Does Harissa Paste Go Bad? The Fiery Truth Revealed! (2024)

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If you love all things spicy, you shouldn’t miss out on the hot sauce of North Africa—Harissa paste. It’s fiery, savory, pungent, and just simply delicious.

Heads up: a little bit of this popular condiment from Tunisia already goes a long way.

Because of this, it will certainly take you a long time to finish a jar of Harissa. But before you store it in your pantry, you may want to know the answer to this question: Does Harissa paste go bad?

Short Answer: Yes, Harissa paste can go bad, but it can last for a few weeks to months when stored the right way.

But how do you store Harissa? Read this article to find out!

You’ll also learn the answers to these questions:

  • What is harissa paste?
  • How to tell if Harissa paste has gone bad?
  • How to store Harissa paste?
  • Can you freeze Harissa? (and how to do it!)

So are you ready to know the fiery truth? If so, let’s get started!

What is Harissa Paste?

Harissa paste is a red chili paste that originated from Tunisia and is a popular condiment in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine.

The paste is made up of fresh garlic, oil, dry red chilies, roasted red peppers, tomato paste, an acid (lemon juice or vinegar), salt, olive oil, and a few spices (coriander, cumin, caraway seeds, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper). It’s often used to add heat to a wide range of dishes, including dips, braises, noodles, stews, eggs, and many more.

If you haven’t tried harissa paste before, here’s an idea of what it tastes like: it’s smoky, peppery, and spicy. Heads up, its heat levels will vary depending on the type of pepper used.

Harissa paste is not purely spicy. It also has a garlicky and citrusy flavor that can add a savory touch and refreshing twist to your meals.

Did You Know?

Harissa powder also exists, and it’s a dried version of the pepper and spices used in making harissa paste.

Does Harissa Paste Go Bad?

Yes, Harissa paste can go bad like most condiments on your shelf. This is because it will oxidize when exposed to air for prolonged periods.

How to Tell if Harissa Paste Has Gone Bad?

The oxidation process will cause the quality of the paste to deteriorate, which may cause the following signs:

1. Texture Changes

Exposure to air will cause the paste to dry up, making it less spreadable than usual.

On the other hand, exposure to moisture will cause the paste to become less viscous and take on a thinner consistency. You may also notice that the paste will become a bit watery.

2. Changes in Appearance

Along with textural changes, you’ll also notice that the appearance of the paste will also change. The most noticeable change will be discoloration. In addition, it will either have a darker color (air exposure) or a lighter shade (moisture exposure).

Another common sign of spoilage would be separation. For example, suppose you’ve noticed that the tomato sauce portion of the paste has started to separate from the other ingredients. In that case, it’s one sign that the quality of the paste has already deteriorated.

3. Mold Growth

Yes, harissa paste is also at risk of bacterial and mold contamination, especially if exposed to air and moisture. In addition, the presence of dark spots or white fuzzy growth indicates spoilage.
If this is the case, it’s best that you err on the side of safety and discard the paste right away. (*)

4. Off Smell

Based on its ingredients, Harissa paste smells pungent, garlicky, and citrusy. If it gives off a weird, off, or sour smell, the paste has already gone bad, so you should throw it away immediately.

How Long Does Harissa Paste Last?

The shelf life of Harissa paste will depend on how the paste is stored and whether it has already been opened or not.

If the paste is still unopened, you should check out the printed date on its packaging. Heads up, the printed date is not an expiration date but a best before or best by date. This means that the paste can retain its best quality until the said date. Past it, the quality of the paste may already start to deteriorate, but it’s still safe for consumption as long as it has no signs of spoilage.

For opened or homemade harissa paste, please check out this table:

Type of Harissa PasteStorage MethodShelf Life
Store-bought Harissa Paste (Opened)Refrigerated4 to 6 weeks
Homemade Harissa PasteRefrigerated2 to 3 weeks
Opened Store-bought or Homemade Harissa PasteFrozen3 months

Did You Know?

Since Harissa Powder has no moisture content, it lasts longer than Harissa pastes—about 6 to 12 months.

