How long does margarine last in the fridge? How do you know if margarine is bad?
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Margarine is a type of butter substitute made from vegetable oils and other ingredients. It was originally used as a cooking medium and as a spread on bread, but it is now most often used as an ingredient in baking. It contains a mixture of hydrogenated vegetable oils and milk protein. Well, knowing how to store it properly and how long does margarine last in the fridge is important!
How to store margarine? | How Long Does Margarine Last In The Fridge in Different Conditions
Margarine At Room Temperature
Margarine needs to be refrigerated after opening so that it isn’t spoiled. Margarine is an extremely perishable product, which necessitates storing it in cold temperatures as soon as you use the product.
Stick margarine has a higher amount of saturated fats and trans fats than most other soft spreads. That’s why it has a better texture and flavor.
However, if you leave soft margarine out for too long it can lose its shape, texture, and flavor. Unsaturated fats are some of the less stable fats when they’re in their natural state, but oxidation happens a lot faster than you may initially think. In some cases, they never even experience this & reach the rancid state.
It’s hard to say exactly how long a particular type of soft margarine may be left out of the fridge because it depends on various factors:
- margarine’s exposure to a certain degree of heat.
- the number of emulsifiers and antioxidants added to make the margarine last for a longer time period.
- and the proportion of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
Margarine In Fridge
Margarine can last in the fridge for about six months. If it has been opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator tightly covered with foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture from getting into the jar. Read on to know how long does margarine last in the fridge and under different scenarios and climatic conditions. You can also get to know how to store it for it to last long.
Opened Margarine
Margarine is a type of food that has the potential to last for a long time in the fridge. The shelf life of opened margarine depends on the type of margarine and how it is stored. The shelf life also depends on whether the can is opened or unopened.
Well, in the case of an unopened can of margarine, it lasts for about 6 to 8 months in both the refrigerator and freezer. Once the open the margarine jar, it las for about 1 to 2 months in the fridge and 4 to 5 months in the freezer. For the opened jar to last longer than 2 months in the fridge make sure to put it in an airtight container.
Margarine In Freezer
We must store margarine in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life; if the seal is broken, it must be consumed within two months. Margarine’s shelf life may be extended by freezing it for up to 8 months.
Signs For Bad Margarine – How do you know if margarine is bad?
Margarine can be bad for you if it has been opened or left out at room temperature for an extended period of time, such as days or weeks. The substance will start to harden and turn rancid when exposed to air for too long.
To know if your margarine is bad, check for a rancid smell or mold on its surface. If you see any of these signs, then your margarine has gone bad and should be thrown out. Also, margarine will generally seem smooth and soft, with a smell that is pleasant and buttery. Margarine that is spoiled may have a darker look, be hard, or cause that slight wax-like texture. Margarine that is more than a few months old might have a strong smell that doesn’t smell like butter at all but could be similar to soap, or some kind of paint.
Bad Margarine
Margarine is a mixture of vegetable oils and fats that are solid at room temperature, making it easy to spread on bread or toast. However, margarine can spoil quickly if you don’t store it properly. If margarine has been left out longer than two weeks, it may contain harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause food poisoning and other health problems.
If you eat margarine that has been left out for too long, it will go bad and have some negative side effects. Bad margarine can cause some serious side effects such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and even diarrhea.
Mold on margarine
Mold on margarine is a common occurrence if it is not stored in suitable conditions. Mold on margarine is caused by poor storage conditions and also by contamination with mold spores from outside sources. The best way to prevent mold on margarine is to store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a sealed container.
Margarine Turned Yellow
Margarine turns yellow when it is exposed to air for an excessively long time period. This happens because the air causes oxidation, which breaks down the fats in margarine. Oxidation also causes the margarine to become rancid and develop a bad smell.
