Does Maple Syrup Go Bad?

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Maple syrup is a sweet syrup, which means that it contains a lot of sugar content. Sugar is a natural preservative, and therefore it does not go bad. Actually, it would not be wrong to say that maple syrup is one of those liquids that never gets spoiled.

However, if it is stored unreasonably, there are that chances for mold formation and bacterial growth in the container. Besides that, the syrup might fall prey to the ants, who are more in love with something sweet than the humans.

Therefore, all the reasons for the maple syrups to go bad are the ways of storing them. It means that maple syrup cannot go bad due to any chemical or biological reaction but only due to the avoidance and negligence of a human’s actions.

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How to store Maple Syrup?

You can store maple syrup in different ways, but they depend on whether or not you have opened the container. The unopened maple syrup can be stored anywhere in the kitchen or pantry. However, the opened maple syrup needs to be stored in the fridge. Following are some of the ways that you can store your maple syrup.

Store in your Pantry

The best place for storing your unopened maple syrup is in the kitchen pantry. Since the syrup has a very good shelf life, you can easily store it anywhere in the kitchen cabinet or shelf. However, it would be best if you stored it in a cool and dry place.

The reason is that, if exposed to temperature, the sugar may release water, and therefore its consistency can be compromised. If your container is made up of glass, exposure to sunlight or heat source might break it. The unopened maple syrup can stay in your pantry for as long as to years.

Store in Refrigerator

The opened container of maple syrup can be store in the refrigerator. The reason is that cold temperature hinders mold growth, and you can prevent it from spoiling. Besides that, the refrigerator is the best place to keep it away from ants constantly on a mission to look for sweetness.

Storing in the fridge can develop crystallized sugar in the container’s lid, which makes it harder to open the bottle. You do not need to worry about that because running some hot water can easily open the lid, and you can use the syrup for your sweet drinks and desserts.

Store in Refrigerator

If you have bought a lot of maple syrup and are now worried that it might go bad soon, you can store them in the freezer. However, it would be best if you froze them in smaller containers so that you can use them easily whenever needed.

Can you freeze Maple Syrup?

Maple syrup does not need extra treatments such as freezing it to make it last for a longer time. It has a good shelf life already and contains sugar, which is a natural preservative. So, logically, you do not need to freeze it in normal situations.

However, if you want to freeze your maple syrup because you might have to stay away from home because of long vacations or for any other reasons, there are different steps you can take to do so.

First of all, you have to store your maple syrup in an ice cube tray or smaller airtight containers to freeze them. This will help in getting the right portion of syrup out whenever you want to use it. You can also freeze it for like 3-4 hours to have a nice slushy ice cream topping for your deserts.

How long does Maple Syrup last?

Maple syrup is a loyal partner, and it lasts for as long as you treat it well. It means that long-lasting maple syrup depends on how well you are storing it. If you store it as recommended, there are no chances of it going bad for many years.

The unopened bottle of maple syrup can last for 4-5 years. However, using it later than this can impact its consistency and texture. If your freeze the unopened bottle, it will last for an indefinite time.

The opened bottle of maple syrup can be used for around two years. It is also essential to check the best by the date mentioned on the pack. If stored properly, the opened bottle can be used for up to 3 months after the expiry date is mentioned.

How to tell if Maple syrup has gone bad?

The fact is that maple syrup does not go bad. However, you should always check for some signs if you are doubtful that the maple syrup was not stored properly. By checking the following signs, you can decide if you want to use the maple syrup or not.

Check if there is any mold growth in the container.
You can also test it by tasting a small amount of it. You will know very quickly it tastes funky or sour.
Since smell gives a very good judgment, smelling the maple syrup also decides if it is bad or not. If it smells different, you should not use it.