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[Amerigo Vespucci]

12. I check EVERYTHING EDIBLE for dates.

Perfect example...pine nuts.

RIDICULOUSLY expensive, even when you buy them in bulk (but an essential ingredient in pesto and a number of other Italian dishes).

Turns out LUCKY MARKET had a little jar of them (same size but about 2/3 the height of an average spice jar).

SIX BUCKS!

And there were around 7 jars that were 3 to 4 months past their expiration date.

Pine nuts are like any other nut. They contain oil, and they can go rancid.

A local "British Foods" store had the brand of Earl Grey tea I like. All cans on the shelf were at least 6 months past the expiration date. This was loose tea in a tin, but I still wouldn't buy it. I went to Williams-Sonoma and they had teh same brand with plenty of months to spare on the date.