Does Mustard Go Bad?

One of the most common condiments that we use very often is mustard. Mustard is prepared with the use of vinegar and mustard seeds along with a variety of other flavorings or spices. It is the most preferred condiment only because it consists of very low amount of sugar and fat. However, the sodium content of mustard is very high.

In the northern part of America, many people find mustard from mainly French’s. However, several other categories are there with a punch of unique taste. There are lots of varieties of flavor available in any grocery store.

We apply mustard for preparing many foods as it enhances the taste of a dish. However, there are some people, who use mustard only in rare occasions, and leave those condiments for many days. But, they are not sure whether mustard will remain unchanged after many days or become rancid over time. The good news for these people is that mustard cannot be spoiled very easily as it does not include any component, which brings about its spoilage.

However, the package of mustard, if opened, their shelf life can vary. The product may lose its freshness, tang or also dry out. While you have stored mustard appropriately, it keeps up its excellence for longer.

Mustard and its possible shelf life

Most of the mustards, bought from shop, do not show an expiration date, and the main reason for is that it is quite improbable for mustard to become rancid. It may be spoiled very slowly; at least, few years are needed to reach that rancid state. Due to this reason, it is very significant to know how long this condiment can maintain its taste.

The mustard, if left out in any unopened jar, its shelf life may fluctuate on the basis of type of container, where it is kept. If your mustard is kept in some squeeze bottle, then it may remain fine for nearly twenty four months from the manufacturing date.

On the other hand, when it is stored in a glass container or a plastic packet, it is safe for one and half year. These figures are perhaps not 100% correct, but you must keep in mind the common rule- mustard, stored in a glass pot retains its flavor for a long time, but those, kept in a packet, quickly loses its savor. Thus, mustard will perhaps not taste as excellent as the new one; however, definitely it will not be stained or spoiled.

The jar of mustard, if unsealed, the course of losing taste speeds up. It is the major reason for which you have to place the mustard container in the fridge, after unwrapping it. If you still keep your mustard jar open, it is better to consume the mustard within some months. It may not turn into rancid; however, the liquid can gradually fade away from it and lastly the condiment may dry off. But, when it dries out, you do not need to throw it away. It is a good idea to blend them with one or two teaspoons of wine or vinegar. In some instances, this easy process has the potential to refresh your condiment. While this condiment gets separated, you may secure it with stirring.

Can we eat expired mustard?

Obviously, foods may last for a very short time period when these are not stocked up well. But, as some other items, mustard has possibly mentions its best by date that is only a crucial date with the help of which any manufacturer may back up the quality of a product and not its security. Due to this feature, you can consume your mustard safely after the expiration of a particular use-by date. This is well preserved because of the presence of vinegar; however, mustard itself may go bad ultimately.

Spoiled or rotten – how to know it?

Though there is no definite test through which you may detect the spoilage of mustard, your own senses will perhaps act as the best tool to inform you whether packaged mustard gets expired and becomes spoiled. The foremost warning sign that you can get is the separation of liquid from other components. It may be more deteriorated from that condition because its solid portion turns out to be darker and thicker and after that, it develops a distasteful smell and taste, which indicates the growth of mold.

So, recognize the quality of mustard before consuming it because the spoiled foods always cause health risks.


Storage for all kinds of mustard

Whether you have bought dry mustard or a bottled one, you must store the product in a dry cool environment so that it will not face the impact of temperature modification. While any item is moved from warm to cool site or vice versa, the humidity, present in air, is likely to condensate in the packet. This dampness enables mold to develop; as a result, mustard may also be spoiled. If you have opened the container, you need to keep this mustard in a fridge. In accordance with some experts, when mustard is kept in a glass jar, it is likely to last two years, and it is already stated.

In case of mustard that you have prepared at home, it is easy to maintain its freshness for a longer period by keeping it inside a refrigerator; the temperature level has to be set at 40°F just after consumption. It may be stocked all the time in some air-tight jars, which help it to keep away from moisture or any other pollutants. Homemade categories of mustard, however, last for different periods, and it depends on the components that you have used.

Besides, you have to ensure that you use only clean utensils while serving the product to stay away from cross-contamination.

Thus, in conclusion, we can say that mustard is such a condiment, which usually doesn’t get spoiled quickly. But, unfortunately, it only loses original freshness or taste. The refrigerator is a suitable site to store this product, particularly when the container remains opened. However, in any way, if the product dries out, you should not discard it.

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