Can It Go Bad?

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Can Distilled Water Go Bad?

Even though distilled water isn’t usually meant for drinking purposes, I think it still makes perfect sense to cover it on the website. Many people, especially first time buyers, don’t quite know how to go about storing such water and how long they can keep it around before discarding. Because of that, I prepared this article, in which we go through storage, shelf life, and going bad of distilled water.

Please note that the advice in this article is meant for anyone using distilled water for household appliances and motor industry related work (e.g., refilling electrolytes in a battery). It’s by no means exhaustive for medical purposes. And in case you wondered if drinking distilled water is safe, the long story short is drinking some won’t do you any harm, but switching to drinking only distilled water is not recommended and probably a bad idea ([DWC-SA]). Having cleared that up, let’s get started.

Steam iron
(credit: Filip Mroz )

Can Distilled Water Go Bad? How To Tell If Distilled Water Is Bad?

Technically speaking, it’s difficult to tell what a “spoiled” or “bad” distilled water exactly is. If it’s water that has some impurities, then sure, just open the container and leave it unsealed for a few hours. Chances some dust, bacteria, or anything else will get into the container are very high. And no, you won’t be able to tell that it has any possible contaminants just by looking at it. Fortunately enough, if you’re using the distilled water, or any other type of purified water, for your home appliances, that liquid doesn’t have to be 100% to do its job. That water is still much “cleaner” than tap or bottled water, and good enough for your purposes.

Once you open the container and store it for a very long time (think months), chances are green algae will start to grow in there. Chances of that happening are much higher if your storage practices aren’t that great (more on that later). If the algae got to the point that there’s visible sediment in the bottle, it’s time to discard it and get a new one. Same thing if the water develops an off smell. But to check that, please pour some of the distilled water in a glass and only then take a sniff. This way you don’t smell the container, but only the water.

How Long Does Distilled Water Last?

In short, it depends. As long as the container or jug is unopened, it should easily last years. If it comes with an expiration date on the label, that’s a decent place to start. Usually, it’s between 3 to 5 years from the production date. Of course, a couple of months past that date the water should be still perfectly fine.

How long does opened distilled water last, you ask? Depends on how you plan to use it. If for any reason you need it for drinking purposes, I’d go about it as if it was bottled water. That means you probably should finish the bottle within a couple of days, a week tops. But if you’re using the distilled water for any home or garage appliances, it should easily last 9-12 months after opening in good shape. And it shouldn’t come as a surprise that proper storage methods help with keeping the distilled water pure.

Busy craftsman in a toolshed
(credit: Clark Young)

How To Store Distilled Water?

Distilled water is best stored in glass ([DWC-ST]), so if you’re using your own container, use a glass one. Plastic containers often leach a trace amount of chemicals to the water over time, and as you might imagine, that’s less than optimal. An excellent alternative to “normal” plastic ones are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tanks and containers ([DWC-SL]), and many companies selling distilled water use those. The longer you plan on storing the distilled water, the more important the container is. So if you’re thinking about a long-term solution, go with glass of HDPE containers. A “normal” plastic bottle should be alright for short term storage.

When it comes to storing distilled water, there are a few practices you should follow. First, it’s essential to always keep the container sealed after opening, for obvious reasons. Second, keep the water in a dark place to prevent algae growth ([DWC-ST]). Third, avoid warm areas, as it’s easier for bacteria to grow in warmer conditions. That’s about it, really.

In a Nutshell

  • Unopened distilled waters last usually between 3 to 5 years. Check the label for details.
  • If you plan on drinking the water, finish it within 5 to 7 days. If it’s going to be used in various appliances, it should last at least a year if stored properly.
  • Store distilled water in glass or HDPE containers for best results. Plastic tends to leach a tiny amount of chemicals into the water.
  • Always keep the container sealed, away from light, and in a relatively cool temperature.

References

Can Kefir Go Bad?

Most of us would be better off if we consumed more probiotics. And that’s probably why you decided to try drinking kefir in the first place, right? This dairy drink is most known for containing lots of probiotics, and the health benefits they provide.

But as a fermented product, it’s not always clear how to tell if kefir is spoiled or not, or how long you can keep it in storage. That’s where this article comes in. In it, we go through all the basic storage-related information regarding kefir. We’ll talk about spoiled kefir and how to tell if yours is okay or not, the shelf life of this dairy product, and how you should go about storing it.

If you’re new to kefir and would like to learn a bit more than what’s on the label of a kefir bottle, this article is for you. Please note that I won’t be covering making homemade kefir, as there are dozens of great resources on this topic on the Internet. Besides, most people coming here will be people who bought kefir in the supermarket, not people interested in making it on their own. With that in mind, let’s start by talking about kefir going bad.

Kefir bottle
(credit: Adrienne Leonard)

Can Kefir Go Bad? How To Tell If Kefir Is Bad?

For starters, I want to reiterate that kefir is a fermented milk drink ([WIKI]), and as such, it has all the characteristics of other fermented products, like sauerkraut or kombucha. That means its taste, texture, and the amount of fizz will be different from batch to batch, and also change depending on the season ([LW]). So the fact that this bottle doesn’t taste or feel exactly like the other bottle from the same producer doesn’t mean it’s spoiled. Kefir is an alive and active product, and every bottle is somewhat unique.

When it comes to signs of kefir that’s gone off, there are a few possibilities. The first and most obvious is the presence of mold on top of the kefir ([YK]). It might be a noticeable fuzzy growth, or just a few pink or orange spots here and there. While I read about people who just scoop the moldy part and consume the rest, I definitely don’t recommend it. If it’s moldy, just discard it. Same thing if for some reason your kefir has separated entirely or smells off.

Another reason for getting rid of the kefir is when it turns too sour. As a living product, kefir becomes stronger in taste and potency over time ([CG]). And at a certain point, you will probably find it’s too much for your taste buds. If that’s the case, you can either discard it or perhaps try using it in a recipe where that flavor will fit right in. Just to make it clear, overly sour kefir is perfectly safe to consume, maybe just not the most taste-buds-friendly.

Kefir dessert
(credit: Alison Marras)

How Long Does Kefir Last?

Like with all fermented foods, this one is tricky. One way to go about it is to assume that it doesn’t go off ([CG]), and throw it out once the taste is too strong, or it actually spoils. But it’s okay if you’re not super comfortable with that approach, as it’s not the only option available.

You can also go about it the more traditional way by observing the date printed on the label. Since kefir is a fermented food, treat that date as an indicator of how long the taste of the dairy drink will be optimal. So the perfect storage time should be around two to three weeks, and once kefir has passed its date, sooner or later its taste will become too strong. When will that happen, you ask? There’s no way of telling you the specific period, but you can safely assume that it shouldn’t be that bad even after a week past its date. That period will, of course, vary from batch to batch, and from person to person, as some people will find it sour much quicker than others. If the kefir is “expired,” make sure you check for all described signs of spoilage before consuming it.

Once you open the package, the shelf life doesn’t really change ([LW]), but there’s always a chance of microbial contamination causing the kefir to spoil. So it’s definitely not a given that the kefir you’ve opened 2 weeks before its date will last up to that date in top-notch quality. Like with similar dairy products such as buttermilk or sour cream, it’s best to consume this fermented milk drink as soon as possible.

How To Store Kefir?

You should keep kefir in the fridge, plain and simple. Refrigeration keeps it safe for consumption, but also prevents the fermentation from accelerating. And that quite a long shelf life I talked about in the previous section is due to the fermentation going slowly and steadily.

Once you open the container, you should make sure the leftovers are sealed tightly. If the kefir comes in a bottle or a resealable carton, that’s not an issue. But if it comes in a non-resealable plastic container, it’s probably best to pour the leftovers to a mason jar, especially if you expect to keep them around for a few days. Alternatively, aluminum or plastic wrap and a rubber band is a decent makeshift solution to the issue.

But what if you’d like to keep kefir for longer? While it has a quite long shelf life, if you have much more on hand than you need, you could use an extra couple of weeks of storage time, right?

Can You Freeze Kefir?

Freezing kefir, same as freezing yogurt, is somewhat tricky. If you were to freeze the whole container, the solids would separate from the liquid after thawing, and stirring and running it through a blender wouldn’t fully reconstitute it. To reduce this effect, try freezing it using an ice cube tray ([LW]). Pour the liquid into the tray, freeze the cubes, and transfer them to a freezer bag once rock solid. You will probably need to blend it after thawing either way, but the effects should be better.

Nevertheless, some of kefir’s creamy consistency will be lost in the process ([LW]). That means you probably won’t enjoy drinking that kefir on its own. But using it for a smoothie, or in a cooked recipe should work just fine. The loss of creaminess won’t be as noticeable in such a dish, as other flavors will take over, and everything should blend together just fine. Please note that in some recipes the frozen and thawed kefir might not work as well as in others, so it’s best to run a test before making a big batch.

Last but not least, when it comes to the question of whether or not the probiotics survive the freezing, it’s difficult to tell. Chances are some of them will become dormant when frozen and active again once thawed, but I didn’t find any legitimate research or tests on this subject. In other words, if what you care about the most when drinking kefir is your health, do your best to drink it fresh.

In a Nutshell

  • Kefir is a living product and varies in taste, consistency, and the amount of fizz in every bottle. Slightly different flavor or mouthfeel doesn’t mean it’s spoiled.
  • If there’s mold on the surface, the dairy product smells terrible or has completely separated, throw it out. If it’s super sour, it’s safe for consumption, but feel free to discard it if it’s too much for your palate.
  • Keep kefir refrigerated, and always appropriately sealed.
  • Frozen and thawed kefir works well in smoothies and cooked dishes but not doesn’t taste that well on its own. Freeze in an ice cube tray and stir or blend after thawing.

References

Can Coffee Creamer Go Bad?

If you prefer your coffee white, or you like to keep a coffee creamer or whitener on hand for your guests, basic knowledge of these products comes quite handy. Mainly because there’s quite a lot of products available in this category, so you’re not limited to milk, cream, or half and half to your coffee for a taste boost. Plus unless you buy a new creamer only once you’re almost finished with the current one, sooner or later you will find yourself with a package that’s near or past its date. And that’s when you start to think whether or not a coffee creamer can go bad.

And because there’s a multitude of creamers and whiteners available, it’s easy to get confused. In this article, I try to make things as easy and straightforward as possible. After reading it, you should be able to easily deal with all sorts of whiteners without constantly checking their labels or getting back to this article each time.

To get that done, let’s first divide all creamers and whiteners into 4 categories. These are:

  • Powdered coffee creamers/whiteners. Plain and simple, these are all the products sold in powdered form, no matter if they are dairy or non-dairy based.
  • Mini sealed cups. These are the single-serving little creamers often available in restaurants, or which you buy while traveling.
  • Dairy-based creamers. These include regular dairy products like milk or cream, but also flavored stuff based on these products.
  • Non-dairy based creamers. That’s basically everything else that’s not dairy-based, plus milk alternatives such as almond or coconut milk.

All of the products in each category are quite similar in handling. That’s why we’re going to talk about specific groups. Let’s get going.

Adding creamer to coffee
(credit: Tyler Nix)

Powdered Coffee Creamers

This category is as simple as it gets. When it comes to storage, the package can sit at room temperature. Just make sure it’s away from moisture ([CM]), and that’s about it. Once you first open the packaging, make sure its always sealed tightly. If the original package isn’t easily resealable, consider transferring the powder into an airtight container or freezer bag for additional protection.

How long does powdered coffee creamer last, you ask? The best-by date on the label is obviously only a rough estimate, and more often than not you can continue using the powder past its date. It might not be the best in terms of flavor, but if it’s not wet nor there are any wet spots or clumps, it should be perfectly safe to use. If your coffee with the powder added doesn’t taste as good as it used to, discard it.

If you need a coffee whitener only for time to time, or you don’t use that much, the powdered version is probably the best option for you. It has a shelf life of a year or two and doesn’t go bad easily. Perfect if you need it only for your guests.

Eight coffee latte mugs
(credit: Nathan Dumlao)

Mini Sealed Cups

These tiny cups work great if you’re traveling and don’t have access to a fridge. They don’t require refrigeration, and you use them one at a time, so you never have to worry about storing any leftovers.

When it comes to shelf life, they usually last about 6 months, but they should stay just fine for even longer. I, for one, wouldn’t hesitate to use one that’s over a month past its date. The creamer is basically canned in the tiny cup, so it’s safe for consumption for a long time ([MF]). However, if you prefer to keep things safe when it comes to food, feel free to discard the expired cups.

When it comes to checking if the creamer has gone off, check the smell and taste of the creamer. If you find either of these off, discard the cup. Otherwise, brew yourself a cup and add the creamer, chances are it will be just fine.

Cold brew coffee
(crdit: Tyler Nix)

Dairy-based Coffee Creamers

When it comes to dairy products like milk, half and half, or cream, I’m pretty sure you know how to go about them. Flavored dairy products are treated pretty much the same way. But just to make sure we’re on the same page, let’s go through the basic guidelines.

When it comes to storage, unless it’s pasteurized milk or the label specifically says it doesn’t require refrigeration, keep it in the fridge. You already do that for most dairy products either way.

