Health & Safety

How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last in the Refrigerator? Here’s What You Should KnowSkills
They're perfect for salads, sandwiches, and more. Be sure you're not keeping them in the fridge a little too long!
Cory Fernandez
Feb 7, 2023
Can You Eat Potato Eyes?Skills
And what exactly are potato eyes, anyway?
Stephanie Ganz
Oct 13, 2022
Eight Ways to Make Steamed Vegetables Taste AmazingSkills
One of the simplest ways to prepare fresh or even frozen vegetables is to steam them over simmering water. This method is quick, light, and retains flavor and nutritional value. As long as you take care not to overcook them, steamed in-season vegetables often taste perfectly wonderful as they are.
Emily Han
Aug 14, 2022
How to Tell If a Tomato Is Bad — Plus How to Pick a Good TomatoSkills
No more mealy tomatoes.
Stephanie Ganz
Jul 26, 2022
How to Tell If Zucchini Is BadSkills
Plus, how to pick a good one!
Stephanie Ganz
Jul 21, 2022
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Leaving Butter Out at Room TemperatureSkills
Whether it’s OK to leave butter out at room temperature or not is a hotly debated issue, but the truth is it’s perfectly fine to keep butter out at room temperature for up to two weeks. I grew up thinking never to do this — that it would most definitely go bad, but butter left out at room temperature has more wiggle room than you might think.
Sheela Prakash
Jul 20, 2022
If Meat Changes Color, Has It Gone Bad?Skills
What happens if you forgot your ground beef or chicken breasts in the fridge for a couple of days? Do you need to scrap your plans for burgers or chicken for dinner? Is it still safe to eat or should you throw it out?The good news is, even if there’s a color change, the meat or poultry is still perfectly fine to eat if stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer and consumed within a safe period of time (up to two days for ground meat and five days for other cuts).
Christine Gallary
Jul 11, 2022
How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is ExpiredSkills
Baking soda and baking powder are both essential pantry staples for bakers. They have long shelf lives, but can they go bad? The answer is yes. Both baking soda and baking powder will eventually expire. You’ll know when they won’t give your baked goods the lift that they deserve. You might ask yourself, “How can I tell if it’s still active before I ruin my next batch of muffins?” To find out if your baking soda or powder is still effective, follow the steps below.
Christine Gallary
Jul 8, 2022
How Long Is It Safe to Keep Raw Meat and Poultry in the Refrigerator?Skills
Not all meats last the same amount of time!
Christine Gallary
Jun 30, 2022
What is Tempeh and How Do You Cook with It?Skills
Between all the buzz about fermented foods and new concerns about sustainability, it may well be time for a new generation to to meet this genuine superfood.
Robin Asbell
Jun 28, 2022
Does Butter Go Bad? Yes — Here’s How to Tell.Skills
Butter does go bad, but with proper storage you can extend its life for days, weeks, and even months.
Lauren Salkeld
Jun 14, 2022
The Right Internal Temperature for Cooked FishSkills
Cooking fish may seem a bit intimidating at first. What kind of fish should you buy? How do you keep it from sticking to the pan? But once you take the plunge, the rewards are delicious. Knowing when the fish is ready takes a little know-how, and we’re here to help. According to the USDA’s Safe Minimum Cooking Temperature Guide, cook fish until the center reaches 145°F on an instant-read or meat thermometer.
Christine Gallary
Jun 3, 2022
The Only Thing You Need to Know About Pork Chop TemperaturesSkills
The one magic number to rule them all.
Meghan Splawn
Jun 3, 2022
When is Chicken Cooked Properly?Skills
Ever wonder when chicken is cooked all the way through? Wonder no more! Cook chicken until the juices run clear and the internal temperature is 165°F.
Christine Gallary
Jun 3, 2022
The Right Internal Temperature for Cooked BeefSkills
Whether you’re cooking a massive prime rib or a simple pan-seared steak for one, it’s helpful to know the temperature beef should reach before it’s safe to eat. To make it easy to remember, the safe internal temperature for cuts of beef, lamb, and pork is all the same! The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F, which is considered medium-well. Ground beef, however, should be cooked to a higher temperature of 160°F.
Christine Gallary
Jun 2, 2022
How to Tell When Chicken Has Gone BadSkills
Here's how to figure it out in four steps.
Kelli Foster
May 27, 2022
According to the FDA, That Viral Avocado Storing Hack Everyone’s Obsessed with Isn’t Safe — Here’s WhySkills
We tried a viral hack for storing avocados, but later learned it can spread foodborne disease, like listeria.
Rochelle Bilow
May 26, 2022
How Long Can You Leave Cooked Foods Unrefrigerated?Skills
Part of reducing food waste (and keeping more pennies in your pocket) is knowing how long bacon wrapped shrimp and other buffet table favorites can sit out and remain safe to eat. You might not be a leftover-lover, but sometimes those refrigerated extras can come in handy. Here’s everything you need to know about serving food safely and when to refrigerate or toss your leftovers. The U.S.
