Best Buy Dates.... Cure #1

[HowlingDog]

So I just ordered a pound of Cure #1 from Amazon and delivered today (in less than 24 hours). It has a best by date on it of 2024. I pulled out the old package of cure that I have had at least 4 years and the best by on that one is Nov 2023..... Makes me wonder if they "adjusted" their best by dates to be a little sooner.

I generally follow best by dates, but the more I read about them, the products seem to be good for months or years beyond the stated date. I know it is a CYA for the company but does salt and nitrite really go bad?? I have had canned food many months past the best by date and I am still around.... (and sadly, still a little too round).

 

[chopsaw]

I have some cure 2 that is at least 20 years old. Not an answer to your question , but I have no concerns . Just cured a coppa with it .

 

[JckDanls 07]

I believe it's just to get you to buy more sooner... Since most buy bulk it's years before needing more since you only use small amounts at a time ...

 

[HowlingDog]

Thx. Kinda figured that it would last for a long time. Like hog casings, my Mom stored them in salt in the fridge for years. Now a days they are labeled "best if used in 6 months"....

 

[JckDanls 07]

See post above... lol

 

[thirdeye]

My oldest cure is some jerky cure and it's 7 or 8 years old. But it's stored in a dark jar in the basement pantry.

 

[PolishDeli]

does salt and nitrite really go bad??

If stored properly, they will last forever.

 

[Norwester55]

Million yr old salt has a "best by" date on it. Just saying...

 

[noboundaries]

The color may fade, but the cure cures on.

 

[HowlingDog]

Million yr old salt has a "best by" date on it. Just saying...

Great comment!!!! Ya, when you put it that way, I think I am good on cure for a bit....

Thanks All.

 

[JckDanls 07]

How ironic ... My brother... who doesn't read the forums or even smoke food... Sent me this... Just as we are discussing Best Buy dates here...

 

[HowlingDog]

Saved. Thanks. Interesting that spices are "good" for 2-4 years as I have heard they lose a little flavor over time.

Uh, I do not think I have even had cookies last beyond the weekend.....