For shelf life, in most cases (except milk) it’s usually quite short, like up to a few weeks. Generally, you should observe the best-before date on the label. Of course, if you do a decent job of storing the product, you can get away with keeping the unopened product for a few days past its date, but that’s about it. Once you open the container, check the label for details on how long does it last opened, because that differs a bit from producer to producer. Usually, it’s between 4 to 7 days, but as I said, consult with the label.

How to tell if dairy creamer is bad, you ask? The product turning sour is a sure sign it’s past its prime. Noticeable changes in texture and other changes in the smell also make it pretty clear the dairy-based creamer is spoiled. Last but not least, if the creamer seems to be just fine when it comes to looks and smell, give it a taste, and decide based on that if you’re going to use it or not. Of course, since most dairy products go bad fairly quickly, if you already keep the creamer in the fridge for longer than 2 to 3 days past the recommended period, discard it. Yes, even if it seems to be okay. In this case it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Coffee latte
(credit: Nathan Dumlao)

Non-dairy Coffee Creamers and Whiteners

While there’s a ton of products in this category, the rules are quite similar for all of them.

First, let’s discuss storage. Some of these creamers require refrigeration at all times, while others only upon opening. So the best way to go about this is to simply store the bottle or tetra-pack the way it was stored in the supermarket. If you got home and forgot if it was refrigerated or not, check the label. If it doesn’t specifically mention how to store an unopened container, toss it into the fridge to keep things safe. Once you open the bottle or carton, refrigerate it. That’s true for pretty much all coffee creamers, and I’d be concerned if mine didn’t say I need to keep it in the fridge after opening.

When it comes to how long does liquid non-dairy creamers last, it pretty much depends on the product. Because of that, look for the best-by date on the label. Usually, they last a couple of months unopened, and around a week to two weeks after opening ([CM]), but again, check with the label of your product.

If you’re checking if the whitener is still okay to use, check its appearance (color, texture) after pouring some in a glass, give it a good sniff, and finally, if everything seems fine, taste a tiny bit. Performing such a check will ensure you don’t ever use a bad or old whitener.

Last but not least, if the container is opened for a noticeably longer period than the label suggests, discard the product. There’s no point in risking food poisoning, plus that creamer likely won’t be much good anyway.

In a Nutshell

  • Keep powdered creamers away from moisture, and they will be fine for a long time, even up to a couple of months past the date on the label.
  • Mini sealed cups last around 6 months, and often are just fine even a couple of weeks past their date. They don’t require refrigeration, even if it’s a little half-and-half.
  • Dairy-based coffee creamers should be treated like dairy, both when it comes to storage and going bad. If it’s turned sour, it’s bad. As usual with dairy products, these creamers don’t last long after opening.
  • Non-dairy whiteners last quite a long time unopened and often don’t require refrigeration. But once you open the carton, most of them, like dairy, need to be kept in the fridge and doesn’t last longer than a week or two.

References

Can Velveeta Cheese Go Bad?

If whenever you think about mac and cheese Velveeta immediately comes to mind, you surely know all about how to store it and how long does it last.

But if you’re using Velveeta only occasionally, or maybe you’ve just bought your very first package, you might not be familiar with those basics. Velveeta isn’t a “real” cheese, but a “recipe cheese product,” or a “processed cheese product.” And besides the naming, which for some may seem only as a technical detail, there are some differences between Velveeta and “normal” cheeses worth knowing about. And this article is exactly about those differences.

If your experience with Velveeta cheese is limited, and you’d like to learn a bit about signs of spoilage, methods of storage, and its shelf life, continue reading. And for the record, I’m going to refer to Velveeta as cheese for the rest of the article simply because everyone else does exactly the same. Plus it would be kind of awkward to call it a “recipe cheese product” each time.

Mac and cheese
(credit: Atharva Lele)

Can Velveeta Cheese Go Bad? How To Tell If Velveeta Is Bad?

While Velveeta is definitely more processed than your typical cheese, like Brie or Blue cheese, it won’t last forever and will go bad eventually.

When it comes to signs of spoilage, pay close attention to its color and texture. Fresh Velveeta is yellow and soft to the touch. Any noticeable changes in either of these qualities suggest it’s past its prime, especially if it’s already past its date. If its smell or flavor changes for the worse, you should discard it too. Heavily (compared to regular cheese) processed foods such as Velveeta rarely go moldy, but if that happens, it’s obviously time for it to go.

One thing to note is that the cheese might start to dry out gradually if it’s not well wrapped after opening. If that’s the case, you can discard the dried part or use it like you usually would. If you’re going to melt it either way, it won’t make that much of a difference.

Potatoes and cheese sauce
(credit: angela pham)

How Long Does Velveeta Cheese Last?

This one is super straightforward. When it comes to the shelf life of unopened Velveeta cheese, it’s usually around 6 months from the packaging date. As usual, it’s best to go with the “best-by” date on the label. Of course, it’s a processed food with added preservatives, so it will most likely last past that date. How long past the “best by” date, you ask? It’s impossible to tell, but my best guess would be about a month at least. If it’s past its date, just open the package and examine the quality of what’s inside. If you aren’t 100% sure it’s okay, err on the side of caution and discard it.

Once you open the package, the Kraft Foods’ product keeps quality for about 8 weeks ([WG]). The info is easily accessible on the package, so check yours in case anything changed. Plus it might be slightly different for other Velveeta products, so it’s always worth consulting the label. Of course, if you’ve opened the package near or after the date on the label, you shouldn’t expect the best quality for such a long time. Nevertheless, it’s a processed product, so it’s not like it’s going to completely degrade overnight. In other words, use it for as long as you find the quality good enough.

With that in mind, let’s talk about the last piece of the puzzle, and that is storing Velveeta.

Burger with cheese
(credit: amirali mirhashemian)

How To Store Velveeta? Do You Have To Refrigerate It?

Unlike most cheeses, you don’t need to refrigerate an unopened package of Velveeta. It’s shelf-stable, and that’s why you can find it in the supermarket on the shelves and not in the fridges. Just make sure it doesn’t sit near any heat sources, and you’re golden.

After opening the package, make sure you refrigerate the cheese and wrap it properly each time. This way it won’t dry out and will stay in top-notch quality for a long time. If you can’t cover it using its original packaging, use a freezer bag instead. Does opened Velveeta go bad if not refrigerated, you ask? I didn’t test that and don’t intend to, but I would say no. It’d most likely degrade in quality much faster. So if you’re going to use the whole package within a few days, you can probably get away with skipping the fridge whatsoever. Again, I didn’t test that, and you do it at your own risk. As in almost all cases, I recommend the same storage method the producer does.

