In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does unopened hummus last out of the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of hummus. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled hummus.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does unopened hummus last out of the fridge?
If stored correctly in a cool, dry, and dark area of your pantry away from direct sunshine and heat, an unopened packet of hummus sold unrefrigerated lasts for around 1-3 months past the “best by” date.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for hummus’s expected shelf life.
How long does hummus last out of the fridge?
When left out of the fridge, open hummus, as well as homemade hummus, lasts for around 4 hours at room temperature.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, hummus left out for more than 4 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and hummus left out in the open for more than an hour or two at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does hummus last in the fridge?
- When stored in an airtight container in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, hummus that is sold unrefrigerated lasts for about 4-7 days after opening. It’s hummus that has been pasteurized.
- When stored in an airtight container in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, hummus that is sold refrigerated lasts for around 4-7 days once opened.
- When stored properly in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, unopened hummus sold refrigerated lasts for about 3-7 days past the “use by” date.
- When properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, homemade hummus lasts for about 4-5 days.
What is the best temperature to keep hummus at?
Hummus should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your hummus at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does hummus last in the freezer?
Hummus lasts for about 4 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the hummus extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the hummus.
How to defrost frozen hummus?
You can quickly defrost frozen hummus by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before reheating and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen hummus in a bowl of cold water, the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after reheating it till its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal hummus?
You may even vacuum seal your hummus at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the hummus in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal hummus at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated hummus?
Once the previously refrigerated/frozen hummus has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the hummus goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your hummus, and reheated hummus should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume it completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled hummus?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your hummus has gone bad. To determine if hummus has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your hummus or if it has discolored, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy hummus since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If the oil has entirely separated from the rest of the hummus and the texture has altered dramatically, the best thing to do in this situation is to discard it.
Smell
If you smell something sour or putrid while sniffing your hummus, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked hummus with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled hummus. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your hummus and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store hummus?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the hummus within 2 hours it is cooked in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared hummus, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked hummus that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Hummus should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow it to cool quickly.
You can read how to make hummus here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does unopened hummus last out of the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of hummus. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled hummus.