention to these nuances as the food changes in your environment. Thank you.
