Hummus is one of the most flavorful and smooth spreads/dips I have ever tasted. The creamy and garlicky flavor melts in your mouth, making you crave more.
To fulfill that craving, you might buy more hummus than required. This might even make you wonder: How long does hummus last in the fridge once opened?
Homemade hummus generally lasts 3-4 days if stored in the fridge. Once opened, a store-bought jar of hummus will last 6-7 days when refrigerated. You can also freeze hummus to extend its shelf-life.
How do you properly store hummus you ask? Well, let’s dig into all the details right away!
Does Hummus Go Bad?
Yes. Like other sauces, spreads, and dips, hummus can go bad. The flavorful yet perishable ingredients present in it can go bad fast once the can is opened. Although unopened hummus can last for months, an open can spoil quickly.
Have a can of refrigerated hummus sitting around?
It will last for up to a couple of weeks before going bad. An unrefrigerated hummus jar can last past the best-by date. However, it will go bad quickly once the jar is opened. Homemade hummus can go bad faster than a store-bought one. It is because a homemade batch is free from artificial preservatives. Thus, it can go bad just after a couple of days.
How To Store Hummus Properly?
The basic requirement for storing hummus is a cool place. Unless it is unopened, it can live in your pantry for months.
Once opened, the hummus must be transferred to an airtight container. Seal the container shut before transferring the jar to the refrigerator. Usually, store-bought hummus has a resealable plastic container. So it is advisable to reseal the plastic after using the hummus.
The second most important thing while storing hummus is to practice hygiene. That means whenever you scoop out the hummus, use clean cutlery. Another thing you need to keep in mind is never to double-dip the cutlery. This way, you will prevent the hummus from getting contaminated.
Tip: Do not dip chips, veggies or crackers directly into the parent dip. Instead, scoop out a two or three tablespoons into your bown and use it as a dip. This will prevent any bacteria from entering.
Can You Freeze Hummus?
Hummus is one of the few dips that freezes well. Although once you thaw it, you might notice some separation on top. Nothing that can’t be fixed by stirring the hummus a bit. The best thing: the taste does not change after you defrost the hummus.
Want to freeze hummus for later use? Use an airtight container for freezing. Pour the dip into a clean, dry container and seal it shut. Put the container in the freezer until further use. The frozen hummus can sit in the freezer for a couple of months.
To defrost the hummus, transfer the jar to the fridge and let it defrost slowly. Once you defrost it, consume the content within 2-3 days.
Also Read: Can Broccoli Go bad?
How long does hummus last ? What are the Risks of consuming bad hummus?
Hummus, if gone bad, must be thrown away immediately. However, if you eat rotten hummus, you might get sick. A common problem that occurs by consuming rotten hummus is food poisoning. It is usually accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. However, the gravity of your symptoms depends on the amount you consume. If you consume rotten hummus in less quantity, you might experience cramps. If consumed in large quantities, you might want to get an appointment with the doctor.
Although uncommon, it can also lead to a Listeriosis infection. This infection occurs due to the consumption of contaminated food. Common listeriosis symptoms include imbalance, stiff neck, fever, and convulsions. The symptoms of listeriosis usually appear a week later.
How to Tell if Hummus Is Bad?
Hussmus is a versatile and an all-time favorite spread/dip. However, it can go bad quickly once it is opened.
To check the quality of your hummus, look for the following signs:
1. It’s moldy
Molds appear if a product has been sitting out for too long. Molds also appear if the condiment is not stored properly. So, if you notice any sponge-like particle on the dip’s surface, throw it away. The presence of mold screams the hummus is rotten and inedible.
2. There are some discolorations or dark spots
Hummus displays a clear cream-ish color. So any change in the appearance will be easy to notice. If you see the hummus changing color and appearing dark, it’s time to toss it.
3. It smells “funny” or sour
Hummus has a neutral smell that is very light and almost absent. So, unless you have added any flavors, the hummus will smell like hummus. But, if your hummus emits a sour/vinegary aroma, toss it away.
4. It tastes off
Commonly hummus carries a rich umami taste. So, if your jar of hummus tastes bitter or sour, it is done for. A change in taste is a clear sign that you must throw away the hummus.
5. You store it for too long
Once open, hummus goes bad after 8-10 days. So, if you find a jar of hummus open for 10 days or more, discard it. Have homemade hummus stored for a week or more? Throw away the leftover and whip up a new batch. Whether it is store-bought or homemade, finish it within 7-10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can hummus go bad in the fridge?
Ans. Hummus can go bad in the fridge if stored for a long period. But if stored properly, store-bought hummus can last up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Q2. How do you know if hummus has gone bad?
Ans. Bad hummus can easily be identified by its sour smell and awful taste. You can also look for signs of mold or discoloration to check the quality of hummus.
Q3. Can you eat 10-day-old hummus?
Ans. An open pack of hummus can last for 3-5 days. If stored in the fridge, humus can last for 2 weeks. Thus, look for signs of spoilage before consuming 10-day-old hummus.
Q4. How do you make hummus last longer?
Ans. to make hummus last longer, add lemon juice to the leftovers. The lemon juice will reduce the pH and act like a preservative. However, this will only extend the shelf life of hummus to a couple of weeks. Also, a chilled storage period of 6 weeks can be extended by pasteurizing the hummus.
Q5. Can you eat hummus after 7 days?
Ans. A homemade batch of hummus will be fresh for 3-4 days. Whereas commercial hummus will last 6-7 days after opening. So, if you stored hummus properly in a chilled environment, you can consume it after 7 days.
The Bottom Line
Hummus is a delicious spread/dip that goes well with almost every meal. When unopened, it can last months past its expiry date. But if opened, the dip must be consumed within 2-4 days. It contains perishable ingredients, therefore, must be stored with care. You can refrigerate it for a week or 2. For using leftover hummus later, freezing is a convenient option. If you find any off smell or funny taste from it, toss it away. Remember, eating contaminated hummus can make you sick.
