Foods That Spoil Faster Than You Think

When you store nuts at room temperature, the unsaturated fats within start to break down in the presence of heat, air, and light, which can lead to rancidity.

Once open, nuts generally have a shelf life of just a few months at room temperature. To extend their shelf life to up to a year, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Once opened, store-bought broth stays fresh for only three to four days, according to the USDA. This goes for both store-bought chicken and vegetable broth.

To maximize freshness, transfer it to a zip-top bag or ice cube tray and freeze it. This way, chicken broth lasts up to three months, and vegetable broth up to six months.

While spices don't technically spoil and won't make you sick, they can diminish in aroma, color, and flavor, which begins as soon as the container is opened.

Spices should be stored away from air, heat, and light. Keeping them in a cool, dim pantry in an airtight glass or ceramic container is your best bet.

In the right conditions, a raw potato should keep for a few months, but at room temperature, you're only looking at one to two weeks. The key is to avoid light and heat.

The best choice is a cool, dark spot like a basement or a dim pantry. Ensure the temperature stays between 45 and 50 degrees F, as colder temperatures can alter taste and texture.

Exposure to light, heat, and air will affect olive oil's taste, quality, and the antioxidants it contains. For this reason, store it away from the stove and windows.

Also be sure to close the bottle carefully to keep air out. A cool, dark cabinet or pantry should keep your olive oil in good shape for up to three months.