Does Tahini Go Bad?

Tahini is a middle eastern condiment made from sesame seeds. It’s basically a paste used in different dishes. Apart from this it can also be used as a sandwich spread, vegetable dip and as a salad ingredient. It has bitter taste.

When you buy it the thought that may pop up in your head is that whether it can go bad or not. Yes, it can go bad. It is sensitive to temperature changes if bought near heat it will get unstable. Mold growth can also start and you will see bluish green spots everywhere.

However, if stored properly you can enjoy your food. For this you need to take care of few things mentioned in this article.

How to store tahini?

Tahini can be used in different ways to add flavor to your food. It is quite beneficial for your health. It helps to strengthen your central nervous system. It has variety of vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the ways to store it properly.

Keep it in a cool and dry place

Tahini is sensitive to temperature changes. It should be away from direct sunlight and heat sources like oven and stove. It must be kept in a cool place. Cabinets and pantry are good places for unopened bottles and for opened, refrigerator is the best place.

Sealed tightly

To make sure that it will remain fresh you should keep the lid tightly closed after use. If the lid is not closed it can absorb moisture and air can make it go rancid so quickly. Mold growth can start and it will spoil.

Proper hygiene

It is very necessary to take care of proper hygiene. If you keep the bottle open dust and moisture are welcomed. Mold and bacteria will grow and your food will be spoiled. You will see bluish green spots on your food.

For homemade tahini you can keep it in refrigerator as it doesn’t have any preservatives. You can simply keep it in a glass jar with lid being tightly closed.

Can you freeze tahini?

Okay so if you have no plans of using tahini anytime soon than better freeze the product right away. It is easy and simple. Here are some steps to do so.

• Place the plastic cover over the whole jar.
• Screw the lid over the plastic wrap to seal the jar properly.
• Wrap the entire jar with another layer of plastic and freeze it.
• Make sure the jar is not completely full, leave some space for tahini to expand.
• Place it in the freezer.

Separation between ingredients is quite normal after thawing frozen tahini. Just give the product a little stir to mix the ingredients well. Freezing tahini is a great way to maintain the quality in the long term without risking it going bad.

How long does tahini last?

Tahini usually has a long shelf life but there is no fixed answer to how long it will last. It mostly comes with a best by date which is a rough estimation that how long it will remain fresh. The shelf life of tahini depends on type of sesame seed used for its preparation and also on the method of preparation.

If the jar of tahini is unopened it can easily last for 6 months minimum and maximum for 3 years if it is stored properly. However, the lasting period also depends on the preservative and stabilizers used by different brands.

Tahini is quite sensitive to the changed in temperature. The decaying process starts right after opening the jar. An opened jar of tahini can last from 3 to 6 months in the pantry or the cupboard. However, if it is stored in the refrigerator, it can last for about 6 months to 2 years. Meanwhile, it is very important to keep the lid tightly closed.

In the case of homemade tahini, we prefer that it’s good to keep it for 4 to 6 weeks in refrigerator as it doesn’t contain any preservatives and stabilizers. You can also increase its time by preventing it from moisture and dust as it can cause mold and bacteria growth.

How to tell if tahini is bad?

Tahani is used in different dishes and add an amazing flavor to them. It has a lot of minerals and vitamins that are really good for your health. It’s rich in nutrients like copper, fiber, protein and also reduces heart disease and inflammation.

So, you may want to know that how can one tell if tahini has gone bad. It’s easy and simple you just have to remember few things mentioned below.

• It’s unlikely that you will find any mold growth on the surface of tahini but it can happen. Unwashed hands and dirty utensils may spoil it. If you notice any bluish green spots over it. Throw it in the trash.
• Smell your tahini if it gives an unpleasant odor then it’s clear indication that it is not safe to eat. Spoiled tahini has strong rancid smell.
• If still you are not sure, you can taste it. Spoiled tahini has strong unpleasant rancid like stale taste. It should not be used and must be disposed off.

Sources

• Eat delights
• Can it go bad
• Home stratosphere