How long does hummus last after opening?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does hummus last after opening” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of hummus. Moreover, we are going to discuss ways to spot bad hummus and the proper way to store hummus.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does hummus last after opening?
Generally, the opened hummus lasts for about 4-7 days when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. But more precisely, the time for which the opened hummus lasts depends upon several factors including how it was stored at the time you bought it (refrigerated or unrefrigerated) and the way you stored it after opening.
Hummus sold unrefrigerated
Hummus that is sold unrefrigerated is the pasteurized hummus and it lasts for about 4-7 days after opening when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight container.
On the other hand, the unopened package of hummus that is sold unrefrigerated lasts for about 1-3 months past the “best by” date written on it if stored properly in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
Hummus sold refrigerated
Hummus that is sold refrigerated, once it gets opened it lasts for about 4-7 days when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight container.
On the other hand, the unopened hummus that is sold refrigerated lasts for about 3-7 days past the “use by” date when stored in the fridge properly at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is worth mentioning that these figures are just the estimated shelf life of the hummus and hummus can even last for more than this, provided that it was stored properly.
How long does homemade hummus last?
Homemade hummus lasts for about 4-5 days when stored properly in the fridge in an air-tight container at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can read how to make hummus along with some tips and variations here.
Is hummus safe to use after the best-before date?
The “best by” or “best before” date that is written on the package of store-bought hummus refers to the quality rather than safety so the hummus doesn’t necessarily go bad immediately after the best before date. It is the time during which you can enjoy the peak quality and flavor of hummus but you can still use hummus that is past this date as long as it was stored properly.
Can I store hummus in the freezer?
When it comes to freezing hummus, no doubt that if you properly store homemade hummus in a plastic freezer bag or heavy-duty freezer container, then it will increase its shelf life but you will also feel a difference in texture and consistency of the hummus once it gets thawed.
Thus, hummus lasts for about 6-8 months when it is stored in the freezer in a plastic freezer bag or heavy-duty freezer container.
Other FAQs about Hummus which you may be interested in.
How long can unopened hummus stay out of the fridge?
Can you get sick from eating expired hummus?
Indicators of bad hummus
Certain indicators point out whether or not your hummus has gone bad. You have to consider the appearance, texture, and smell of hummus to give a final verdict about it.
Appearance
If you spot molds or other organic growth on your hummus, then the best thing you can do is to get rid of the hummus as it is an indication of bad hummus.
Texture
If you notice that the oil has completely separated from the rest of the hummus and the texture of hummus has changed significantly then the best thing to do in this scenario is to get rid of such hummus.
Smell
If you smell off-smell or something putrid while taking a sniff test of your hummus then it is an indication of bad hummus and the best thing you can do is to get rid of it.
If you eat a bad hummus accidentally, it can cause many foodborne illnesses including food poisoning that is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes even fever.
How to properly store hummus?
- You can store your unopened store-bought hummus that is sold unrefrigerated, in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
- In case you have opened the package of hummus sold unrefrigerated or if you have opened or unopened hummus that is sold refrigerated, then it is recommended to store it in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Store your hummus in small batches in shallow containers.
- You should not leave your store bought opened hummus or the homemade hummus for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria grow at a faster rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit and if you have left your opened store-bought or homemade hummus at room temperature for more than 2 hours there are chances that it would already have been contaminated with the bacteria.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does hummus last after opening” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of hummus. Moreover, we discussed ways to spot bad hummus and the proper way to store hummus.
Citations
How Long Does Hummus Last?
