Does Mustard Go Bad?

Want to spice up your meals when the chill is in the air? Mustard gives your dishes a wonderful zing!

It’s versatile, flavorful, and easy to use.

But how long can you keep mustard around before it starts to get funky?

How long does mustard last?

According to the USDA, store-bought mustard lasts about two years after opening.

If you buy it in bulk, you have even more leeway.

Most people don’t have a problem keeping their mustard fresh until right before they open the jar.

But once it’s open, there are some things to consider.

Does mustard go bad?

As far as food goes, yes, mustard will eventually spoil.

However, it doesn’t become toxic or dangerous to consume.

It just loses its flavor and becomes less appealing.

The good news is that it’s pretty easy to fix mustard that’s gone bad.

Just toss it out and replace it with new mustard.

How can you tell if mustard is bad?

To check on the quality of your mustard, simply taste it.

The first thing you’ll notice is whether or not it tastes like mustard at all.

Next, look through the container to see if anything looks odd.

For example, if the mustard has started to separate into layers, that’s an indication that it might need to be thrown away.

Examine the label.

Is there any mold growing on it?

Does the mustard smell funny?

Look at the expiration date.

You want to make sure that the mustard hasn’t expired before you use it.

Keep reading for tips on keeping mustard fresh.

What happens if you eat bad mustard?

You probably won’t die from eating bad mustard.

However, it could cause digestive problems.

As mustard spoils, it releases sulfur dioxide gas, which irritates the lining of your stomach.

It’s important to note that most people who experience symptoms after consuming spoiled mustard are sensitive to sulfites.

This means that they may only experience these symptoms when they eat foods containing sulfite additives, such as wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.

Other people may not experience any ill effects at all.

For those who do experience adverse reactions, the symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headaches.

These symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

In severe cases, they can lead to life-threatening conditions, including dehydration, kidney failure, and liver damage.

How should mustard be stored?

Since mustard is acidic, it’s important to keep it away from heat and moisture.

That includes refrigerating it, storing it in plastic containers, and keeping it in sealed glass jars.

If you’re going to leave it out in the sun, try to avoid doing so for extended periods of time. Instead, bring it inside whenever possible.

Is it safe to eat mustard that has been in the fridge for a while?

No matter how old your mustard is, you still want to make sure that you’re using it safely.

If it contains any harmful bacteria, you shouldn’t eat it.

To ensure safety, you should always wash your hands before handling any type of mustard.

Can you freeze mustard?

Yes, you can freeze mustard.

However, you should only freeze it in small amounts.

Freezing large quantities of mustard can result in it becoming hard and brittle.

When you defrost it, you run the risk of breaking the mustard because of the ice crystals that form during freezing.

How long does opened mustard last in the fridge?

Depending on how much you put in the jar, mustard can last anywhere from three months to two years in the refrigerator.

The longer you leave it, the better it gets.

Is it okay to eat mustard that has been sitting out?

Yes, you can eat it without worrying about getting sick.

However, it’s important to remember that it’s not necessarily safe to eat.

Even if the mustard was stored properly, it could still contain bacteria that could cause illness.

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