Dumb About Expiration Dates

A stale brown sugar? Nah, your favorite sweetener has indefinite shelf life if stored in a moisture-proof ontainer in a cool, dry place.  

But really, we are dumb, or we simply don't bother them Expiration Dates of some kitchen residents: Coffee, Dried Pasta, Frozen Vegetables and Ketcup.

Here are four expiration dates that may surprise you:

• COFFEE (canned, ground): 2 years if unopened, 1 month if opened. 
• DRIED PASTA: 12 months if stored in an airtight container.
• FROZEN VEGETABLES: 18-24 months if unopened, 1 month if opened
• KETCHUP: 1 year if unopened, 4-6 months if opened.