Although spoilage may be minimal, expiration dates are used on such products as spiral ham to ensure quality and reliability of the meat. Most spiral hams have a seven-to-10 day use by date on the expiration date label.
Generally, you boil potatoes when you plan to mash them or toss them into a salad, though boiled potatoes can also make a quick side dish. Boiling also cooks potatoes very evenly all the way through and usually only takes 10 to 20 minutes.
How to Boil Potatoes. Cooking potatoes in boiling water is a first step for making mashed potatoes, potato salad, or a simple side dish. Start by choosing the right spud for your recipe. We'll show you how long to boil potatoes for perfect spuds every time.