Homemade hummus keeps for three to four days in the refrigerator. This amount depends on the recipe and brand you use. When using store-bought hummus, defrost it in the microwave so the oily part separates from the dense portion. Once defrosted, transfer the hummus to the refrigerator. To keep hummus fresh, transfer it to the fridge at least a day before using it.
How Long does Homemade Hummus Last in the Fridge?
Everyone of every age enjoys hummus because it is a versatile food. This chickpea dip is growing in popularity worldwide because of its delicious flavor and numerous health advantages.
Every dish tastes good because of the smooth texture and pesto-like consistency, finely blended with herbs and the right amount of seasoning. Hummus is a year-round food that can be consumed at any time of day. Simply grab your preferred snack, dunk it, and enjoy the flavor.
You can’t always determine the precise quantity you need because it is a staple in your diet. You’ll typically buy it in huge quantities from your neighborhood grocery store to avoid having to buy it each time.
It makes sense to place it in the refrigerator. How long does hummus keep in the refrigerator, though? We have assisted you because this question has been on many people’s minds.
There are numerous hummus varieties sold in stores. Some people favor creating their rendition of it. Due to such variations in the ingredients used and varying textures, this dip’s shelf life varies greatly.
The maximum time the various hummus varieties are still edible is listed below. This list will give you a rough idea of how much to buy so you can use it before it spoils in the fridge.
Shelf-Stable hummus
When storing shelf-stable homemade hummus in the refrigerator, there are a few things you need to know. First, the hummus should be stored in an airtight container. It is also best to keep hummus off the fridge’s top shelf, where you keep meats and dairy products. This will prevent cross-contamination. Also, remember that hummus at room temperature is susceptible to bacteria, so it’s best to avoid consuming it immediately after making it.
Another important factor to consider when storing homemade hummus in the fridge is the expiration date. It might spoil sooner than its shelf-stable counterpart if it has an expiration date. You’ll need to test it to ensure it’s safe to eat. While canned hummus doesn’t require refrigeration, homemade hummus must be refrigerated at all times.
You can use ice cube trays or plastic containers to store shelf-stable homemade hummus in the refrigerator. Make sure to write down the date you bought your hummus before storing it. It’s important to note that hummus will expand when frozen, so you must carefully divide the spread before freezing. You can use a muffin tin or ice cube tray to separate the portions or freeze them in a zip-lock bag. This way, you can defrost your hummus as needed.
Shelf-stable homemade hummus in your fridge will last for three to four days at room temperature. However, if you plan to eat the hummus immediately, it’s best to refrigerate it once you have opened it to minimize the time it’s out of the fridge.
Store-Bought hummus
Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern spread made from chickpeas. It is rich and creamy and goes well with vegetables and pita bread. It is also a good alternative to mayo for sandwiches. About one in four households has store-bought hummus on hand. The good news is that it lasts for several days in the fridge.
Most store-bought hummus will last about seven to ten days in the fridge. It should be refrigerated after opening and kept from direct heat and light. However, homemade hummus will last only three to five days in the fridge. You can also freeze hummus to enjoy it later on.
The most common problem with hummus is the formation of mold. If you notice any growth on its surface or if the hummus smells bad, you should discard it. When it comes to keeping it in the fridge, you should keep it at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and tightly sealed. Minor changes in texture can also be fixed with a quick stir.
The best way to ensure your hummus is fresh is to check its expiration date. Normally, hummus has a neutral odor. If you notice a strong odor or if the hummus begins to smell or taste bitter, it’s best to discard it.
The Shelf Life of Homemade Hummus in the Fridge
How long will homemade hummus last in the fridge? There are no preservatives added to homemade hummus. Due to the lack of preservatives, the hummus can only be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 4-5 days before it becomes unusable.
The origin of hummus determines how long it will keep in the refrigerator. The shelf life of commercially produced and homemade hummus varies. The preservatives added to the commercial varieties of hummus are the only thing that accounts for this difference.
The minimum shelf life of hummus, regardless of the production method, is only four days. It will go rancid and become unfit for consumption if you don’t eat it within four days.
What will Happen to the Hummus if it is Frozen?
Hummus won’t spoil for a longer period even wh, en it freezes in the freezer. Many people find that freezing is the best way to store this dip if they go on vacation.
The texture of this dip varies slightly, but the flavor is consistent throughout. When it comes to freezing the hummus, there are a few dos and don’ts:
- Using a small quantity, you should first determine whether freezing the hummus works.
- To determine the precise date of manufacture, the manufacture date is printed on all commercial hummus containers. You should write the date you are freezing it on the container as you freeze it.
- Making small holes in the package or container you used to store the hummus in the freezer is the best option. The dip swells when frozen, increasing pressure; therefore, this opening helps make room inside the container.
Since you can defrost this dip before eating it, it’s advised that you move it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before.
Is it Safe to Keep Hummus at Room Temperature and Not in the Fridge?
Only for a brief period can hummus be stored at room temperature. You can’t keep it entirely hidden because hummus is a favorite growing environment for molds and bacteria that can harm your health.
You can take out what you want to eat and store the remaining food inside the refrigerator if you plan to eat in small amounts throughout the day. It would be best if you also took the environment into account. If it’s summer, you should eat it more quickly to avoid going bad.
When hummus is left out, bacteria are drawn to it and grow on the surface. They alter the hue and consistency of the hummus, which are all indications of contamination. The hydrochloride acid in your stomach will prevent the invaders from surviving if you eat it, even though bacteria are attacking it.
Mold and bacteria will be provided with an environment conducive to growth and reproduction. In this manner, you can eat the hummus without the risk of negative consequences. However, if the attacked Hummus manages to find its way back into the refrigerator, the situation is different.
The Hummus might have gone bad by the time you take that dip out of the fridge and eat it the next time, making you sick. Therefore, it is advised that you consume the entire portion that you removed all at once.
Additionally essential in preventing the Hummus from spoiling are the storage containers. The ideal container for storing hummus is dry and spotless. The dryness will avoid bacterial growth, and a clean container will not give rise to further contamination.
How to Store Hummus to Last?
Any product must be preserved in a precise manner, especially edibles. Food products with a long shelf life and the ability to withstand room temperature can be kept outside, out of direct sunlight. Other foods spoil quickly if not stored properly at the recommended temperature.
One of them is hummus. Both chilled and room-temperature hummus are available for purchase, and both have different shelf lives. Therefore you should be cautious when storing it.
While the chilled ones must be kept in the refrigerator and consumed simultaneously, the chilled ones are exempt from this requirement. Chickpea puree and Tahini are the two components of the unrefrigerated variety of hummus.
Before consuming humus, these two components must be blended. Tahini has a long shelf life and can be easily stored at room temperature for months, so it is separated from the chickpea puree in the non-refrigerated version.
When the seal is broken, the two ingredients that make up Hummus, with a minimum shelf life of four days, are mixed. Once it has been blended and opened, the unrefrigerated hummus must be refrigerated. Additionally, keeping the dip in airtight containers in the fridge would be beneficial.
Regardless of their storage requirements, you should ensure that the two varieties of hummus you buy from the grocery store are completely sealed. Whether you have stored your hummus properly or not, if it is not sealed, it can go bad in a few days.
Conclusion
There’s no reason not to make a large batch of homemade hummus now that you know how to store it and how long it will last. Eat your hummus within a few days of refrigeration or three to four months after freezing. This delectable spread is ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying a nutritious snack.