Please take note that the given shelf life is just an estimate. To ensure that your harissa paste is still safe for consumption, you must inspect it for any signs of spoilage before using it. The shelf life we’ve shared no longer applies once the paste starts to show any spoilage signs we’ve mentioned.

How to Store Harissa Paste?

Storing Harissa isn’t rocket science. It’s pretty straightforward. Below are some of the Harissa storage tips that you need to know:

1. Store unopened harissa in a dark, dry, and cool place.

As long as Harissa is still unopened, you can store its bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place to keep it away from light, moisture, heat, and air.

With that said, you can easily place harissa in your condiment or spice cabinet. Just make sure that it’s located far from heat sources like your kitchen windows, stove, and oven.

2. Keep opened Harissa paste in the refrigerator.

Once opened, you will have to refrigerate Harissa paste. The cold temperature inside the refrigerator can help delay the paste’s spoilage process.

3. Add a thin layer of olive oil at the top of the paste after every use.

The olive oil layer can protect the paste from oxidation and help keep it fresh for longer.

4. Can You Freeze Harissa Paste? (and How to Do It)

Yes, you can! If you want to extend the shelf life of your paste by a few more months, this is the way to go! Here are some tips on how to freeze Harissa paste:

Use an ice cube tray.

The best way to freeze Harissa paste is to divide it into single-serve portions to thaw it when you need it quickly.

You need to scoop out the harissa paste into each compartment. Make sure to fill up only around 80% of the cube. After that, drizzle olive oil to seal and protect the top layer of your paste.

Wrap the tray with cling film.

If the ice cube tray comes with a cover, put it on, then wrap the entire tray with cling film. This added layer of protection can prevent freezer burn.

Transfer the frozen cubes into a resealable plastic bag.

Once frozen, you can transfer the cubes into a freezer bag. In this way, you can free up your ice cube tray and enjoy more freezer space.

The Bottom Line

Does Harissa Paste go bad? Yes, it can, and it will. This is most especially true if you won’t store it the right way.

Lucky for you, storing harissa paste is pretty easy. You just need to protect it from light, air, heat, and moisture and make sure to coat its top layer with olive oil before storing it. Follow all these tips, and you can enjoy using Harissa for many more months.

Does Harissa Paste Go Bad? The Fiery Truth Revealed! (2)

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Does Harissa Paste Go Bad? The Fiery Truth Revealed! (2024)

FAQs

Does harissa paste expire? ›

How to store harissa. Keep in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be stored in the fridge and will last for up to six weeks.

Do you keep harissa paste in the fridge? ›

Storage: Homemade harissa can last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks, properly stored in a covered mason jar and the top the harissa paste covered with a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil.

What is a substitute for harissa paste? ›

For every tablespoon of this fiery flavor, you can substitute a tablespoon of berbere, chile paste, or tabil (Tunisian spice paste). Of course, for a little less heat, you can always use hot sauce.

What's the difference between Rose harissa and harissa? ›

What is the difference between harissa and rose harissa? Rose harissa is harissa plus rosewater (or rose petals): the rose petal powder or rosewater are used to soften the heat in the harissa, adding a subtle fragrant, floral note to balance the spicy heat generated by the harissa.

How long do products last after expiration date? ›

Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.

Is it OK to use expired sauce? ›

And truthfully, if you're eating hot sauce that's too old, all you're typically consuming is a little bad yeast or mold. You certainly don't WANT to consume that, and it could give you an upset stomach, but it's most likely to just cause an imperfect taste with no long-term damage.

How long does unopened harissa paste last? ›

Since Harissa Powder has no moisture content, it lasts longer than Harissa pastes—about 6 to 12 months.
...
How Long Does Harissa Paste Last?
Type of Harissa PasteStorage MethodShelf Life
Opened Store-bought or Homemade Harissa PasteFrozen3 months
2 more rows
21 Oct 2022

Is harissa the same as harissa paste? ›

Harissa sauce is simply a variation of harissa paste where more olive oil has been added to form a thinner consistency than the paste.

What is harissa paste made from? ›

What is Harissa Paste Made Of? The ingredients for harissa paste are pretty simple- red chilies, garlic, oil, an acid (we used vinegar & lemon juice), and spices.