Last but not least, Kraft Foods doesn’t recommend freezing Velveeta ([FB]). However, if you really won’t be able to use it before it degrades, freezing might be a way out. I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t be the first person to freeze Velveeta, either. Just seal it well in a freezer bag and thaw overnight in the fridge. It shouldn’t make that much of a difference in your mac and cheese when it’s all melted together.

In a Nutshell

  • Store Velveeta at room temperature away from heat, refrigerate after opening.
  • Velveeta lasts about 6 months (observe the date on the label) unopened and about 8 weeks after opening.
  • This cheese product rarely gets moldy, so in most cases, you will have to throw it out because its quality is poor, not because it’s spoiled in the usual way.

References

Can Ham Go Bad?

So you’ve bought a cook-before-eating ham to celebrate the holidays or serve your guests at a birthday party. But, as usual, life happens and that cured ham still sits in the fridge a couple of days later. And now you’re wondering if it’s still any good, or should you just toss it out.

Or maybe you’ve actually cooked that ham, but there’s a ton of leftovers and you’re quite sure you won’t eat all of it before it goes bad. And obviously, you don’t want it to go to waste, so you’re thinking about freezing it, but you aren’t quite sure how to go about it.

There are quite a lot of options when it comes to buying ham, as you can buy it bone-in and boneless, cooked or uncooked, and packaged in a variety of ways. Fortunately, the basics of storage, shelf life, and signs of spoilage are quite similar for all types. And my goal with this article is to cover those basics, so you don’t need a reference card every time you’re dealing with ham.

Cooked ham sliced
(credit: Сергей Орловский)

Before going any further, please remember that ham can be prepared with a variety of ingredients and amounts of those ingredients added. It all depends on the butchery or smokehouse. And that means in some cases that ham might last longer than your typical ham described in this article. So always read the label before opening and memorize any details that are out of the ordinary.

Can Ham Go Bad? How To Tell If Ham Is Spoiled?

Ham, like any other meat, can go bad. And unless it’s country ham that keeps quite a long time uncooked ([FS]), it doesn’t last that long.

When it comes to signs that ham is spoiled, your senses is pretty much what you work with to decide if the meat is still okay or not. When it comes to visual signs, if it’s cooked or cured and it turned slimy, it’s definitely past it’s prime, and you should get rid of it. Same thing if there are any greenish, greyish, or other discolored parts. In other words, if it doesn’t look like a “healthy” piece of meat, it’s done for.

The smell is second thing to check. If it’s fresh, it’s most likely perfectly okay. But if it smells “funny” or off, throw it out. I know that this description isn’t particularly detailed, but I find it pretty much impossible to describe in any other words. I mean you’ve most likely smelled old ham or any other meat before, and you knew right away that something isn’t quite right. It works exactly the same way here. When in doubt, throw it out.

Of course, if the ham you’re eating tastes off, or doesn’t quite taste the way it used to, get rid of it. I’m sure that’s quite obvious for most of you, but I just wanted to make sure to mention it. Some people feel super guilty about discarding food, and I get that because I feel that way too. But if there’s a chance it’s gone bad and it will hurt your gut, just get rid of it, for your own safety.

Discussing spoilage wouldn’t be complete without talking about the shelf life of the product. Because no matter how good that piece of meat looks, if it’s opened and a week or more after its date, it’s probably best to get rid of it.

Uncooked ham
(credit: Wesual Click)

How Long Can You Keep Ham In The Fridge?

If you’re looking for a storage chart of how long each type of ham lasts approximately, FoodSafety.gov provides one ([FS]). It’s an excellent place to start, but I don’t think it requires memorization or accessing each time you have some ham on hand. Let’s, on the other hand, internalize a few basic facts.

First of all, when it comes to uncooked ham, it’s pretty obvious that cured lasts longer than fresh. So it makes sense that the fresh one lasts 3 to 5 days, and cured up to a week or even more, based on the use-by date on the label. If the cured one is well packaged, e.g. vacuum sealed, it’s quite possible it can last a day or two past that date. Once you cook that ham, it “gets” a new shelf life.

When it comes to cooked ham, it pretty much comes down to how it’s packaged. If you bought it cooked and it’s vacuum sealed, no matter if it’s whole, cut, or sliced, it can last up to 2 weeks ([FS]). But once it’s no longer vacuum sealed, it lasts about 3 to 4 ([ML]) or 5 ([FS]) days. Those 3 to 5 days apply to pretty much any “opened” ham: one that you cooked yourself, opened vacuum sealed one, store wrapped, or ham slices.

I think remembering the guidelines above is much easier than trying to memorize the chart provided by FoodSafety. Hope you find them useful too. And as I mentioned in the beginning, some hams last longer, depending on the ingredients. So if you see that yours is supposed to last up to 10 days ([HA]), that’s not necessarily a misprint. If possible, always check the label for further and more exact information.

Now it’s time to talk about ham storage.

Sandwich with ham
(credit: Sofiya Levchenko)

How To Store Ham? Can You Freeze Ham?

This, fortunately, is pretty straightforward. Ham’s place is in the fridge. It should be well wrapped, so it doesn’t dry out ([ML]). You can use a plastic bag, aluminum foil, or a freezer bag for that, depending on the size of the piece and what you have on hand. If it’s sliced ham (or deli meat), in a resealable package, no need for repackaging or additional wrapping.

If you know that you won’t consume all of the ham before it spoils, you can freeze it. Some producers even put on the labels “use it or freeze it” dates, so you can be sure that freezing the product is perfectly fine. In short, unless the package says you shouldn’t freeze the ham, feel free to do so.

When it comes to how to go about it, there are a couple of ways to go about it, depending on your needs. If it’s uncooked, you can freeze it this way, or after cooking. I always freeze cooked ham, so it’s ready to go once I thaw it, and recommend you do the same. I’m lazy, so thawing ham to cook it and only then be able to eat it seems like too much work. Doing things the other way around is so much more convenient.

When it comes to cooked ham, again, there are a few options. First, if it’s commercially sealed, you can freeze it in its original package, without opening it first. Any many companies recommend you do it this way ([MCH]). But if that piece of ham is too much for your family to eat within 3 to 5 days, it’s better to cut it into smaller pieces, or even slice it, so it’s ready for when you make lunch for work or school.

If you’re not using the original packaging, make sure the ham is well isolated from the cold. Wrap it with aluminum foil tightly, or put in a freezer bag and remove air before sealing. If you find it useful, add a label with a name and a date.

When it comes to defrosting, the fridge is the best and safest option ([MCH][HA]). Please remember that if you’ve frozen a whole ham or a really large piece, it might take a day or even two before it thaws, so take that into account when planing your meals.

In a Nutshell

  • Off smell, discolorations, slime, and bad taste are all signs of spoiled ham.
  • Uncooked ham lasts 3 to 5 days if fresh and around 5 to 7 days if cured. Once cooked, it keeps for about two weeks if vacuum sealed and 3 to 5 days once opened or not vacuum sealed at all. For more detailed times check out the Ham Storage Chart.
  • If you need to store ham for longer, freeze it. Portion and slice it if it makes more sense than freezing it whole.

References

Can Butternut Squash Go Bad?

Who doesn’t enjoy a warming squash soup in the winter? But even if that soup is a regular guest on your menu in the cold months, it doesn’t mean the butternuts won’t spoil if you buy too many or keep them for too long. Especially if it’s late February already and you still have a couple on hand you purchased on a sale a week or so before.

Butternut squash is a winter squash, and as the name implies, it’s a seasonal product, at least if you buy it locally. In the US, it’s in season between October and February ([ETS]). So if you’re buying butternuts in the April or May, these are most likely imports that can taste a bit different, and you probably won’t be able to store them for as long as you would the local stuff. In that case, it might make more sense to buy local butternuts frozen.

In this article, we will go through ways to spot spoiled or old butternut squash, its shelf life, and the best way to store it long term. If that sort of info you’re looking for, continue reading.

Three little butternuts
(credit: Gemma Evans )

Can Butternut Squash Go Bad? Hot To Tell If Butternut Squash Is Bad?

Butternut squash, obviously, can go bad. But at the same time, like onions and garlic, it lasts quite some time if bought fresh and stored well. Let’s talk about the signs of spoilage.

When it comes to butternut squash, you don’t really know if it’s spoiled or not until you open it up. But there are a few things that might hint that you won’t like what’s inside. First off, it’s mushy and bruised spots on the rind. And I’m talking here about large areas, not some minor cuts. Fortunately, you can cut these out during preparation. The second thing is the weight of the whole thing. If it’s heavy, the moisture content is high, which is good ([ETS]). If it doesn’t feel heavy at all, or even feels empty inside, most of the moisture is probably gone, and it won’t be any good. If it’s leaking or the whole thing is mushy, just throw it out. Now it’s time to cut it up and see what’s inside.

When it comes to the butternut’s flesh, it easy to tell if it’s okay or not. It all comes down to color and firmness. You can cut out any mushy spots, but if the whole flesh is super soft, discard it. Also, over time the seeds’ section might turn stringy and look kind of disgusting. That’s the butternut starting to dehydrate. Just throw it out like you usually would and eat the rest.

For cooked or cut butternuts, look for mold, “funny” smell, and changes in texture. If there are any white specks on the surface, or the quality isn’t good enough anymore, get rid of it.

Of course, the longer you store the butternuts, the higher the chance they will go off. That brings up to the next topic, that is the shelf life of this winter squash.

Butternut squash fries
(credit: Sara Dubler )

How Long Does Butternut Squash Last?

Whole butternut squash lasts about 2 to 3 months in ideal conditions ([OSU][ISU]). Unfortunately, the perfect storage temperature for this particular veggie is 50°F to 55°F (or 10°C to 13°C), and most of us don’t have access to a place that maintains such temperature.

The second best option is storing it in the pantry, possibly slightly below room temperature. In such conditions, butternuts can last a month or two. Of course, the time the squash will stay alright depends on when it was harvested and how long it sat on the shelf, too. And if you’re buying veggies in the supermarket, you never know for sure about these. In other words, you probably should subscribe to the strategy of hoping for the best and planning for the worst. That means don’t try to get the longest possible shelf life but plan on eating the butternuts within a few weeks of buying.

If you want to get the squash ready for cooking ahead of time, cut or chopped butternut squash can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Once you cooked or baked it, it should retain quality for about 4 to 5 days. So if you’re meal-prepping for the whole week ahead, keep 4 days worth of portions in the fridge and freeze the rest to be sure nothing goes off.

Speaking of shelf life, it also depends on how exactly you store the veggies, so let’s cover that.

Butternut squash curry
(credit: Natural Chef Carolyn)

How To Store Butternut Squash?

You already know what’s the perfect temperature for butternut squash, and that a cold pantry is the second best choice here. Besides the temperature, it’s important to keep the squash dry and well ventilated (which also helps with getting rid of moisture) ([OSU][ISU]). So if you’ve brought the squash home from the market in a plastic bag, take it out of it as these tend to trap moisture. And don’t let the squash sit next to apples, or any other ripening fruit. These produce ethylene gas that speeds up the ripening process.

Cut, chopped, or cooked butternut should sit refrigerated, and sealed tightly. An airtight container is probably your best option here, as it will keep any moisture and smells at bay.

Last but not least, if you’re afraid that your squash will go bad, freezing is the solution to this problem.

Can You Freeze Butternut Squash?

Not all veggies freeze super well, and butternut squash isn’t a superstar in this department. But you should be able to get away with freezing cooked butternuts.

The best way to go about this, at least in my opinion, is to test out freezing your favorite dishes that include this winter squash. Soups should freeze very well, just make sure you add any fresh herbs when reheating, not before freezing. For casseroles and stews, how well they freeze depends on other ingredients. So if you’re willing to make this work, try freezing a small portion and see how it goes. You might need to tinker with the recipe a bit, or find another one if your favorite clearly isn’t working.

Or you can just cook or bake the squash, divide into a few portions and pack each one in a freezer bag or an airtight container, and put in the freezer. This way you can easily thaw the butternuts overnight in the fridge and do whatever you want with them next. Defrosted squash should work well in soups and stews, and maybe even stir-fries. When it comes to casseroles, it depends on the recipe, so you have to find that out for yourself.

In a Nutshell

  • Buy butternut squash when in season if possible. Make sure the rind is firm, and the veggie feels heavy.
  • Cut out any mushy and discolored parts. If it’s still whole and feels super light or is leaking, throw it away.
  • Store butternuts at room temperature for 4 to 8 weeks, or freeze cooked.

References

Can Kombucha Go Bad?

“You’re not getting enough probiotics” is what almost every site health-related site tells you at some point. And kombucha often comes up as a convenient solution. So you buy a bottle or two to give it a shot, and maybe you even make it a regular thing. But sooner or later you find yourself with old kombucha or notice there’s a gelly floating thing in the bottle, and you’re not quite sure what to do.

Telling whether kombucha is bad isn’t super straightforward, and not all manufacturers specify that sort of information on the labels or even their websites. The shelf life also often shows up at a date on the label without any further context. And that’s too bad because many people throw out perfectly good kombucha because of that lack of info.

This article is here to cover that gap. In it, we talk about possible signs of spoilage of kombucha, its storage and shelf life. If you’re a kombucha drinker who lives and dies by the “best-by” date, this article is definitely for you. Continue reading.

Homemade kombucha
(credit: Klara Avsenik )

Can Kombucha Go Bad? How To Tell If Kombucha Is Bad?

Telling if kombucha is off is a bit tricky. It’s a fermented product and therefore very acidic. That, in short, means any microorganism that isn’t already there has a hard time living and growing in such an environment. Because of that, the beverage lasts a long time and doesn’t spoil easily. However, in some rare cases, things may go south.

The first and most obvious sign of spoilage is the presence of mold. It’s super rare and happens mostly with homemade kombucha or an old one that developed its own baby SCOBY (more on that below) on top, and mold started growing on it. If there’s mold, throw it out.

The second option is that the kombucha turns vinegary in taste ([NE]) and you don’t find it good enough to drink anymore. If that’s the case, instead of throwing it out, you can use it as a vinegar substitute. This is a natural result of fermentation and happens to kombucha that’s stored for months in the fridge or opened at room temperature for a couple of weeks or so.

If your kombucha starts to smell off after a few days of opening, and you tend to drink directly from the bottle, switch to using glasses. There’s most likely nothing wrong with the liquid, but the bacteria from your mouth have contaminated the neck of the bottle, and that’s what’s causing the smell. If you’re always using a glass and your kombucha stinks, discard it.

That’s about it when it comes to signs of bad kombucha. But there are also at least a few things people find concerning and which are perfectly normal for the probiotic drink. Here they are:

  • Fizz or lack of it. Kombucha is a living thing, and the presence or absence of fizz depends on the batch, storage conditions and how long it’s stored. Even if you always buy the same brand and store it the same way, the effervescence will vary ([GTS][NE]).
  • Floaties in the bottle. The gel-like thing or a bunch of strands forming in the liquid is a baby SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast). A scoby is used in the process of making kombucha, and it can form on its own over time even if it was filtered out before bottling. Think of it like the mother forming in vinegar. It’s safe to consume it, but if you find it gross, just filter it out ([CK][GTS][NE]).
  • Sediment. Some sediment on the bottom is nothing unusual. If you want to mix it up, tilt the bottle gently left and right. Do not shake it, or it might explode like champagne ([GTS][RK][NE]).

Now that you know all about what is and what isn’t spoiled kombucha, let’s talk about its shelf life.

Prepared homemade kombucha
(credit: Klara Avsenik )

How Long Does Kombucha Last?

The answer to this question depends on whom do you ask, and usually varies between a couple of months, to possibly a year ([CK]). The industry standard seems to be about 6 months of bottling ([CK][RK]). And if you want to keep things super simple, you can just discard the kombucha that’s passed the date on the label. But as I already mentioned in the intro, that would be wasteful in my opinion.

As you already know, kombucha doesn’t readily go bad, so it’s not like it will magically go off after a week or two after the date on the label. That date is merely an estimate of how long the quality should be good enough for drinking. And since the fermentation process is going on all the time, like in unpasteurized sauerkraut, the change is slow and gradual. So it’s not like one day it will be perfectly fine and turn awful the next morning.

But at a certain point, you will notice that the kombucha no longer hits the spot, and that’s when it’s time to either discard it or use it for other purposes ([NE]). And that obviously depends on your personal preferences, so there are no hard and fast rules if that happens near the best-by date, or a couple of months later. And it varies between batches, so even if you’re loyal to a single brand, this period will vary. As long as the kombucha doesn’t show any signs of spoilage covered earlier, drink a tiny amount and decide if you find it good enough or not. Chances are you will enjoy it for at least weeks beyond the “expiration” date.

And speaking of shelf life, the way you store this beverage also affects how long you can keep it around.

How To Store Kombucha?

When it comes to an unopened bottle, the recommended storage method varies between producers. Some say you can keep it at room temperature ([CK]), while other manufacturers show a strong preference for refrigeration ([GTS][RK][NE]). When in doubt, keep in in the fridge. Of course, if you leave it out for a day or two, it won’t turn vinegary right away, but it definitely won’t keep good quality for as long as if it’d sit in the fridge all the time.

Once you open the bottle, its place is in the refrigerator. The cold temperature keeps the fermentation in check, so it doesn’t turn too acidic too fast. So if you like your kombucha on the less acidic side, make sure it’s refrigerated at all times, the same way you’d care for dairy products like kefir or yogurt.

When it comes to how to store the bottles, make sure you always keep them upright and not on their side ([GTS]). Otherwise, you might end up needing to wash your fridge after some of the liquid has escaped the bottle.

In a Nutshell

  • Kombucha doesn’t go off quickly, but if there’s mold, it tastes like vinegar or smells off, it’s time for it to go.
  • The gel-like substance forming in the bottle is safe for consumption and doesn’t make the liquid bad or spoiled. If you find it gross, filter it out.
  • This probiotic drink is a living thing, so its flavor, amount of bubbles, and how long it tastes good differs between batches. Even if you buy it only from one producer, the kombucha you get will be slightly different every time.
  • Store kombucha refrigerated at all times unless the label says otherwise.
  • If it doesn’t show any signs of spoilage, it’s most likely okay to drink, even if it’s a couple of months after the date on the label.

References

Can Smoked Salmon Go Bad?

Smoked salmon in one of my favorite ways to enjoy fish. It’s ready to eat without any prep, so whenever I’m short on time and need to whip up a meal, smoked salmon is often my protein choice. So whenever I see it on sale, I tend to buy too much.

And after one such time, when the date on the remaining packages was a day away, I decided to do a bit of research on shelf life and storage of smoked salmon. This article is what I learned and found helpful. Hope you find the info I provided useful.

Without further ado, let’s talk about smoked salmon, and let us start by talking about how to tell whether yours is still okay to eat or not.

Sandwich with smoked salmon
(credit: PTMP )

Can Smoked Salmon Go Bad? How To Tell If Smoked Salmon Is Bad?

It won’t come as a surprise that smoked salmon spoils. And telling if it’s still okay to eat is usually pretty straightforward.

First of all, look for any visual cues that the fish is done for. It technically can go moldy, but that’s likely to happen only after you’ve opened the package and stored it for like 10 days. Typical signs include a change of color or the presence of slime. While some minimal discolorations here and there are okay, if large areas turned greenish or dull in color, it’s time for the salmon to go.

Next thing to check is the smell. If it’s off, or just doesn’t smell like smoked fish, it’s probably bad, or at the very least its quality is past its prime. Please remember that smell is one of the factors that make food taste great, so if it’s off, that salmon surely won’t taste that good.

If both looks and smell are alright, in most cases that salmon would be at least okay in taste. But if it’s nearing or past the date on the label by a day or two, give it a taste before serving it. Chances are there’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Speaking of dates, if your typical smoked salmon is more than about 5-7 days past its date, it’s time for it to go ([ASF]), even if it’s still unopened. Technically it could still be okay, but I think there’s no point in risking it. And if you always find yourself with out of date smoked salmon, try buying another brand or variety that has a longer shelf life. Because yes, not all smoked fish are made equal, and some of them last much longer than others. Let’s talk about that in more detail.

Toast with smoked salmon
(credit: Monstruo Estudio )

How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last?

At first, I thought that all smoked salmon is pretty much the same, and lasts around two to three weeks of packaging. But thing’s aren’t as simple. Of course, your typical smoked salmon will have a shelf life of about 21 days ([KSS]), but there are other options like honey smoked salmon that can last up to 90 days unopened ([HSF]). There’s even the Sea Bear’s smoked salmon that they claim has a shelf life of 4 years if the package stays intact ([SB]), although I would be quite hesitant to keep it around for that long. So if you always seem to find yourself with old smoked salmon, try testing a different variety that comes with a bit longer shelf life.

Fortunately enough, all smoked salmon comes with a sell-by date on the package, so you don’t have to remember which one lasts how long. And that date is a pretty good indicator of how long the fish will retain quality. Of course, the salmon most often keeps fine for a few days after that date, depending on its overall shelf life. So one with a 3-week shelf life should last a day or two past its date, but another variety with a 90 days storage period should keep for 5 days or maybe even a week. Keep in mind that these periods are only rough estimates.

Once you open the package, the clock starts ticking. Once again, the time you have to finish the fish depends on the variety and the seller. Organic is often recommended to be consumed within 2 days of opening ([KSS]), while regular up to 5 days ([ASF]). Honey smoked salmon can last even longer, up to 10 days of opening ([HSF]). I tend to finish the package the same day I open it, or the next day at most, just to enjoy the best possible quality. Plus the packages I buy are rather small.

Last but not least, let’s talk about storage methods.

Salmon and seasonings on a cutting board
(credit: Agto Nugroho)

How To Store Smoked Salmon?

I always thought that keeping smoked salmon in the fridge is the only way to store the fish (except freezing, of course). But doing the research, I was proven wrong. Sea Bear, the company that I already mentioned earlier, makes smoked salmon that you can keep at room temperature ([SB]) as long as it’s vacuum-sealed. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I’m pretty confident they know what they are doing. But the vast majority of smoked salmon requires refrigeration ([KSS][HSF][ASF]), both unopened and after opening.

Once you break the vacuum seal, make sure you wrap the leftovers properly before putting them back in the fridge. If you can’t get a decent seal or plan on keeping the leftovers for more than a day, using a freezer bag or plastic wrap might be a better choice. A good wrap is essential to keep both the moisture and smell inside. I mean no matter how much you love smoked fish, you probably don’t want your whole fridge to smell like it.

As you already know, the shelf life of smoked salmon (in most cases) isn’t that long, and it’s quite short after you open the package. So if you need to keep the fish around for longer, freezing is the way to go.

Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon?

The short answer is: yes, you can ([KSS][ASF]). Smoked salmon freezes well and keeps quality for about 2 to 3 months while frozen, possibly more. When it comes to how to go about the process, there are two options.

If your smoked fish is still vacuum sealed and you expect to finish the whole thing within a couple of days of thawing, you can freeze it as is. Just toss it in the freezer, and you’re good to go.

But if you need only a small amount at a time, portioning the salmon would definitely help. So open the package or take the leftovers, divide into portions that make sense for your needs, and place each piece in a separate freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze as much air as you can from each bag before sealing them tightly. If you like to keep thing organized in the freezer, feel free to put all the bags in a single container to keep them in one place. Also, if you find it helpful, add a label with name and date to each bag.

When it comes to thawing, the fridge is the way to go ([KSS][ASF]). Transfer the package there the night before you need it, and it will be ready in the morning.

In a Nutshell

  • The signs of spoiled salmon include the presence of slime or noticeable discolored or dull surface areas, off smell, or bad taste. If either one is present, discard the smoked salmon.
  • Observe the date on the label, and if it’s way past it, or you opened the package more than a 5-10 days ago (depending on the variety), get rid of the fish.
  • In almost all cases both unopened and opened smoked salmon requires refrigeration.
  • You can freeze it either in its original package if it’s still unopened, or divide into portions and freeze in freezer bags.

References

Can Dates Go Bad?

If this is your first time around buying dates, you surely have a bunch of questions. You’ve probably noticed that it’s never just “dates,” but there’s always the type that’s mentioned on the label, too. Maybe it’s Medjool, Deglet Noor, or any other one. And it makes sense to wonder if that type makes that big of a deal.

And then there are terms like “khalal” or “tamar” sprinkled here and there, that you’re probably not familiar with. All of this might seem to be a bit overwhelming for a newcomer. I mean, you just want to eat a few dates or add something new to your desserts. That shouldn’t be that difficult, right?

Red dates on a plate
(credit: Mona Mok)

In this article, I’m going to try to make sense of all of that for you, and simplify it as much as I can. It’s not as difficult as it may seem, and I promise you won’t need to carry a references guide to dates to store them in the right place and make sure you eat them before they spoil or deteriorate. If that sort of information you’re looking for, continue reading.

Can Dates Go Bad? How To Tell If Dates Are Bad?

Like all fruit, dates go bad. But unlike many popular fruits, like oranges or watermelons, the most common types of dates can last a really long time. So if you store them in the fridge, it’s perfectly normal for them to be still okay a couple of months after you’ve bought them. This doesn’t mean they last forever, though. At a certain point, they will either spoil, or their quality will degrade to a point where you’d rather throw them out than use them. So let’s talk about signs of spoilage, shall we?

You’ve undoubtedly seen rotten or spoiled fruits in your life. Dates aren’t that different. If there’s mold or the color turns noticeably darker, it’s time for them to go. Same thing when the smell changes from somewhat sweet to strong and off-putting. If the fruits look and smell alright, they’re most likely safe to consume, too. But the taste of dates also changes gradually, so if you no longer find it acceptable, throw out the leftovers. Or use in baking, or in a fruit salad, where the lack of flavor won’t be as apparent.

One thing to remember about dates is that they’re high in sugar and that sugar sometimes gets to the outside and shows up as white specs ([OD]). Be careful not to mistake those specs with mold, and throw out perfectly good fruit. You can fix that issue by leaving the dates in the sun for an hour or two, or microwaving in a sealed bag with a few drops of water for a short period.

Knowing how to tell good dates from spoiled ones, it’s time to talk about how long do these fruits last.

Dates and walnuts
(credit: Ella Olsson )

How Long Do Dates Last?

