I’ve decided to write this text a couple of days ago when I found a container with brown sugar that has been stored in my pantry for as long as I remember. So thanks, spring cleaning, for helping me find it!
Does Brown Sugar Go Bad
Is it safe to utilize it now? is the only question left.
I carefully examined it; it didn’t smell strange, but it did have an oddly hard appearance.
In case your spring cleaning turns up your neglected bowl of sugar, I asked Google and a few of my friends what they thought of the topic. I’d like to share what I learned with you.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about what I discovered on whether brown sugar spoils, continue reading.
Brown Sugar Expiration Date (in Ideal Conditions)
Typically, the label on a box of brown sugar states, “Best within two years.”
During this period, sugar can be used safely in recipes. Brown sugar, on the other hand, has an indefinite shelf life since it has no expiration date.
But don’t just take this facts for granted.
It only holds true if you keep the brown sugar in a dark, dry, and somewhat airtight location such as the pantry or another location that is not very humid or dry. Additionally, the flavor of brown sugar is at its peak within six months of purchase.
How about my brown sugar, then?
Well, although it was stored in the pantry, and it has been a couple of years since I left it there, I didn’t store it in its original container, which means I can’t be sure it is safe to use.
How to Tell if the Sugar Is Spoiled?
This has been by far the most useful information I could get, so I hope you’ll find it useful too.
- Even though brown sugar can’t exactly go bad, it can change the texture.
- Also, as with any food past its expiration date, it does carry certain health risks. As you probably understand, my family’s health is my top priority, and I would rather throw away a couple of pounds of sugar than put them at risk.
- Each type of sugar reacts in a different way to the aging process. When brown sugar has been around longer than its “best within two years,” it will turn from a squeezable form into a hard lump. However, it is not beyond saving.
- The only situation when you should get rid of the brown sugar stored for an extended time is when bugs and other insects got to it before you.
How to Restore Brown Sugar?
Lucky for me, large clumps of sugar that were made due to loss of moisture are no reason to throw it away, and its previous texture can be easily restored.
There are several ways to make brown sugar usable again:
- Add a slice of fresh bread to the bag/container where you keep the sugar and leave it for a day or two.
- Do the same with a paper towel separated from the sugar by a plastic wrap.
- Put a washed and dried orange peel in the container and leave it to the natural oils from orange to soften the sugar. The process will last for several hours.
- For a quick solution, cover a bowl of brown sugar with a damp paper towel and put it in the microwave for no more than 20 seconds.
- Use an electric mixer.
- Put it in a bag and pound it against a wall.
- Break it with a fork.
- Put an apple wedge into the sugar bag/container, seal it and keep it that way for a couple of hours.
Related: Which is the most recommended Cookie Press?; How to choose a Flour Sifter
How to Use Brown Sugar Quickly?
If you’re anything like me, all the reassurance in the world won’t be able to persuade you that there aren’t any risks about using the sugar that has been stored for years, and if nothing else, you’ll want to get the most out of it in a short timeframe.
I’ve used my restored brown sugar for two purposes: cooking and beauty. Of course, I deserved some beautifying after all that spring cleaning, so guess what? Momma’s got herself a spa day. 🙂
Brown sugar proved to be an extremely useful ingredient for leg scrub, face scrub, body scrub, scalp scrub (divine feeling), foot scrub, lip exfoliator, and face mask.
The following day, I’ve prepared some delicious treats for my husband and the boys.
Let me share the recipes with you:
1. The “I’m Sorry” Brown Sugar Caramels
I’ve accidentally dropped my husband’s very sensitive sports memorabilia. After he had tried out these caramels, he forgave me right away. Besides, my sons even offered me to do the dishes and clean the house, so I like to call them “my magic caramels” too.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (you can use low-fat to soothe your consciousness)
- 1 pound brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 can sweeten condensed milk
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine all the ingredients except vanilla extract.
- Bring to a boil and stir for a couple of more minutes.
- Add the extract only after you remove it from heat.
- Butter a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Pour the caramel into the buttered pan.
- Allow cooling at room temperature.
- After it is completely cool, cut into squares using scissors.
- Wrap individual pieces in cellophane or waxed paper.
- Wait for your husband to forgive you, lol.
2. Brown Sugar Cookies
My variation on the classic sugar cookies recipe.
I’ve found that adding ginger and nutmeg adds a unique flavor to the cookies and makes them very similar to store-bought products. If you like it a bit sweeter, you can add a teaspoon of honey too, and glaze it with melted chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 spoon salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 spoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 spoon ground ginger
- 1/2 spoon ground nutmeg
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Beat the butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add egg and continue beating.
- Mix the other ingredients in a different bowl and then add them to the butter mixture.
- Drop large teaspoonfuls of dough onto an unbuttered cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes.
Related: Springform Pans Reviewed in 2022
Be Smarter Next Time: How to Properly Store Brown Sugar?
Now that I know all the hassle I had gone through before I realized the brown sugar I stored (poorly) is safe to use, I will never store it like that again, and nor should you.
- The way to avoid brown sugar from spoiling if you are planning on keeping it in the pantry for an extended period of time is to keep it in its original air-sealed container.
- If that is not possible, you should put it in a vacuum-sealed bag or any container that doesn’t allow air (e.g., glass jar), bugs, or other contaminants to reach the sugar.
- Don’t ever store it in the fridge, because the moisture and extreme cold can only make it go bad.
- Too much light can also be harmful. So your pantry, or kitchen cabinet, is the perfect place to keep it safe.
So, there you have it, your answer to the question does brown sugar go bad, and my experience with salvaging the long ago forgotten pack of it.
With the help of a couple of friends and the almighty Google, I have managed to go from a forgetful middle-aged mom to a superhero wife and mother who prepares delicious cookies and out-of-this-world brown sugar caramels that melt in one’s mouth.
Still, I’ve learned my lesson, and I will never leave a pack of improperly sealed sugar exposed to spoiling, and neither should you.
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