What is harissa called in English? ›

Harissa (Arabic: هريسة harīsa, from Maghrebi Arabic) is a hot chili pepper paste, native to the Maghreb. The main ingredients are roasted red peppers, Baklouti peppers (بقلوطي), spices and herbs such as garlic paste, caraway seeds, coriander seeds, cumin and olive oil to carry the oil-soluble flavors.

What is the closest spice to harissa? ›

Best substitutes for harissa powder:
  • Chili powder - While chili powder is usually not a spicy as harissa, you can increase the spice level by adding a little cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the chili powder.
  • Smoked paprika - Smoked paprika can be a good substitute for harissa in a pinch.
5 Jul 2022

Which is hotter harissa or sriracha? ›

Empirically, the heat between these two is the same, but because harissa is a paste made predominantly of mashed peppers, it can seem hotter than sriracha sauce. Absent of sugary sweetness and more earthy in flavor through the herbs, harissa stands out for its addition of pepper with this sriracha substitute.

What nationality is harissa? ›

Traditionally Harissa is most closely associated with The Mahgreb region, specifically Tunisia, the northern edge of Africa touching the Mediterranean Sea, made up of the modern countries Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Libya.

Why is harissa so spicy? ›

It's a chile paste made from a variety of dried chile peppers (ranging from very hot to mild) that are rehydrated then blended with olive oil, spices (usually toasted for a more intense flavor), and, sometimes, garlic.

Is harissa a girlfriend? ›

For the most part this is naturally gluten-free with only a couple that you need to watch out for – prepared harissa paste if you're not making your own, and chicken broth can sometimes have gluten added. Always read the labels carefully and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.

What food never expires? ›

9 Foods That Never Expire (Ever)
  • Honey. Thanks to the magic handiwork of bees (they have special enzymes that basically inhibit bacterial growth) and the way it's processed for storage, honey is the longest lasting of the bunch. ...
  • Rice. ...
  • Instant Coffee. ...
  • White Vinegar. ...
  • Vanilla Extract. ...
  • Salt. ...
  • Dried Beans. ...
  • Sugar.
7 Sept 2016

Can I eat something that expired 2 years ago? ›

With the exception of highly acidic items like tomatoes and pineapple, canned vegetables, and some canned soups are okay to eat a year or two after they "expire." Canned meats, like corned beef and SPAM, keep even longer — between two and five years.

How can you tell if sauce has gone bad? ›

Mold or visible signs of spoilage are the best way to tell if sauce has gone bad. Bad sauce can also have unpleasant odors or discoloration where it becomes a maroon color as opposed to its typical bright red color.

How long can you use condiments after expiration date? ›

Hot Sauce: 5 years. Jam and Jelly: 1 year. Ketchup: 6 months. Mayonnaise: 2-3 months after the “Use by” or “Best by” date.

How long can sauce last after its expiration date? ›

Spaghetti Sauce Expiration Date
ProductPantry (Unopened)Refrigerator (Opened)
Past Printed DateAfter Opening
Tomato Based Pasta Sauce lasts for1 Year5-10 Days
Cream Based Pasta Sauce lasts for6-8 Months7 Days
Oil Based Pasta Sauce lasts for1 Year2 Weeks
1 more row
22 May 2015

Do unopened sauces expire? ›

Condiments are shelf-stable foods and can be stored unopened in the pantry for long periods of time. Optimal storage is in a dry, cool area below 85 degrees, or in the fridge (if the condiment should be refrigerated after being opened) with a temperature of 40 degrees or lower.

Do unopened hot sauces expire? ›

An unopened hot sauce keeps for a couple of years, and it typically lasts for at least 6 months of opening if left at room temperature, or over a year if refrigerated. Over time, hot sauce degrades in appearance (its color changes), taste, and overall quality.

How long do unopened sauces last? ›

Jarred spaghetti sauce: 18 months; 4 days. Ketchup: 1 years; 6 months (see note above on shelf-stable). Maple syrup: Consume within 12 months if stored in pantry, refrigeration will extend life. Mayonnaise: 3 to 6 months; 2 months (see note above on shelf-stable).

