How Long Can Hummus Sit Out And Does It Go Bad?

A dip or spread prepared from chickpeas, lemons and tahini and some spices to add taste is known as hummus. It is made by blending all these ingredients into a thick paste. There are many types of hummuses, including roasted eggplant hummus, roasted red pepper hummus and black bean dip. In the Middle East and the Mediterranean, hummus is quite frequently consumed. 

Hummus is a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibers, which aids in weight loss. Some surveys have proven that people with a regular intake of chickpeas and hummus are safe from obesity. Therefore, hummus is tasty and contains many nutrients to aid in several health benefits.

How Long Can Hummus Sit Out?

Hummus is served as a dip at various events, which requires it to sit out for several hours. The time hummus can be left on the counter depends greatly on the type of hummus and how you choose to serve it. Store-bought hummus has added preservatives that elongate the time you can let it sit out.

When it comes to homemade dip, you can only leave it at room temperature for less than 4 hours. A food-safe bowl kept on ice is recommended for long parties. It will keep the bowl chilled, and you will not have to worry about your hummus dip going bad.

What Happens if Hummus Sits Out Too Long? 

When browsing through grocery stores, you would find a variety of hummus to choose from. These are made shelf-stable and will stay at room temperature safely until they are packed; hence, you need not worry about their spoilage.

If you are uncomfortable with the additives added to readymade hummus, you can always prepare it at home to your liking. However, if you let it sit out for too long, it can go bad due to its perishable ingredients that multiply the bacterial growth to unsafe levels. This also applies to the store-bought hummus kept in a bowl, exposed to harsh temperatures.

What Should You Do If Hummus Is Left Out Too Long? 

There are many options when it comes to hummus, you can keep it refrigerated or keep it unopened, and in both cases, you can enjoy it to the fullest. However, the problem arises when you forget to store hummus in the fridge, sitting out for an unsafe period.

The tahini and lemon in hummus can turn bad after being exposed to high temperatures for too long; in that case, you might observe a sour and unpleasant odor. Discard any hummus that smells off or has been left out for too long.

How Long Can Hummus Be In The Car For? 

If you have bought hummus recently from the store and it sits in your car, leave it in a shaded place and keep it away from direct sunlight. This way, you can keep hummus in your car for hours until you get home to store it properly.

On the other hand, when taken along, homemade hummus can only sit in your car for a maximum of four hours. This time is only applicable if your car is air-conditioned or cold. It is unsafe to leave hummus for more than an hour in a hot car.

Does Hummus Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?

If you live in a hot place, where the temperature is normally higher than in other regions, then hummus can go bad quickly if left on the counter for too long. Store it in the refrigerator if you do not want to risk your dip going bad due to long periods of sitting out.

Does Hummus Go Bad If You Lose Power?

When it comes to power outages, all perishable food in your refrigerator is in danger due to the declining temperature of the fridge. In this case, if your power outage lasts longer than four to five hours, some of the items such as dairy and meat might begin to go bad. 

Hummus can be kept in the refrigerator during the power cut, and it is most likely that it will stay safe if it was completely chilled before the power cut. Therefore, you need not worry about it doesn’t go well.

What Temperature Is Safe For Hummus?

Hummus, homemade and store-bought, will stay perfectly safe at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you store an opened pack of hummus in the refrigerator, it will last for at least seven days if not left out.

Packed hummus will stay safe for two to three months or, as the date mentioned on it says, if kept in the refrigerator below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not leave hummus at room temperature for more than 4 hours.

How to store your hummus?

Hummus has a short life of about a week after it is opened. It needs to be stored with great care if you do not want to ruin your mood by throwing away the bad hummus.

You can follow some precautionary measures to extend the life of your hummus. The following points will help you store your hummus for an extended time.

Place your hummus in the refrigerator

Your refrigerator is the most suitable companion for your hummus. It prevents spoilage because of the low temperature. There is less chance of mold and bacterial growth as they need a warm climate for reproduction. The hummus also does not dry out in your fridge, so it stays fresh for a good time.

Do not leave out your hummus in its can

If you buy your hummus in a plastic container, it is all okay to leave it in the box. But if you purchase canned hummus, you need to transfer it to another plastic bowl and cover it with cling film.

The iron can sometimes undergo rusting that will alter your hummus’ taste and texture and decrease shelf life. Therefore, you should never leave your hummus in the iron can if you do not have to use all of it within an hour.

Prevent it from getting contaminated with air

The hummus should never be left open in the air because it will reduce the life of hummus. You can keep your extra hummus in an airtight box, or you can use a food sealer device to preserve your hummus. Hummus is a delicate food product and can go bad by minor fluctuations.

Use a dry and clean spoon for your hummus

Whenever you want some hummus from your fridge, use a dry spoon to scoop it out. It will sustain its freshness and life. Using a wet spoon will affect its life span. It will still go bad in the fridge despite being placed in a low-temperature area. The moisture will facilitate the growth of bacteria and molds.

Can you freeze your hummus?

Hummus usually lasts for about a week in your fridge. You can freeze your hummus in the freezer so you can use it for months. There is a slight change in hummus texture, but it can attain its consistency after it is whipped up.

The hummus should be stored in small quantities that one portion could be fully consumed at a time. If you thaw your hummus repeatedly, it will go bad too soon. You also need to ensure that your hummus is properly covered when you keep it in the freezer. It will prevent your hummus from freeze burn.

How long does hummus last?

Hummus offers you very limited shelf life. The freshly prepared hummus usually stays fresh for up to a week in your fridge. You need to check the expiry dates before you are buying your factory-made hummus. When you have opened your hummus, you need to consume it within five to six days if you have refrigerated your hummus.

The unopened one will stay perfect up to its expiry date. If you have put your hummus in the freezer, it will last for about six to seven months, provided that it is not re-thawed repeatedly. The thawed hummus should be consumed within three days; otherwise, it will go bad.

How to tell if hummus is bad?

You must be aware of the expiry date of your hummus, so you consume it before it goes bad. If you are unsure about the expiry date, you need to know some signs that will help you clarify if the hummus is good to be used or thrown away. The following points will guide you in checking your hummus.

• The bad hummus has mold grown on it. There may be fermentation in it, along with the molds too. Such hummus should be discarded immediately.
• You might also notice a funky fermented smell coming off your hummus when it goes bad.
• The hummus also tends to change its consistency. It becomes hard as the moisture escapes away.
• The color of spoiled hummus becomes brown from the pale color.
• If there is oil separation, it does not imply rancidity all the time. If it comes back to its original consistency after a good stir, you can consume it; otherwise, waste it.

Sources:

• inspired taste
• intentional hospitality
• hope foods