Quick Answer: How To Determine If Molasses Go Bad?
Molasse can go bad, especially if it is left near any heat or humidity. Bad molasses might have slight changes in color and texture, and it can have visible mold in it. If you suspect the molasses has gone bad, be sure to discard it and purchase another bottle. You can increase the shelf life of your molasses by storing it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark pantry. Sealed molasses stored this way can last for up to 10 years!
Are you unsure if the molasses you have can go bad or not? Maybe you have had it for a while and want to know if it is safe to eat or not?
Or are you curious and want to know more? No matter the question that brought you here today, we have the answer for you!
We know how tricky it can be to know if molasses can go bad or not.
After all, there are so many opinions online, it is super easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, unsure where to turn or who to trust.
Well, no more! Today we are here with a complete guide that will tell you if molasses can go bad or not and provide you with some top storage tips for your molasses! Keep reading to find out more.
What Is Molasses?
Molasses is a thick syrup that comes from pure sugar cane juice. The syrup tends to be a light or deep brown color with a distinct flavor typically used in baking, grilling, or cooking.
The syrup is often added to marinades and sauces, offering a sweet taste that is high in potassium and magnesium. Molasses is often compared to honey in terms of taste.
Now that we have briefly established what molasses is, let’s move on to see if molasses can go bad!
Can Molasses Go Bad?
Yes, molasses can go bad. Molasses is sensitive to heat and humidity, so if they are not stored correctly, it can go bad quickly!
The syrup is highly hygroscopic, attracting and retaining moisture that can promote bacterial growth.
Whether you have purchased light, dark, blackstrap, sulphured, or unsulphured molasses, it needs to be stored correctly to prolong its shelf life! Don’t worry, we have some guidance on that coming up below.
Now we have established that molasses can go bad, you are sure to be wondering how long you have to enjoy your syrup.
Unopened, molasses can last for 10 years, provided it is stored correctly!
Once you have opened your molasses, you have anywhere from one to five years to enjoy it. How long it lasts will depend on how well you store it and if you seal it after each use.
We strongly recommend sealing your molasses correctly after every use!
How To Tell If Molasses has Gone Bad
It can be tricky to tell if your molasses has gone bad. The flavor, taste, and texture can remain the same for years, leaving you unsure if the molasses has gone bad or not!
The only way to tell is if there has been mold growth in the syrup. Thankfully, mold growth is pretty obvious to spot, so once you notice any signs of mold in the bottle or jar, discard it immediately.
Also, if you notice any slight changes in the color or flavor of the molasses, it might have gone bad.
It can be hard to spot these slight changes, so be sure to pay close attention to how your molasses looked and tasted when you purchased it and monitor it closely.
If you are ever unsure, discard the molasses and purchase a new bottle. It is better to be safe than risk ingesting gone off molasses!
How To Store Molasses
The best way to store molasses is to keep it in a dark and cool cupboard or pantry. You can also store molasses in the refrigerator once opened.
Keep the molasses in its original packaging and store it away from any heat or humidity.
Provided you keep the temperature stable, the molasses can last for years!
When refrigerating molasses, the texture will thicken. Make sure you consider this before placing your open molasses in the refrigerator. It can be harder to pour as the bottle will be colder.
Make sure you warm the molasses up before you use it. You can place the bottle in a container of warm water for a few minutes to help the syrup become more liquidy and easier to pour.
Can You Freeze Molasses?
You can freeze molasses if you want to, but we don’t recommend it. Freezing your molasses can impact the texture of it, which nobody wants!
You could also end up encouraging mold growth when you thaw your molasses, rendering it unsafe to eat!
As your molasses can last for ten years in the pantry, it seems pointless to bother freezing it! Instead, follow the storage tips we suggested earlier to extend the shelf life of your molasses.
If you do want to freeze your molasses, transfer it to a freezer safe container. Pour the molasses into the container, taking care not to fill it to the brim.
Cover the container with an airtight lid and write the date on it before putting it in the freezer.
Defrost the molasses in your refrigerator and inspect the syrup for any signs of mold growth before you use it.
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Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Provided you follow our storage suggestions, your molasses should last for ten years!
It can go bad, though, so be sure to keep it out of any heat and watch for mold growth before you use your molasses!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If You Eat Expired Molasses?
Molasses have a best-to-use expiration date that you should check before using it in your recipe to avoid any health-related issues. If you eat expired molasses, you might experience a stomach ache, diarrhea, or vomiting.
How Long Does Molasses Last After Opening?
If you have molasses at home then you should keep in mind that you should use it before it expires or go bad.
You may use the unopened molasses at room temperature for 12 months but if you have opened it make sure to use it within 6 months of opening and keep it at room temperature.
Which Is Healthier Molasses Or Honey?
The answer is neither. Both are actually very bad for your health. Molasses is the thick syrup that is left after the sugar is extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets.
Honey is a natural sweet substance made by bees that contains many different types of sugars and enzymes. However, if you consume it in a limited amount that would be great.
Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.
I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!
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