Many foods can be stored indefinitelybut not all.

The lid read “dumplings, 2003.”

I brought it to my family, and we dared each other to take a bite.

frozen strawberries on a pan lined with parchment paper

Credit: Courtney West/Southern Living

Shockingly, the dish was edible, albeit frostbitten and mushy.

Meat and Poultry

Deli meatand bacon should be thawed and eaten within a month.

But it’s possible for you to also freeze things like leftover soups, desserts, even sauces.

frozen shrimp

Credit:Emily Laurae / Southern Living

Chicken defrosting

blanching zucchini slices in boiling water

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

brownies in plastic wrap

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox