How long does Tahini last?
In this brief guide, we will address the question, “How long does Tahini last?” as well as other questions pertaining to the subject at hand like how to properly store tahini so that it lasts longer and how to tell if tahini has gone bad.
How long does Tahini last
Since Tahini paste is composed mainly of sesame seed oils, it has a very long shelf life. This is why it is hard to tell how long will tahini last.
Nevertheless, an opened bottle of store-bought Tahini will last for up to 2 months if stored in a cool and dry place. If you keep that same opened bottle in the refrigerator, it will extend its shelf life by 6 months.
Store bought tahini contains preservatives in it that help to prolong the shelf life of tahini. So if your tahini is store bought and unopened, it can last upto 6 months without going bad. Once you open it, you should store it in the fridge. Always refer to the “best by” date on the container to estimate the best shelf life of tahini.
This date is a rough estimate and does not mean that the tahini will instantly go bad past this date. If you keep it under good storage conditions, it will last a few weeks or a month more past the “expiry date”. Your product may not retain ideal taste, but it does not mean that the tahini has gone bad. It simply means that the item will start to deteriorate in quality after this date.
If you have homemade tahini and you want to store it, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. Homemade tahini does not contain any preservatives, and owing to the moisture content in it, it is susceptible to mould growth. Therefore, you should store it in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed airtight container.
How to store tahini
With such a creamy delight, you definitely would want to save it for later use. Tahini can be stored either in the pantry or in the fridge. You can also freeze tahini, which will be discussed under a separate section.
An unopened can/bottle of tahini is best stored in the pantry. There is no need to put it in the refrigerator because it does not add to the shelf life of tahini before you open it. Tahini contains preservatives, and just by making sure that your tahini is in a cool, dark place, you can extend the shelf life of tahini.
Once opened, it is best to store your tahini in the refrigerator. This is because there are risks of spoilage at room temperature. The microorganisms inside the paste will gradually grow and eventually soil your tahini. Thereby, decreasing the shelf life of your tahini.
Tahini is also susceptible to mold growth, therefore you should always make sure that your tahini is airtight. If your tahini was in a can, it is best to change the container as soon as you open the tahini. This is because cans are not suitable for long term storage once opened.
Choose a container that can be closed airtight with a lid and add your tahini paste to it. Then store it in the refrigerator for optimal shelf life. Note that keeping tahini in the refrigerator changes the consistency, which can be taken care of by adding a small quantity of water or sesame seed oil. Blend it for best results and consistency.
Can you freeze tahini?
Yes, you definitely can freeze tahini. Just keep in mind that you need to use a freezer safe container. If you don’t have immediate plans of using tahini paste, it is best to store it in the freezer. Freezing tahini extends the shelf life upto 1 year.
Make sure that the container is airtight so your tahini doesn’t get mixed up with the aroma of other items in the fridge. When you want to use frozen tahini, simply thaw it before use. A different consistency is inevitable when you thaw frozen tahini, but it can be reciprocated by vigorously shaking it and adding sesame seed oil if needed.
How to tell if tahini has gone bad?
Because of the deliciousness and longer shelf life, tahini rarely ever goes bad. However, here are some signs of spoilage that you need to look in your stored tahini so you can tell if it has gone or not.
- Rancid smell: Well, because tahini is mainly composed of oils, therefore there is a chance of the oils going rancid. If you notice a rancid smell, it is better to throw it away rather than tasting it.
- Mold: Though the chances of mold growth are rare, it is still a possibility. Discard your tahini if you see any visible dark spots on your tahini paste. This means that mold growth has started to take place and there is no way you can undo it – changing the container won’t help because the mold takes nutrients from the paste.
Conclusion
In this brief guide we will address the question, “How long does Tahini last?” as well as other questions pertaining to the subject at hand like how to properly store tahini so that it lasts longer and how to tell if tahini has gone bad.
