Home Fries

When unopened, store-bought frozen home fries can last up to 2 years past the printed date on the package in your freezer without compromising on quality or taste, however, they are safe to consume indefinitely if the temperature of your freezer remains at 0°F (-18°C). Once opened and properly stored in your freezer in airtight containers or freezer bags, they should be used within 6 months for best quality. For homemade home fries, it's best to eat them within 3 to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator.

To find out if your home fries have gone bad, a common sign to look for is an off smell. If they give off an unpleasant or sour odor, it's best to discard them. Other indications of spoilage include if the potatoes have become discolored, softened or developed a slimy texture. Additionally, if mold has formed anywhere on the home fries definitely dispose of them.

• Always allow hot home fries to cool down to room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent the build up of moisture which can lead to premature spoilage. Remember not to leave them out for more than two hours due to the risk of bacterial growth. • For homemade home fries, store them in airtight containers or resealable freezer bags to protect them from contaminants and moisture in the refrigerator. • Try to consume opened frozen home fries as soon as possible to maintain their quality. If you've used a partial bag and still have some left over, be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before resealing and returning them to the freezer. • Label your containers or bags with the date of storage to keep track of how long they've been in the freezer or refrigerator. This way you'll remember to use them within the recommended time frame.