In this brief article, we are going to answer the question “Does hummus go bad in the fridge?”. We will discuss how to keep hummus fresh and how long it lasts at room temperature and in the refrigerator.
Does hummus go bad in the fridge?
When properly maintained with the lid tightly on the container to keep out moisture and germs and kept refrigerated — store-bought hummus may survive up to 10 days beyond the “use by” date, however, homemade hummus should be consumed within three to five days after preparation.
You may freeze hummus to extend its shelf life. However, each brand and recipe of hummus freezes differently and freezing it might alter the spread’s texture. It is advised that you mix it after defrosting it. This should assist it in regaining its thick, creamy consistency.
How to keep hummus fresh?
Hummus is extremely similar to pesto in terms of preservation. This implies that two distinct varieties of hummus are available on the market: refrigerated and unrefrigerated.
Hummus is sometimes sold unrefrigerated. To do this tahini is used, which has a rather long shelf life. Thus, rather than selling hummus in its entirety, they sell it divided into tahini and chickpea purée, which you just mix before eating.
Therefore, if your hummus was not purchased in the refrigerated area, you may store it at room temperature as long as the container remains unopened. Ascertain that it is distant from direct sunshine and sources of heat.
Once the container is opened, move the leftovers to the refrigerator and carefully shut them. If the dip cannot be refrigerated in its original package, pour it into an airtight container.
The more popular refrigerated hummus should constantly be refrigerated. Remember to reseal it carefully after opening it. Again, if the original packaging does not allow for this, pour the dip into an airtight container.
Hummus prepared from scratch also belongs in the refrigerator.
Of course, it would be perfect if you made a fresh batch of hummus whenever you needed it. Therefore, if you create a larger quantity for the following several days, keep it well wrapped in the refrigerator.
The majority of hummus containers are really handy for dipping. If you don’t intend to eat the whole container, pour a few teaspoons of the dip into a small dish instead.
This prevents the hummus from being contaminated with microorganisms from your meal and keeps it from rotting after a day or two. Similarly, you should always use clean tools when spreading hummus on toast.
How long will hummus last?
Commercial unrefrigerated hummus is often labeled with a best-by date. Additionally, as is usually the case with a best-by date, the goods should live longer.
In this situation, the hummus should remain fresh for at least a month, if not longer. Once the item is opened, it should be completed within 4 to 7 days. If your hummus contains no preservatives, adhere to the four-day timeframe. If preservatives are used, they should be kept for up to 7 days.
Commercially prepared refrigerated hummus is often labeled with a use-by date. The sauce should keep for a few days after that date, but nothing extraordinary. Once the box is opened, the same four to the seven-day timeframe as described before applies.
Because homemade hummus is often devoid of preservatives, it should be kept for around 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Opened hummus generally lasts a few days longer than the estimates above, but it is not guaranteed. Please keep in mind that all of the dates shown above are approximations.
How to determine whether hummus is bad?
Before you prepare your hummus, check to see whether it’s safe to consume.
There are a few indicators that your hummus may have gone bad.
The primary and most common reason is mold or any other development on the dip’s surface. If any of these occur, reject the product. Likewise, if the odor is odd or strange.
Minor texture variations, such as minor oil separation, are entirely common and may be corrected with a fast stir. That is also true of mustard and peanut butter.
However, if the oil seems to have totally separated and the quality has been drastically changed, discard the dip. While it may be safe to consume, it is always prudent to err on the side of caution.
If the hummus looks, smells, and tastes normal, it should be safe to consume.
Finally, please keep in mind that hummus spoils fast once it is opened. That implies that if your half-opened jar of Sabra hummus has been sitting in the refrigerator for more than 10 days, it’s time to trash it. Even if it seems to be in good condition and tastes as it ought to.
Read here to know 4 easy methods to tell if hummus is bad
Conclusion
In this brief article, we answered the question “Does hummus go bad in the fridge?”. We discussed how to keep hummus fresh and how long it lasts at room temperature and in the refrigerator.