Is harissa healthy to eat? ›

According to studies, harissa is loaded with several health benefits and this is due to the presence of antioxidants. Harissa is made with chilli compounds, which has an antioxidant capsaicin. This compound makes the chillies spicy and are great for health.

Is tahini the same as harissa? ›

Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, has a creamy texture and nutty flavor. Roland® Harissa Tahini is made with harissa, a spicy, aromatic chili paste for a tasty kick of heat. We suggest replacing it for original tahini for hummus, dips and spreads with an unique twist.

Why is harissa so good? ›

If you like your food a little spicy, you'll almost certainly love harissa, a hot pepper chilli paste. It's got a deeper flavour than just chilli – you get a spicy hit backed by garlic and lemon, and it can be sweet or smoky.

Is harissa good for cholesterol? ›

It also found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in obese individuals. This makes about 2 cups Harissa paste. I keep half in the fridge and freeze the other half.

Is harissa the same as Moroccan spice? ›

A fiery North African condiment, Harissa is usually found in the form of a paste, but the dry spice blend is a healthier way of using it as it contains no oil.

Is sriracha the same as harissa? ›

Can you use harissa in place of sriracha and vice versa? Harissa and sriracha are interchangeable as far as the heat that they bring to dishes is concerned, but their other flavors differ considerably. Some harissa blends may be more effective than others when you use them in place of sriracha.

Who eats harissa? ›

Ubiquitous in Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, and Moroccan pantries, harissa is a paste of red chilies blended with olive oil and spices, such as coriander and caraway.

Who invented harissa? ›

It's in Tunisia that harissa originates, and from there was passed regionally to the surrounding countries of Algeria, Libya, and Morocco.

Is Sumac the same as harissa? ›

Sumac is a slightly tangy Middle Eastern spice that goes well with ANYTHING! Especially salmon, avocado, poultry, and roasted veggies! Harissa is also another Mediterranean spice that's a total game-changer. It's slightly spicy and warm without being over powering.

Is there a mild version of harissa? ›

A HARISSA SAUCE FOR ALL: Harissa is a chili paste hot sauce commonly used in Moroccan cuisine, and Mina Mild Harissa Sauce makes this exotic flavor accessible to all with a milder kick. Use it for cooking or as a condiment, sauce, spread, topping or dip.

Can I use Tabasco instead of harissa? ›

If a recipe calls for Harissa, often you just want some heat. In this case whatever hot sauce you have in the house will do the trick. Tabasco, sriracha, sambal oleck, chilli bean paste or korean Gochujang will all prove the kick needed.

Is harissa like garam masala? ›

Now, back to Harissa, it is essentially a red chili paste most prominent in Tunisian and Moroccan cuisines. It is the Sriracha, Tandoori Masala and Garam Masala of spices all meshed into one happy family. My version is almost fruity in its flavor notes and generously uses all the greens of cilantro and mint.

What hot sauce is hotter than Tabasco? ›

Cholula only has 1,000 SHU and Tabasco is slightly hotter at 2,500 SHU, while the jalapeno, which “The Chile Pepper Bible” claims is only a “mildly hot” chile, has 3,500 to 10,000 SHU. And that's nothing close to the mighty habanero, which regularly scores over 300,000 SHU!

What culture uses harissa? ›

Harissa is a blend of hot peppers, oil and various spices. It's a flavor base for curries and stews, as well as a condiment, in Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, according to Middle Eastern food expert Paula Wolfert.

How do you make harissa paste less spicy? ›

You can also add more heat at the end with the addition of red chile flakes or cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you feel your harissa is too spicy, you can add more roasted bell peppers to tone it down.

Does harissa contain capsaicin? ›

Harissa is the perfect addition to your healthy diet. It contains capsaicin (a chemical compound that gives spice to chili) that can reduce blood pressure. In fact, eating Harissa may reduce inflammations and help relieve colds, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and many other illnesses.

How do you cool down harissa? ›

Acidic ingredients such as lemon or lime juice, vinegar, wine, tomatoes, and even pineapple will all help to neutralize the pH levels of a spicy oil, and reduce some of that flaming-hot flavor. Add the juice of half a lemon or lime, or a tablespoon or two of wine, vinegar, or tomato sauce, to your over-spiced dish.

