0 Shares
Did you buy a pack of hummus just for the sake of tasting it?
Are you worried that the rest of the hummus will go to waste soon?
Does hummus go bad, though?
Like some dips or sauces, hummus can go bad even before its expiration, especially when kept in the wrong storage condition.
Now that you have landed on our page, let us tell you all the answers you need to know about hummus:
- What is the shelf-life of hummus?
- How to tell if hummus has gone bad?
- How to store hummus properly?
How Long Does Hummus Last?
There are a couple of main factors that can influence the shelf life of your hummus – the type of hummus, storage condition, and contamination (once the pack is opened).
See to it that you check the pack’s best-by/best-before/ use-by date/ expiration date to give you an idea of how soon you should consume your hummus.
Commercially-produced hummus
Commercially produced or store-bought hummus is often pasteurized, and it also contains preservatives to extend its shelf life. They’re also displayed in the refrigerated section or the unrefrigerated dips section.
Store-bought hummus usually comes with a best-by date. An unopened pack of hummus can last in the pantry for up to 3 months. As long as there are no signs of spoilage, you can still open and use it if it has passed the date for a few days.
Once opened, you need to store the rest of your hummus in the refrigerator. You have 4 to 7 days to consume everything before it goes bad.
Homemade hummus
Note that homemade hummus will have a shorter shelf life than store-bought ones. That is because it does not contain any preservatives.
If kept in the fridge, your homemade hummus can last for 4 to 5 days.
How To Tell If Hummus Is Bad
Before you dip a piece of pita bread or tortilla chips into your hummus, you have to make sure that it is safe for consumption.
The best way to tell if your hummus has gone bad is to use your senses.
Here’s how to know if your hummus has gone bad:
1. Check the appearance
If you see molds settled on the surface of your hummus, don’t hesitate to throw it away. Mold growth is an obvious indication that your food is already spoiled.
If you notice the consistency of your hummus is watery, dry, or both, that’s a sign that the water content has separated from the fat. You can still use it as long as it doesn’t smell and taste spoiled. That’s up to your judgment.
To fix your hummus that has separated, just give it a stir until the consistency looks OK.
If stirring does not solve the issue, it might still be safe to eat, but it’s better to choose the safe option – just throw it away.
2. Smell it
Fresh hummus does not have much aroma except if it consists of cilantro or garlic. A spoiled hummus has a distinct sour smell. You don’t need to taste it; just simply throw it away.
3. Taste it
If you are still unsure about the taste and smell of your hummus, you should taste it. Take a teaspoon and scoop a small amount of hummus. If it tastes sour and not the usual taste of fresh hummus, it is best just to toss everything into the bin.
How To Store Hummus
Sold refrigerated hummus
If you purchased hummus sold as refrigerated, you should always keep it in the refrigerator.
Once opened, don’t forget to close the lid tightly. If you can, we suggest transferring the leftovers in an airtight container before keeping them in the freezer.
Sold unrefrigerated hummus
If you purchased unrefrigerated or shelf-stable hummus, you could keep it in your pantry or in a cool and dry place as long as it stays unopened. See to it that no sunlight or heat can ruin it.
Once the container opens, transfer your leftover hummus into an airtight container before tossing it in the fridge.
As a friendly reminder, instead of dipping your food directly into the hummus container, we advise you just to scoop out the amount you need in a small serving bowl. This is one way to help preserve the rest of your tasty hummus for future use.
The goal here is to prevent early spoilage and minimize the chances of contamination that may come from the foods you are going to dip into your hummus. Additionally, you should always use clean utensils when scooping out hummus from the container.
Homemade hummus
Just like the ones sold refrigerated, homemade hummus should always be kept in the fridge. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container before refrigerating.
It can stay fresh in your refrigerator for a few days at temperatures below 40°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze hummus?
It is OK to freeze hummus. However, freezing may make your hummus dry and tasteless if you do it in the wrong way. So you need to keep it in a freezer-safe container.
Additionally, don’t forget to pour a thin layer of olive oil on the surface of your hummus to prevent moisture from ruining it.
To thaw your frozen hummus, transfer it to the refrigerator the day you wish to use it. Once softened, stir the hummus mixture to restore its normal consistency.
How long can hummus last in the freezer?
You can freeze your hummus for up to 4 months! But we advise you not to let it stay in the freezer that long. The longer it stays in the freezer, the more it can ruin the flavor and texture.
How long can hummus sit out?
It is not advisable to leave your hummus overnight at room temperature, and it should not be left out more than 4 hours at room temperature.
Note that once you leave it open and unrefrigerated, you expose it to bacterial contamination that results in food spoilage. Thus, keep your hummus refrigerated at all times and just take out what you need.
What Is Hummus?
Hummus is a rich and creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. This food is derived from the Middle East, used as a dip, spreads, or stand-alone dish. Often, it is garnished with whole chickpeas, olive oil, parsley, and paprika. People love dipping pita bread and fresh vegetables in it.
Hummus is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This is why it makes a healthy alternative to mayonnaise. If you’re someone who loves mayonnaise, you might want to give hummus a try. You can make it at home or purchase them from the grocery store.
Is hummus actually healthy?
Hummus is known as a healthy food item. This can serve as one of your nutritious and plant-based protein sources that are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Hummus has a low glycemic index which can help control blood sugar levels. It is also an ideal snack for individuals with food intolerances because it contains no gluten, nuts, or dairy.
Is it OK to eat hummus every day?
Variety, balance, and moderation is the key to healthy eating. You can make hummus part of your daily diet as long as you consume it in moderation.
Conclusion
Whether you have store-bought or homemade hummus, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness and prevent early spoilage.
It is essential to practice food safety and proper hygiene to prevent foodborne illness. That’s why you should make sure that you should follow the abovementioned guides to keep your hummus safe from contamination.
Up Next: The Shelf life of Canned Foods
0 Shares
