2,000 year old food found off Italian coast (VIDEO)

There's food you've left in the fridge too long – and then there's 2,000 year old victuals found in the sea off the coast of Genova, Italy.

Discovery.com reported that amphorae (storage jars) of ancient food were found in a sunken merchant vessel, which was located by a remotely operated vehicle. 

The ship sank about 2,000 years ago, scientists believe, and was headed between central Italy and Spain with large quantities of food – the ancient equivalent of a semi tractor trailer. 

Tests on the jars indicated they contained oil, grain, and pickled fish (which probably has become rather funky). 

Read more: Archaeologist studies ancient food for thought – LiveScience.com

Authorities have yet to decide if they'll raise the sunken vessel or not. 

Ancient food is a viable historical and archeological discipline, providing interesting clues into the day-to-day lives of our ancestors. An excellent example of this arena of research is the Pompeii Food and Drink project, near Naples, Italy. 

Read more from GlobalPost: Ancient wine unearthed in Chinese tomb

Honey, a remarkably long-lived food, can last for thousands of years: in March, remnants of 5,500 year-old honey were found inside clay vessels, according to CNC. 

There's also an ancient (and un-verified) legend that the body of a child was reputedly found in a vat of ancient Egyptian honey – Snopes.com does the honors.