How long can you keep maple syrup?
You can likely find a spot for it in your pantry or kitchen cabinet. Once opened, maple syrup should be kept tightly sealed between uses. It should also be refrigerated. This is because it is an all-natural product that does not use preservatives. If you want to preserve your maple syrup for even longer, you can opt to freeze it. The syrup will not solidify. But the lower temperature will be more effective in preventing any microorganisms from multiplying. It does however expand more when frozen. Be sure to leave a little empty room at the top of the container to account for this. If you happen to leave your maple syrup out in the open for a while, do not worry. As long as the environment is cool and there are no contaminants, it can keep well.
How Do You Tell If Maple Syrup Is Bad?
But do return it to the fridge as soon as you can for the best results. If kept sanitary and in a cool and dry place, maple syrup can last an incredibly long time. It has often been compared to honey in this regard. In reality, if unopened it can safely last many years past this indicated date. Once opened, it should be consumed within a year. This shelf life is guaranteed if the maple syrup is stored properly. Even after a year, it will likely still be safe to consume. It may however have surpassed its peak flavor. This means it may still be edible, but not taste as good. The decision to keep enjoying it will largely depend on your taste buds. If it no longer tastes good, then it may be time to shop for a replacement.
Does Maple Syrup Go Bad After Expiration Date? How To Tell For Sure - Fitibility
Despite its durability, maple syrup can go bad. Particularly if it has been stored incorrectly. And exposed to the contamination that flourishes. You will need to rely on your senses to work out if it has spoilt. Check if there are any signs of mold or other discoloration. Ideally, you should throw out the entire bottle or jar if there is mold. Some people will however scoop out around the affected area. They then boil the remaining stock to keep reusing. You can also tell if maple syrup has gone bad by its smell. It has a pleasant aroma. If it turns sour or otherwise unpleasant smelling, throw out the contents. Taste is another telltale sign. If the taste and texture have altered badly, do throw it out. Much older stocks may turn bland, indicating it is time for a fresh bottle. Like honey, maple syrup may also have sediments that settle at the bottom. This is not usually a sign of spoilage. It should be safe to consume. This mineral helps in building and preserving healthy bones.
Does Maple Syrup Go Bad? Here's What You Need to Do to Keep It Fresh
Especially when combined with other minerals like zinc and copper. Both of which are also found in maple syrup. Manganese also has a strong antioxidant effect. This can help protect against heart disease and several cancers. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve arthritic and joint pain. Its antioxidant abilities may also aid in regulating blood sugar levels. Though not the best, it is a better alternative to refined sugars. Especially when taken in moderation. The zinc content is also helpful to men. It aids in preventing prostate diseases. It can also help boost immunity and metabolism. It conjures up images of folks in flannel shirts, tapping into magnificent maple trees in the cool, Canadian air, and, of course, hot breakfast breads. Unlike honey , which has a shelf life of pretty much forever, maple syrup can go bad easily if not stored properly. There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your syrup stays fresh and ready to pour over buttermilk pancakes for Sunday brunch.
You're probably thinking, "Why can't I store my maple syrup the same way I store my pancake syrup? On the surface, these two may seem very similar, but there's an important difference. Pancake syrup contains preservatives and large amounts of high fructose corn syrup that make it shelf stable. Some contain no real maple syrup at all. You can safely store it in your pantry, even after being opened, for months. But pure maple syrup contains one ingredient: maple syrup. No matter the grade, all maple syrup is just one ingredient. The only differences in grades of maple syrup are flavor and color, which is based on the season it's harvested. Cooler months produce a lighter color and flavor, while warmer months produce a darker, more robust syrup. The sap from maple trees is lightly processed to make the syrup, but no additional preservatives or corn syrups are added. This is what gives it that superb flavor and texture that lets you know instantly it's pure maple syrup.
And it's what requires it to be stored differently, too. Because maple syrup doesn't have help from preservatives or corn syrups to stay fresh, it requires refrigeration. Popping it back in the fridge after each use will prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. For a longer-lasting syrup, it's best to store it in a glass jar, and most maple syrups are sold in glass containers for that reason. In a glass container it will last for a year in the fridge. A plastic container will only keep it fresh for up to three months. But, if your maple syrup comes in a plastic container, don't worry — you can transfer it to an airtight glass container yourself to extend its freshness. A simple mason jar will do the trick. To be sure your maple syrup is at its freshest, check for these three things before you pour it on a pile of pancakes: visible mold, an off smell, and an off flavor. Visible mold should be pretty easy to identify.
It can appear fuzzy and light brown or green in color. Because mold can be subtle in its early stages of growth, it can be easily missed, so it's good to make a habit of glancing at the surface before agitating the bottle or using the syrup.