Can I use chipotle instead of harissa? ›

If you'd like a mild, smoky flavor, opt for ancho chilis - but if you want the smoky flavor with a bit more heat, then use chipotle instead. For a sweeter flavor, give guajillo chilies a try - but if you want your harissa super fiery, then use Thai chilies.

Can I use ras el hanout instead of harissa? ›

Ras el hanout is a spice blend that you can use as a harissa powder substitute in many dishes. It provides a similar spiciness and color to recipes that you would typically see with harissa. Some of the ingredients found in ras el hanout offer a similar flavor to harissa.

Can you use harissa powder instead of paste? ›

If you buy the powder, then you're simply getting a dried version of the peppers and spices. If you choose to cook with the powder, you can use it in the same way you'd cook with any dried spice blend, or you could mix it with oil and water to create a quick harissa paste.

Can you eat expired chili paste? ›

While chili sauce is technically still safe to eat after the expiration date, the quality will begin to decline. After a few months, the sauce may start to develop mold or off-flavors. If you're unsure whether the sauce is still good, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

Is harissa paste a girlfriend? ›

For the most part this is naturally gluten-free with only a couple that you need to watch out for – prepared harissa paste if you're not making your own, and chicken broth can sometimes have gluten added. Always read the labels carefully and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.

How do you know if sauce packets are expired? ›

If it appears puffy or is damaged, toss it; When you open the packet, inspect it; If it has an odd color, texture, flavor, or odor, toss it. Condiments containing fats (mayo, butter) go rancid more quickly. Paper-based packets can spoil faster.

How long is pepper paste good for? ›

Red pepper paste is a great option for those looking for a condiment that can last for a long time. The product can be kept for up to two years in a properly sealed refrigerator.

What will happen if we use expired paste? ›

Eating expired pasta comes with the risk of an array of foodborne illnesses, which can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Look for signs of spoilage before eating leftover cooked pasta.

What happens if you eat expired tomato paste? ›

Like other condiments, such as bbq sauce, the unopened paste will easily last months past the date on the label. Of course, if you store it for a really long time, it might not be that great quality-wise, but unless there was something wrong with the container, the paste will be safe to eat.

Can you eat unopened expired hot sauce? ›

How long does hot sauce last? An unopened bottle of hot sauce lasts for months, if not years, past the printed date. After you open it up, the condiment usually retains quality for a couple of months if you leave it at room temperature, and at least up to the printed date if you refrigerate it.

What language is harissa? ›

Harissa (Arabic: هريسة harīsa, from Maghrebi Arabic) is a hot chili pepper paste, native to the Maghreb.

How do you know if a sauce is spoiled? ›

Mold or visible signs of spoilage are the best way to tell if sauce has gone bad. Bad sauce can also have unpleasant odors or discoloration where it becomes a maroon color as opposed to its typical bright red color.

How long does unopened sauce last past expiration? ›

Shelf Life Tips

How long does unopened spaghetti sauce last at room temperature? Properly stored, unopened spaghetti sauce will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months, although it will usually remain safe to use after that.

How long is sauce good after expiration date? ›

Spaghetti Sauce Expiration Date
ProductPantry (Unopened)Refrigerator (Opened)
Past Printed DateAfter Opening
Tomato Based Pasta Sauce lasts for1 Year5-10 Days
Cream Based Pasta Sauce lasts for6-8 Months7 Days
Oil Based Pasta Sauce lasts for1 Year2 Weeks
1 more row
22 May 2015

Does red pepper paste expire? ›

Gochujang paste usually comes in a red resealable box and if you look on the side there should be a date printed in numerals - this is the expiry date for the paste. The paste should be used by this date. As the paste is made from fermented ingredients the shelf life can be quite long.

What is the shelf life of pepper sauce? ›

Pantry stored unopened hot sauce can last up to six months, while refrigerated unopened hot sauce lasts up to four times longer. A general rule depending on the sauce's ingredients. It will keep your hot sauce looking good.

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