Quick Help Needed RE: Raisins??

[RebelsLGB]

I'm making Soda Bread from the KA Whole Grain baking. I just noticed that both of my containers of Raisins (golden and regular) have best if used by dates in 2004

do you think i can still use these? The golden ones are still pretty soft, while the dark raisins are pretty hard. I usually throw out food that is past its best if used by date, but am unable to go to the store due to the foot of snow we got yesterday.

Thanks!

Kristen

[mrswaz]

Did you taste them? I haven't bought regular raisins in ages, and picked up a box this past week and was surprised to discover that they weren't all soft- they were kind of hard and chewy and I needed to soften them with boiling water before using them.

If they taste fine and aren't growing anything, I would use them.

[RebelsLGB]

"aren't growing anything" LOL...that made me laugh.

I hadn't even though about pouring boiling water on them. I might do that.

Thanks

[BucknellAlum]

This is not much help, but the California Raisin board had this on its site:

Control is the best way to keep raisins. Raisins will retain color, flavor and nutritional value for up to five months if stored at 45° F or less.
To maintain optimum freshness, keep raisins sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in your coolest storage area.
Raisins freeze well for long periods of time. They also thaw quickly at room temperature.
When raisins become dry or when a recipe calls for plumped raisins, cover the amount needed with very hot tap water and soak for two to five minutes. (Do not soak any longer than five minutes. Flavor and important nutrients can be lost.)
To chop raisins, use a lightly oiled knife or blade.

I do sometimes use things after the date if it is "best by" instead of an expiration date, but I don't know about 2 years after the date? Is there any grit or weird stuff in the containers? I am sure others will chime in with opinions!

[RebelsLGB]

actually they do taste funny.

I have dried cherries and dried cranberries. Which do you think would taste better in soda bread? hahaha

[cumulus]

LOL.

I'd use the dried cranberries or leave them out all-together

[RebelsLGB]

my dad is going to brave the icy roads becuase we don't have any eggs either! Or caraway seeds (which i swear I bought during the week). So we can pick up raisins too.

Thanks for all the advise though!

Kristen