Christine Gallary
May 25, 2022
This Hack Will Help You Safely Dispose of Cooking Oil Immediately After Each UseSkills
And no, you won't have to wait until it hardens.
Ashley Abramson
May 24, 2022
Do Spices Go Bad? Here's How to Know When It's Time to Throw Them Out.Skills
Just how long has that jar of cumin been lurking on your spice rack?
Lauren Salkeld
May 12, 2022
Could You Get Sick from Reheated Leftovers? It’s Rare but Potentially Dangerous — Here’s How to Keep Yourself SafeSkills
Illness after reheating leftovers is rare, but it’s important to take the proper safety steps every time.
Rochelle Bilow
Mar 2, 2022
8 Important Tips for Buying and Prepping Fruits and Veggies, According to Microbiologists
Tips from The Kitchn
Stock up on the vinegar!
Rochelle Bilow
Sep 10, 2021
I Tried to Turn Grapes into “Healthy Sour Patch Kids” and This Is What Happened
Recipe Review
I was surprised by the results.
Naomi Tomky
Jul 20, 2021
10 People Who Leveled Up on Plants (and How They Did It)
Eat More Plants
"You don't have to be 100% or radical."
Meleyna Nomura
Jun 5, 2021
Yes, Your Maple Syrup Can Go Bad, Here’s How to CheckSkills
The other day, a friend of ours sat down to a meal of pancakes for dinner. She poured on the maple syrup, took a bite and then realized that the inside of the syrup bottle was covered in yellowish-gray mold. So much for that comfort food dinner! When she showed us the bottle, we were stumped. Having been under the impression that maple syrup doesn’t spoil, we wanted to look in to the matter.
Emily Han
Mar 13, 2021
Is Pink Chicken Meat Safe to Eat? The USDA Says Yes Skills
Undercooked chicken can pose some serious health risk, but pink chicken can still be safe to eat if it reaches the right temperature. Here's what you need to know.
Emma Christensen
Mar 9, 2021
Why It’s Worth Getting to Know Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie Shirataki NoodlesSkills
Traditional shirataki noodles are pretty much the perfect food for those who may have food allergies or are on special diets; they're vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
Christine Gallary
Jan 29, 2021
The Wrong Ways to Thaw a TurkeySkills
Spoiler: No, you cannot leave a turkey out to thaw overnight.
Emma Christensen
Nov 12, 2020
The Safest Way to Freeze and Defrost Food
Kitchn Cooking School
Avoid the "danger zone" at all costs.
The Kitchn Editors
Nov 3, 2020
Is Precooking Rice for Meal Prep Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know.Skills
We asked the experts.
Isadora Baum
Oct 16, 2020
Our Tips for Safely Carving Pumpkins with KidsSkills
Thinking of carving pumpkins with your kids for Halloween? Follow this advice first.
Meghan Splawn
Oct 15, 2020
Why You Should *Never* Put Eggshells Back in the CartonSkills
It may seem convenient, but it's a very bad idea.
Meghan Splawn
Sep 6, 2020
My Mom and I Are in the High-Risk Group for COVID, but My Sister Is Insisting We Travel to Be at Her Wedding This Fall. What Should I Do?
Ask Marge
I love my sister and I don’t want to ruin our relationship, so how do I tell her my mom and I can’t risk our health (and maybe even lives) by coming to her wedding?
Marge Perry
Sep 2, 2020
Does Butter Really Need to Be Refrigerated?Skills
We're all wondering.
Kelli Foster
Aug 22, 2020
How Long Can You Keep Leftover Rice in the Fridge?Skills
There's a limit.
Kelli Foster
Aug 21, 2020
Does Peanut Butter Go Bad? Here’s What You Need to Know.Skills
Plus how to spot funky PB!
Meghan Splawn
Aug 21, 2020
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge?Skills
You might want to cook it up and eat it faster than you think!
Meghan Splawn
Aug 19, 2020
Does Vinegar Ever Really Go Bad? Here’s How to Tell.Skills
Wonder no more about this pantry staple's shelf life.
Emily Han
Jun 29, 2020
Are Tiny Bugs Hiding in Your Strawberries? An Expert Explains.Skills
This video caused an uproar on TikTok, but don’t panic.
Ashley Abramson
May 28, 2020
Can You Eat Watermelon on a Ketogenic Diet?Skills
Here's the quick answer.
Sheela Prakash
May 25, 2020
This Simple Trick for Getting Rid of Hot Grease Will Make You Say “Why Didn’t I Think of That?”Skills
Just another brilliant TikTok idea.
Naomi Tomky
May 4, 2020
How I Got My Meat-Loving Husband to Go Vegetarian During This PandemicSkills
With grocery stores in short supply of meat and poultry, I decided to use this time as an opportunity to show my burger-loving husband how varied and satisfied a plant-based diet can be. Here's what's working for us.
