On Sat, 06 Dec 2008 12:48:58 -0800, Mark Thorson wrote:

> blake murphy wrote:
>>
>> On Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:55:03 -0800, Mark Thorson wrote:
>>
>>> Just before reading this thread, I was thinking about
>>> that jar of Dijon mustard in my fridge. I didn't think
>>> it was too old, but now I recall it was bought for dipping
>>> strips of Australian ribeye steak, and Trader Joe's
>>> hasn't carried that for about a year or so.
>>
>> i've taken to marking the date when i open it on the jar of mustard,
>> mayonnaise and the like, even though they may have a 'best by' date
>> on them.
>
> I just checked. The date is 3/20/09. But that
> would be if it were unopened.
>
> It's almost full, but it's old enough that I don't
> trust it. Goes out with the next garbage pickup.

that seems a little paranoid to me, especially for a jar of mustard.
water, vinegar, mustard seed, salt and white wine. what's there to spoil?

maybe the taste would suffer, but not by too much, i don't think.

your pal,
blake