You may be wondering: how long can hummus go unrefrigerated? That is a great question, and we are going to answer it!
Hummus is a delicious dip or spread that can be made with chickpeas, tahini, and other ingredients. It’s traditionally served as an appetizer in the Middle East but has now become popular globally for its unique flavor combinations. The ingredients in the recipe vary depending on the region of origin.
It’s very important to refrigerate your hummus after you make it because bacteria will grow quickly at room temperature. We’ll give you some tips on how you can tell if your hummus has gone bad and what steps you should take next.
How long can hummus stay fresh? Does hummus spoil?
The shelf life of a container of hummus will vary depending on the type, and how well you store it. The more preservatives in your hummus, the longer it can last out of refrigeration.
Most commercial brands have an expiration date somewhere on the packaging, or the bottom of the container.
If you’re not sure how long your homemade version has been sitting out–or worse yet if someone else made it and you’re not sure how long they let it sit–it’s best to throw it out.
How long until hummus goes bad sitting out?
Hummus should be refrigerated, and will usually last for about a week. If you refrigerate it, the shelf life is much longer!
Hummus can spoil quickly if not stored properly because of its high fat content. Hummus can be eaten after sitting out for an hour or two in warm weather, but should not be left unrefrigerated for more.
Related Read: Best Blender for Making Hummus
Does all hummus have to be refrigerated?
There are two types of hummuses: hot and cold. Cold hummus should be refrigerated, but hot hummus can remain at room temperature for up to an hour before needing a cool down in the fridge.
The container that your mix comes packaged in should have instructions on how long it’s good out of refrigeration before you need to refrigerate it.
The shelf life of your hummus will depend on the type, how well you store it, and whether or not preservatives are in use. You should always consult with an expert about best practices for storing your food!
What is the shelf life of hummus in a can?
Hummus can spoil if not sealed properly. The shelf life of humus in cans varies depending on a few factors, such as the type of environment it is stored in and how much water content there is, to begin with.
Hummus has an indefinite shelf-life when refrigerated or frozen but should be used within 180 days. Otherwise, they are at risk for spoiling caused by bacteria growth. Which will cause them to go bad faster than their expiration date states.
Most canned hummus has a shelf life of up to 12 months.
The best way to store hummus
Hummus is the perfect food to have on hand at your house. It will last in the fridge for a long time, but you can freeze it if you need an even longer shelf life!
If your hummus has been sitting out for more than a couple of hours–or worse yet if someone else made it and they let it sit out longer!–then throw that batch out.
It’s not worth the risk of getting sick because they didn’t refrigerate their hummus before eating or serving yours.
A Few Tips
- Refrigerate after opening at once (if there are no preservatives)
- Don’t leave unopened containers of commercially manufactured hummus outside overnight; store them inside where temperatures are warmer
- Check expiration dates and use them as a guide
- The shelf life of your hummus will depend on the type, how well you store it, and whether or not preservatives are in use. You should always consult with an expert about best practices for storing your food!
Can you Freeze hummus?
Sure, you can. Hummus freezes well for up to a year. If it’s not eaten within that time, the quality will degrade and become rancid!
The shelf life of your homemade version depends on how preservatives are used in the recipe–or if they’re even present at all. Canned hummus, on the other hand, is good for 12 months.
How long does hummus last in the fridge?
Hummus should be refrigerated. Most commercially manufactured hummus will last for about a week, but you can extend the shelf life by freezing it!
After opening, use your homemade version within one to two days and seal tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it in the fridge. Refrigerate after opening at once (if there are no preservatives)
Don’t leave unopened containers of commercial hummus outside overnight–store them inside where temperatures are warmer. Check expiration dates as well and follow those guidelines instead if they’re available on the container’s packaging or bottom. The shelf life of any type depends on how well you store it!
What is the danger zone of hummus?
The most dangerous zone for hummus is between 40- and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Hummus should be refrigerated after opening to keep it from spoiling quickly!
It’s important to note that the danger zone can differ if you’re in a warmer part of the world, like Florida or Southern California- without air conditioning–or if your home isn’t properly insulated against heat.
If this is the case, make sure you move your food out of any area with direct sunlight coming through windows or unprotected areas where there are drafts carrying warm air into cold spots in your kitchen!
What do we do about the bacteria in hummus?
Scientists have discovered that bacteria can be found in common foods. For example, the last research suggests that many homemade and store-bought brands of hummus contain Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that causes listeriosis or even death if consumed by pregnant women or infants.
Nowadays there are no longer any products on grocery shelves without some traces of bacteria – so what is one to do? We have to store hummus the right way.
How do you know if hummus has gone bad?
There are several ways to tell if hummus has gone bad:
- Smell: The best way to tell if hummus has gone bad is by smelling it. A sour smell is a good indicator that hummus has gone bad. Fresh hummus doesn’t have much of a smell at all.
- Taste: If the hummus tastes sour, it has likely gone bad. Hummus should never taste sour.
- Appearance: Hummus is a creamy, smooth spread. If your hummus has started to grow mold or its appearance has changed, it’s a sign that it has gone bad.
- Texture: If the hummus has a watery or slimy texture, it has likely gone bad.
Does hummus harden in the fridge?
Yes, hummus can harden in the fridge. This is because the oils in the hummus, such as tahini and olive oil, solidify when refrigerated. When the hummus is removed from the fridge and brought to room temperature, the oils will soften, and the hummus will become creamy again.
If you find that your hummus has hardened in the fridge, you can try the following to soften it:
- Stir the hummus vigorously. This will help to break up the solid oils and make the hummus more creamy.
- Add a little water or olive oil. This will help to thin out the hummus and make it easier to spread.
- Microwave the hummus for a few seconds. This will help to melt the solid oils and make the hummus more creamy.
Once the hummus has softened, you can stir it and enjoy it as usual.
Here are some tips for preventing hummus from hardening in the fridge:
- Store hummus in an airtight container. This will help to prevent the oils from oxidizing and solidifying.
- Cover the surface of the hummus with a layer of olive oil. This will help to create a barrier between the hummus and the air, preventing it from drying out and hardening.
- Consume hummus within seven days of opening. This will help to ensure that the hummus is fresh and has not had time to harden.
Bottom Line
A healthy snack anyone can enjoy is hummus, which you can make yourself at home and eat while watching a movie!
I hope you enjoyed the blog post on How long hummus lasts! I am more than happy to answer any questions or requests and will get back in touch as soon as possible.
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