Cooked vs uncooked "vintage" people food

[rehdancer]

I finally cleaned my pantry........ I have some grits left over from quite a few years ago, also some couscous of the same vintage. Do you advise either just soaking in warm water to soften, cook completely (no seasonings), or not offer this at all? there are no signs of spoilage, it's just old, so stale would be the worst thing it could be. TIA

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You could probably offer it and see if they eat it. It doesn't really matter the manner of preparation. The vitamin content is likely quite diminished.

 

[aart]

not offer this at all

Better off in the compost pile or trash can.

 

[Kiki]

I'd throw it away.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would toss them in the trash or compost heap.

It is always a good practice to only feed foods that are in good (fresh) condition.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Compost is the best approach.

 

[Acre4Me]

@rehdancer .. there is still some nutritional value, but certainly diminished. I have an area in the pantry where “old” or forgotten foods go. Maybe we didn’t like them, they got pushed to the back, whatever. If feasible, they get fed to the chickens. However, I don’t feed them straight, instead I make a wet mash with their feed and mix the human food component into the mash. Usually they love it! I don’t generate much of this type of forgotten items, so this is only an occasional add.

yes, I would cook them first, in just plain water, no salt.

 

[rehdancer]

Thanks to all - you're the bestest!!

 

[Peppercorngal]

I always keep this in mind: If I won't eat it because of spoilage, age, etc. I don't feed it to my chickens either!

 

[rehdancer]

I always keep this in mind: If I won't eat it because of spoilage, age, etc. I don't feed it to my chickens either!

I understand your point of view. The fact that they also eat lots of stuff I wouldn't eat, and scratch through manure piles, etc. put the question in my mind. Thank you for responding !!