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.
Perhaps the most convenient method of boiling potatoes is on the stove top. It takes about 30 minutes to cook Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly in a pot of boiling water. The pot used can be washed right away and there is minimal clean-up, as well as the convenience of using the rest of your kitchen.