Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener containing many nutrients, with various uses in daily life that are very beneficial for health. Although commercially sold packaging often has an expiration date printed on it, pure honey doesn't actually expire.

Its composition, primarily sugar with extremely low water content, makes it difficult for bacteria to grow. In fact, honey has been found in Egyptian pharaohs' tombs dating back over 3,000 years, still intact and able to be drawn out in strands. Therefore, as long as honey is stored in a cool, dry place, away from light, and tightly sealed, it can be preserved for a very long time without spoiling.

Distilled spirits

Liquor with an alcohol content of 10% or higher doesn't have an expiration date.

Distilled spirits are made from pure grains, which have strong antibacterial properties. Bacteria are virtually unable to multiply in them, so there's no spoilage. Moreover, over time, the longer the liquor is aged, the richer its flavor and aroma become, resulting in a smoother drink. With many major brands, the older the liquor, the higher the price.

Dried tangerine peel (Chenpi)

Dried tangerine peel is both a food ingredient and a traditional Chinese medicine. Many people add a bit of chenpi when brewing tea or making soup to enhance the flavor. It also aids in strengthening the spleen, regulating qi, supporting digestion, relieving phlegm, and removing dampness.

The longer chenpi is kept, the more certain beneficial active ingredients increase, making its medicinal value higher. Therefore, the older the chenpi, the more valuable it becomes.

White sugar

White sugar is an indispensable seasoning in every household, and if stored properly, it won't spoil or expire.

The main component of sugar, sucrose, is very stable. Even when kept for a long time, sugar retains its sweetness and seasoning ability. However, it's important to note that if exposed to moisture, sugar can easily clump or change color. In such cases, caution should be exercised when using it.

Black vinegar

If you frequently shop for black vinegar at the supermarket, you'll notice that the older the vinegar, the higher the price. Black vinegar is very sour and has inherent antiseptic and sterilizing properties. When kept for a long time, its sourness mellows, and the flavor becomes richer. It's also a product without an expiration date.

Table salt

The packaging of store-bought salt often prints a shelf life of 2–3 years, but in reality, salt never expires.

We all know that when preserving food, using a lot of salt helps keep it for a long time because salt has antibacterial and anti-decomposition properties. Salt itself is also a good antibacterial agent; bacteria can hardly survive in a salty environment. If stored correctly, salt can be used indefinitely without affecting its quality.

Bao Nhien (According to Aboluowang)