I love hummus and we have it often in my house. But sometimes we don’t eat it as fast as I expect. What should I do?
Can Hummus Spoil
We get this question a lot. The answer is, yes, hummus does go bad and it needs to be refrigerated to prolong its shelf-life. You can always freeze hummus for up to three months as well – just make sure you allow frozen product to thaw overnight in the fridge.
How Do You Store Hummus?
Hummus should be stored in an airtight container. Be sure to wrap it tightly to keep the product from absorbing aromas and flavors of other foods in your refrigerator.
Some packaging claim that hummus has no refrigeration requirements, but they are wrong. It does need to be stored at a below 40 degree temperature, so unless you live in a very cold house, that is the safest place for hummus.
How Long Does Hummus Stay Safe To Eat?
If properly stored, a jar of hummus can last 2 months in the refrigerator.
After opening a jar, eat it within 4 weeks for best flavor. Check the expiration date on your package and use it before that date passes.
Can Hummus Be Stored In The Freezer?
Yes it can, but it’s not recommended. Hummus needs to be kept at 40 degrees or below. This means that after it has thawed, it should be refrigerated in the same sealed container. If you are going to store hummus in the freezer, this is the only way to ensure that it will retain its freshness.
Does Homemade Hummus Last As Long As Store Bought?
No, homemade hummus has a shorter shelf life than purchased hummus because it does not contain the preservatives that processed products have.
Tips To Tell If Your Hummus Has Gone Bad
It’s Smell: The smell of the hummus you have purchased is one of the most reliable ways to determine whether the hummus has gone bad. If it smells sour it is not good and should be disposed of.
It’s Changed Color: Hummus that has gone bad will usually change color to a brown tint. You can tell it’s bad because it’s not the green hue you expect.
Mold Has Formed: If it’s an air tight container and mold begins to grow on top of the hummus it’s not good to eat anymore.
It’s Cracked: If you take a look at the container of hummus and find that it has cracked or split, then it is obvious that the product is no longer good. This occurs when hummus hardens as it ages.
Taste Has Changed: If the hummus tastes different than when you bought it chances are that it has gone bad.
What Are The Risks of Eating Spoiled Hummus?
Eating bad hummus can cause food poisoning. The bacterium Clostridium botulinum can be found in many foods, including those with high-moisture content. You can experience vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and cramps after eating bad hummus.
Tips For Storing Hummus
Storing hummus in a plastic container in the fridge will keep it fresh for about 3-4 weeks. Storing it in a jar or other sealed container will keep it fresh for about 6 weeks. Storing it in an airtight glass container that is not susceptible to changes in temperature is even better at keeping hummus good for about 9 months.
Conclusion
The best way to store hummus is in the fridge to keep it from going bad. If you prefer storing hummus in the pantry, make sure that the product is dried out before placing it in the pantry. Hummus should not be left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours so if you are not home, be sure to chill it before leaving.