Well, definitely humans can go bad if it is not stored properly and consumed within its time limit. However, knowing exactly when it expires is based on different factors because the shelf life of an unopened product of a brand bought from the store is different from homemade hummus. Moreover, the expiration also depends on the way it is stored, which means, it can be different if it is stored in a freezer than in a fridge.
Thus to understand, how long humus is good for, let’s consider its ingredients as well.
What is Hummus Made of?
Hummus is a world-famous dip or spread from the Middle East that is usually eaten with pita bread. It is made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, parsley, and paprika. It has got a rich and garlicky flavor and while it tastes like nothing else in the world, its texture resembles that of mayonnaise which is why it immediately melts in your mouth.
With the above-mentioned facts of its ingredients, the necessity of storing it properly can affect its shelf life.
And talking about its storage, storing hummus in a refrigerator is a must and it will go not well after two hours if kept at room temperature. Furthermore, what you have to remember while having hummus is that the shelf life of hummus is diminished greatly if it does not remain chilled.
Therefore, as soon as you take it out from the refrigerator the clock will start ticking and you have it put it back in the fridge before the time runs out and your hummus goes bad.
What is Hummus’s shelf life?
Here is a tabular representation for you to understand hummus shelf life and storage needs properly:
| Type of Hummus | Place of storage | Duration/shelf life |
| Homemade | Pantry | Unsafe |
| Homemade | Fridge | 3 to 4 days |
| Opened | Fridge | 3 to 5 days |
| Opened | Pantry | Unsafe |
| Opened | Shelf | Unsafe |
| Sealed | Fridge | 3 to 7 days after the expiry date |
| Sealed | Pantry | 1 to 3 months after the expiry date |
Does hummus need to be refrigerated?
Whether you buy your hummus from the store or you make it at home yourself, it must always be refrigerated. Hummus cannot survive more than 2 hours if kept outside the refrigerator.
However, as mentioned above shelf life does impact the basis if it is stored in a freezer or fridge. So, let me know the impact of storing it in the freezer!
How long does Hummus last in the freezer?
Strong hummus in the freezer with the right technique of using a freezer-safe container and applying a thin layer of olive oil on humus to preserve its moisture can increase the shelf life of hummus for up to 4 months.
How long Hummus cab be Left In Room Temperature unopened?
To understand, how long can hummus sit out, it is important to consider the FDA standard guidelines that suggest that, it can remain fresh for 4 hours at room temperature. but once it is opened and exposed to air, the presence of bacteria and microbes can spoil the freshness.
How long does hummus last after opening?
If you have made hummus at home and kept it inside the fridge properly packed, it can last up to 3-4 days after opening. But if you have got the store-bought hummus at home, it will stay fine up to 6-7 days after opening.
How to tell if hummus is bad?
You can always tell by the way hummus smells or tastes, whether it’s good or bad. The hummus that has gone bad smells and tastes sour. Unlike the fresh hummus that doesn’t have its real smell. It smells like garlic.
Is Hummus Bad For You?
Not at all, hummus is indeed a healthy snack, and researchers have found that the ingredients in hummus have got some impressive health benefits, including helping fight inflammation, improving blood sugar levels, improving digestion, lower heart disease risk, and weight loss benefits since its rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
But eating hummus more than a serving per day can add up to your calorie intake. Not just that but since hummus is fairly high in sodium levels too, overeating hummus can cause stomach issues, such as diarrhea.
Moreover, here are 3 fun facts about hummus that make you fall in love with hummus all over again:
- Wars have been fought over hummus in history.
- Hummus is crazy healthy.
- Hummus is a Turkish word for mashed chickpeas.
Aren’t these interesting facts to know?
What do you eat hummus with?
Well, while hummus is traditionally eaten with pita bread and salad, over the years people also like to add hummus into their vegetable bowls like celery, carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower, drizzled on sliced apples as a fruit dip, spread on sandwiches, and wraps and sauce for kinds of pasta and salads too.
Now let us move on and understand the storage need and shelf life of hummus.
Conclusion:
We conclude that hummus is an extremely healthy dip but that doesn’t mean you can have it 3 times a day. Eating a portion of healthy food within its limit is considered as respecting the food and your body as well. Also, hummus can only survive inside the refrigerator, there’s no way it can survive on a shelf or in a pantry once its seal is broken.
Also Read: Is Mayonnaise Good or Bad?