A popular Middle Eastern treat known as hummus is used as a spread and dip for chicken and peas. In addition to cooking meals, it may also be used to prepare sandwiches.
If you enjoy hummus, you might be curious about whether it requires refrigeration. Continue reading to learn more.
This article will cover how to store hummus, how long it lasts, and how to spot stale hummus.
How to Retain/Store Hummus?
Hummus storage is very similar to any other dip. There are two types of hummus on the market. The ones sold refrigerated and the ones sold unrefrigerated. There’s also homemade hummus.
If your hummus was not kept refrigerated, it can be kept at room temperature as long as it is not opened. It should not be close to any heat source, such as microwaves, ovens, or sunlight. When you open the container, transfer what is left in the fridge to an airtight box if you are not using the original container.
For the popular hummus, the ones sold in the refrigeration aisle, you should keep it refrigerated. Once you’ve opened it, make sure to tightly seal it after use. Just like the non-refrigerated humus, ensure you put it in an airtight bottle if you decide to transfer it.
There is also homemade hummus, which should remain refrigerated in an airtight bottle. However, it is ideal for making a bowl of hummus every time you need some. This way you can enjoy it when fresh.
If you do not plan on finishing the whole dip at once, you should only pour a few tablespoons into a sauce bowl to avoid bacterial transfer, which may speed up the expiry process.
Can Hummus be Frozen?
The good news is that hummus can be frozen in the same way that other foods can. Hummus should be kept in an airtight, freezer-safe container that isn’t overstuffed since it expands when frozen.
It may also be frozen in little containers for individual meals and portion management. Put your frozen hummus in the refrigerator a day before you want to consume it to allow it to thaw. When you open the jar, a liquid will be seen floating inside. Given that the hummus has only split somewhat, you shouldn’t be alarmed by this. It only has to be stirred, and then it is ready to consume. Heat yours in the microwave if you don’t want it to be chilly.
How Long Does Hummus Last?
Store-bought hummus usually has an expiry date on the packaging; therefore, your hummus will be good for 4-6 days after you’ve opened it. However, if it does not have any preservatives, make sure you consume it within 4 days.
Commercially packaged refrigerated hummus usually comes with the best before date. This hummus, if not opened, should last a few days past the best-before date. Once the hummus has been opened, you should consume it within 4–7 days.
Frozen hummus should be eaten within 5-7 days after it is thawed. Since homemade hummus does not contain any preservatives, it should last between 4-6 days in the fridge.
How to Determine Whether Hummus is Bad?
There are three ways to determine whether your hummus is okay to eat. Specifically, through the sensations of taste, smell, and sight. The typical fragrance of humus that has lost its safety for food is sour, like lemon. Unless garlic flavoring has been applied, fresh hummus has no fragrance. The smell of rotting hummus can occasionally be compared to that of soap or even sewage.
Simply discard your hummus if it is a different hue from the original. A yellowish coating or a darkening of the hue are also possible outcomes. Since the bacterium has likely migrated to the other sections of the hummus, you should refrain from scooping out the moldy area and continue using the remaining portion.
Remember that hummus can solidify and resemble cement if you store it in the refrigerator longer than you anticipated. This is a blatant sign that you should throw it away.
Even though the hummus may appear to be fine and have the same texture, if you taste it and find that it doesn’t taste quite right, throw it away. Hummus with a moderate, neutral garlic flavor is an exception to this rule.
In conclusion, in order to prevent negative impacts on your health, it is crucial to keep your humus carefully. The best way to preserve food is to keep it chilled and use it within the recommended time frame. You may be sure that you will love your fresh hummus if you adhere to the aforementioned recommendations.
Related: Canned Food Expiration Dates Chart: How Long Does Canned Food Realy Last?