How long can spam last in the fridge?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long can spam last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of spam. Moreover, we are going to discuss different ways to spot bad spam.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long can spam last in the fridge?
Open spam lasts for about 7-10 days when stored properly in the fridge in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thus, the cold temperature of the fridge will decrease the rate of bacterial growth and will subsequently prolong the shelf life of your spam.
The proper way to store leftovers of open spam can in the fridge is to put the leftovers in the shallow air-tight container so that they can cool evenly and quickly.
How long can spam last at room temperature?
An unopened can of spam lasts for about 3-5 years when stored in the cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
On the other hand, open spam should be properly refrigerated as it lasts for only about 2 hours when left out of the fridge at room temperature.
You should discard the open spam that has been left in open for more than 2 hours as bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore there are greater chances of the spam being already contaminated with bacteria when left out for more than 2 hours.
Moreover, if the temperature of the surroundings is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then the process of spoilage takes place at a faster pace and it is recommended to discard spam that is left out in the open for more than an hour at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is worth mentioning that the figures mentioned above are the estimated shelf life of spam and it can even last longer than this provided that it was stored properly.
What is the optimum temperature to store spam?
You should always store your open spam at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the fridge. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it is always advised to store leftovers from open spam can at a lower temperature to preserve their freshness and quality for a long time.
Is spam safe to use after the best-before date?
The “best by” or “best before” date that is written on the can of spam refers to the quality rather than safety so spam doesn’t necessarily go bad immediately after the best before date.
This date refers to the time during which you can enjoy the peak quality and flavor of spam but you can still use spam that is past this date as long as it was stored properly, there is no leakage in the can and no signs of mold are present.
Different ways to spot bad spam
There are a couple of indicators that point out bad spam. You should consider the appearance, color, texture, and smell of the spam to reach a final verdict on whether or not it has gone bad.
Appearance
If you spot a mold or any other organic growth on your canned meat then it is an indication that your canned meat has gone bad and the best thing you can do in this scenario is to get rid of it.
Color
If you see that your canned meat has discoloration in it or if it is turning grey or brown then it is an indication of bad canned meat and you should discard it.
Texture
If you feel something slimy or gooey while touching your canned meat, then it is an indication that your spam has gone bad and you should get rid of it.
It is worth mentioning that washing canned meat that has a slimy texture won’t do any good. It will increase the chances of cross-contamination and the things that come in contact with the water from the bacteria-laden spam will also become a site for bacteria growth.
Smell
If you can smell something acidic or sour while taking a sniff test of your canned meat then it means that your spam has gone bad and you should discard it
Condition of can
In the case of the unopened spam that has been there for a long time, if you notice a bulging lid or a bloated can, it is an indication that your spam has gone bad. The reason behind the bulging is the gases that are formed as a result of microbial contamination.
If microbes somehow found their way to your spam and have spoiled it then the best thing you should do is to discard it.
You can read whether or not spam is good for you here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long can spam last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of spam. Moreover, we discussed different ways to spot bad spam.