Casey Barber
Apr 10, 2020
Can I Still Cook for My Family If I Feel Sick?
Quarantine Cooking
And is it okay to bring food to a neighbor?
Dana McMahan
Mar 27, 2020
This Pantry-Friendly Keto Meal-Prep Plan Will Get You Back on TrackSkills
Here's what to make if you stocked up on eggs and cheese instead of rice and beans.
Patty Catalano
Mar 27, 2020
Beyond Orange Juice: How Much Vitamin C Do You Really Need (and What’s the Best Way to Eat It?)Skills
Will it help prevent you from getting sick?
Sheela Prakash
Mar 21, 2020
10 Little Things We’re Doing to Feel Less Anxious
Life in the Kitchen
Here's what we're doing to find joy in unexpected places.
Lauren Masur
Mar 20, 2020
This Is How Long Cooked Chicken Lasts in the FridgeSkills
Here are the quick facts.
Christine Gallary
Mar 12, 2020
What Is a Low-Carb Diet, and What Should I Know Before Going Low-Carb?Skills
There are significant health benefits — and some potential drawbacks.
Brierley Horton
Jan 27, 2020
What Is a Gluten-Free Diet — And What Should I Know About Going Gluten-Free?Skills
Armed with the right intel, you can make a gluten-free diet as healthy as possible.
Brierley Horton
Jan 25, 2020
The Biggest Benefits (and Most Common Mistakes!) of a Vegetarian DietSkills
Everything you should know about the vegetarian diet
Brierley Horton
Jan 24, 2020
What Is the Paleo Diet — And What You Should Know About Going PaleoSkills
The Paleo Diet continues to be one of the most popular diets today — and also one of the most controversial.
Carolyn Williams
Jan 23, 2020
What Is the Low-FODMAP Diet, and What Can You Eat on It?Skills
The hard part about FODMAPs is that it’s not obvious which foods are high or low in them.
Carolyn Williams
Jan 23, 2020
What Is a Vegan Diet — And What You Should Know About Going VeganSkills
First, know that there is more than one way to “go vegan.”
Brierley Horton
Jan 22, 2020
The First 3 Things Every Person Should Do When Their Meal Kit ArrivesSkills
To make sure you have the best meal kit experience, take five minutes and do these things.
Sheela Prakash
Jan 18, 2020
Probiotic Eating Became So Important to Me, I Wrote a Cookbook About ItSkills
There’s no more basic way to care for and nourish ourselves than with food.
Kelli Foster
Jan 17, 2020
What Is Whole30, and Why Does It Continue to Be One of the Most Popular Diets?Skills
Here is what you need to know about this short-term food “reset.”
Carolyn Williams
Jan 14, 2020
What Is the Ketogenic Diet, and Why Is It So Popular?Skills
Here's how it works, what you're supposed to eat, and why it's so popular right now.
Carolyn Williams
Jan 12, 2020
What’s the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?
What's the Difference
Here's a brief explanation of the terms, plus foods that contain both, and some sample recipes.
Kelli Foster
Jan 6, 2020
*Still* Have Thanksgiving Leftovers? Here’s What You Can Eat, Freeze, and Toss.Skills
This will help you get your fridge in order.
Sheela Prakash
Dec 1, 2019
*Never* Cook Stuffing Inside the Turkey: It’s DangerousSkills
There's a better, safer way to get turkey-flavored stuffing.
Meghan Splawn
Nov 22, 2019
Why You Should Never Thaw a Turkey in Warm WaterSkills
The last thing you want after your holiday gathering is everyone getting sick.
Kelli Foster
Nov 12, 2019
The 9 Best Keto Meal Prep Lunch HacksSkills
Here's how to stay full while sticking to your goals.
Isadora Baum
Nov 9, 2019
New Guidelines Say Kids Should Only Drink Milk and Water Until Age 5. But Is That Really Practical?Skills
A new campaign from a collection of large health organizations is working to get our kids to drink more healthfully, but are these guidelines helpful for parents?
Meghan Splawn
Nov 4, 2019
I Got Food Poisoning from Dinner at a Friend’s House. Can I Ask Her to Cover My Medical Expenses?
Ask Marge
Or can I sue?
Marge Perry
Nov 1, 2019
My Toddler Hates Most Meat; Here’s How I Make Sure She’s Getting ProteinSkills
It's all about making some smart, kid-friendly swaps.
Melissa Harrison Jameson
Sep 11, 2019
5 Ways to Make Healthier Mac and Cheese (That Still Tastes Good)Skills
Get more mileage out of your mac.
Melissa Harrison Jameson
Sep 3, 2019
Parents: You’re Doing School Lunch Right (No Matter What)
Back to School
I think we all need to hear this.
Meghan Splawn
Aug 12, 2019
What’s the Difference Between Vegan & Vegetarian?Skills
While both diets may seem similar, there's one thing that sets them apart.
Sheela Prakash
Jul 12, 2019