Dates come in different varieties and stages of ripeness. While the former is more about the shape and flavor of the fruit, the shelf life is (mostly) about the latter.

If you’ve ever heard the terms khalal, rutab, or tamar, these are the stages of ripeness. Khalal is the earliest of them, when the fruits are still yellow and crunchy ([DFC]). And some varieties of dates are already edible in that stage. These dates keep quality for only about a week ([DFC]), and aren’t that popular and widely available. There’s a decent chance you’ve never seen those.

Later in the ripening process, the fruits proceed to rutab and tamar stages, where they soften and turn brown and translucent. Those more mature dates last much longer, between 6 to 12 months ([OD]) if properly stored. And are much more widely available. Chances are your dates are in one of those stages, and they’ll last months. As usual, it’s impossible to say how long will your dates last exactly, but the info on the label (if it’s there) is a good starting point. Of course, if everything goes well, dates, like raisins, can easily outlast the best-by date, even by a few months.

Of course, dates degrade in quality over time so fresh ones will taste slightly better than ones from the previous season. In other words, eat them while they’re at their best, and don’t wait until they start deteriorating.

Speaking of gradual quality changes, let’s talk about storage, which is also an important factor in this process.

Nuts for snacking
(credit: Rachael Gorjestani )

How To Store Dates? Do You Have To Refrigerate Dates?

When it comes to storing dates, there are three options. The first one is to store them at room temperature, in the pantry or a kitchen cabinet, away from heat sources. It works well only for ripe (rutab or tamar) dates, and allows you to keep the dates in alright quality for up to 3 months ([OD]).

The fridge is the standard for storing khalal dates and long-term storage of ripe dates. Once you’ve opened the package, consider transferring the fruit in a resealable freezer bag. This way they won’t pick up any smells and won’t dry out in the storage. You can usually keep ripe dates for up to 12 months in the fridge.

If you want to store these for a prolonged period, freezing is an option ([OD][DFC]). As usual, when it comes to freezing, proper wrapping is essential. If you’re freezing the fruit for short term (up to a few months), a freezer bag should be good enough to avoid freezer burn. If you’re thinking about long term storage (like more than half a year), consider double wrapping by wrapping in aluminum foil before transferring to the bag. If you expect to need only a few dates at a time, consider dividing them into a few portions, so you don’t have to thaw all of them to grab just a handful. When it comes to thawing, doing it overnight in the fridge is the safest option.

In a Nutshell

  • there are 3 stages of ripeness for dates: khalal (the earliest), rutab, and tamar
  • khalal dates last only about a week and need to be refrigerated
  • rutab and tamar dates last up to 3 months at ambient temperature, and up to a year in the fridge
  • you can freeze dates with great results, just wrap them well, and you’re good to go

References

Can Chia Seeds Go Bad?

It seems like everyone and their mother is talking about chia seeds these days. So you’ve probably heard about a bunch of benefits that they offer, and you decided to buy a bag or two to give them a try. Now that the package has arrived, you’re wondering for how long you can store the seeds, or how to tell if they are spoiled. Or whether or not they can go bad at all. All of these are fair questions, but most sites that talk about various benefits of consuming chia seeds rarely answer these.

Two chia seeds puddings with blueberries
(credit: Brenda Godinez)

In this article, we talk about going bad, shelf life, and storage of chia seeds. If you know all about the benefits and ways of preparing these seeds but aren’t as knowledgeable about the basics, this piece is for you to bridge that gap.

But before we get started, let me answer one of the popular chia-related questions: what’s the difference between black and white chia seeds? The difference is close to none ([VK]), and there’s no point in caring about it. So choose the color depending on which one suits your recipes better or is available.

Can Chia Seeds Go Bad? How To Tell They Are Bad?

You most likely already know that chia seeds are high in antioxidants. That means that even though they contain a lot of oil, like pretty much all seeds (e.g., flax or sesame) do, they aren’t don’t go rancid quickly. In other words, they will last a really long time before they go bad. Or rather before their quality becomes bad enough for you to decide to toss them out.

Nevertheless, there are some telltale signs that your chia seeds are past their prime. Like with other oil-rich foods, you’re looking for signs of rancidity, both in taste and smell. But it’s most often not as easy as giving the seeds a good whiff before using and being observant of any taste changes.

Chias don’t have a very distinct smell, maybe some nutty notes, but that’s it. And once the oil turns rancid, it most likely won’t make the seeds smell sour, at least not right away. To fix that, crush some seeds using a mortar and pestle and give it a sniff. If the smell is stale or rancid, throw them out.

When it comes to taste changes, they might be difficult to spot because in most cases we use only a small amount of chia seeds in a recipe. If you’re making your chia pudding with milk, some fruits, and nuts, it’s nearly impossible to note that those chia seeds are off. To get around this issue, soak some in water and check how they taste like. If the taste is off, discard them.

Chia pudding with raspberries
(credit: Milada Vigerova)

Both of the described methods of checking for spoilage are a bit time-consuming. But if your seeds are past the date on the label, and you still want to use them, take the time to check the seeds every couple of weeks. And speaking of dates, let’s talk about the shelf life of these seeds.

How Long Do Chia Seeds Last?

Long story short, it depends on whom you ask ([MC][VK]). The best-by dates on labels tend to be at least a year, maybe 18 months of the packaging date. The safest way to go about this is once the seeds have passed that date, check them for spoilage every few weeks if you want to keep using them. Chances are they will last in good quality far beyond what the package says. And by far beyond I mean months, or even years.

Of course, most producers simply recommend to discard the leftovers after the date on the label, but I personally feel that’s wasteful. And I’m pretty sure you feel the same way.

How To Store Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds don’t have any special needs when it comes to storage. Just keep them in a cool (not necessarily cold), place away from sunlight and sealed tightly. That means a cabinet in the kitchen is perfectly fine.

Once you open the container, make sure it’s always sealed when not in use. So if your bag isn’t resealable, it’s best to transfer the seeds to one that is. You can use freezer bags, airtightly containers, or glass jars, whatever works for you, really. A tight seal will keep any moisture at bay, and prevent access to fresh air, helping the seeds maintain quality for a bit longer.

When it comes to refrigerating the seeds, feel free to do that, but it doesn’t come with any tremendous benefits and it’s not required ([MC]). The seeds will stay fresh for a bit longer, but that’s about it. If the fridge is your storage place of choice, make sure the seeds are well sealed, so they don’t pick up any moisture from the environment.

In a Nutshell

  • Chia seeds often last months past the date on the label.
  • To check for rancidity, crush the seeds with a mortar and pestle and smell it, or soak in water and taste. If in either case you find the seeds stale, rancid, or sour, discard them.
  • Keep the seeds at room temperature, refrigeration isn’t required by any means.

References