How Long Can Hummus Sit Out?

Hummus can be a great addition to any meal or snack, but in order to keep it safe for consumption, you need to know how long you can safely leave it out.

The FDA states that hummus can remain at room temperature for up to 4 hours, after which the risk of it spoiling, getting moldy, and becoming hazardous increases dramatically. For best results, some sources say that hummus should only be left out for 2 hours.

How long it’ll keep usually depends on several factors like how far away its expiration date is, the type of hummus, whether it’s shelf-stable or unopened, and its temperature in storage. Even what’s included in the recipe can make a difference in that department.

In my experience, having let hummus sit out for up to two hours multiple times before, it’s perfectly fine during this duration; however, after that its texture begins hardening and darkening which are both signs of spoilage.

As long as your hummus is unopened and shelf-stable, it can last up to one month at room temperature. Therefore, make sure to store your hummus properly so you can enjoy it for longer and savor the tasty Middle Eastern dip!

How Long Can Hummus Be Stored?

As long as it’s properly stored, you can keep hummus for a very long time – store-bought jars or other packaging could last in the pantry for several months unopened. Hence, it’s often referred to as a “shelf-stable Hummus” food.

Alternatively, purchased refrigerated hummus is still safe seven days past its expiration date (labeled on the package). If it appears to be going bad, dispose of it quickly.

How Do You Know If Hummus Is Bad?

Fortunately, there are a few signs that you can look for that will help you tell if your hummus is spoiled or not. These include mold growth, a change in the texture of the hummus, a change in color, a sour taste, and a distinct sour smell. If any one of these signs is present then you should get rid of the bad hummus immediately.

Mold growth is one of the most obvious indicators that your standard hummus has gone bad – if the surface is covered in spores or any type of bacterial growth then it’s time to toss it out. A change in texture such as separation or crustiness on top can also be an indication that it’s no longer edible.

Additionally, if the color gets darker or hardened then this could be another signpost of spoilage.

Finally, make sure to also be aware of any odd tastes or smells coming from the spoiled hummus; if it tastes sour or has a distinct sour odor then your best bet would be to leave it alone and buy a new container!

How Long Is Hummus Good Past The “Best Used By” Date?

Hummus has a “best used by” date instead of an expiration date, so it’s important to know how long hummus is good past the date specified. The answer depends on what type of hummus it is. Commercial hummus can last longer in the fridge and freezer than homemade hummus.

Store-bought hummus can last 6 days past its best-before date in the refrigerator or 3 months when stored in the freezer. Meanwhile, opened containers of hummus can remain fresh in the fridge for roughly 3 to 10 days; in the freezer, it will keep up to 6 to 8 months.

Your best bet for accurate expiration dates is always going to be eating your hummus as soon as possible after opening or purchasing from a trusted brand with safe handling instructions, if available.

How Long Does Hummus Keep After It’s Been Opened?

The answer to this question varies depending on the type of hummus you have. For homemade Traditional hummus, it will last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator after it has been opened.

On the other hand, store-bought or refrigerated hummus can last up to 7 days after being opened while unrefrigerated hummus can keep up to a month once opened if it is stored in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight. To be sure, always check the expiration date to make sure your standard hummus isn’t past its best-before date.

No matter what kind of hummus you have, it’s important to remember that when you leave items out for longer than two hours, bacteria and mold start to grow and therefore your food should not be left sitting at room temperature for longer than two hours.

So if you’ve already served or enjoyed some of your hummus and there’s still some leftover, make sure you store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator as soon as possible!

Can You Freeze Hummus?

Yes, you can freeze hummus! Freezing hummus is the best way to extend its shelf life and prevent various bacteria and mold from ruining it. Unopened hummus can last up to 8 months in the freezer and opened hummus can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

The best way to freeze fresh hummus is to store it in a freezer-safe container and wrap it with plastic wrap to seal it out from the air. This will help prevent freezer burn.

If you don’t have a bunch of containers, you can use an ice cube tray for individual portions. Perfect for when you want to add some flavor to your soups or dips!

How Long Does Hummus Last At Room Temperature?

Jars of Hummus are a popular dip for parties, but it is also a highly perishable food. According to the FDA, hummus can only be safely left out at room temperature for four hours before it begins to spoil. After that, it will become increasingly prone to mold and bacteria growth.

Luckily, there are some tips you can follow to help your hummus last longer at room temperature. First of all, make sure to use clean utensils to scoop hummus out of the container instead of dipping food directly into it in order to prevent cross-contamination.

Serve small portions in a small bowl so they get eaten quickly and can be replaced when they run out. You can also place the hummus container in a bowl of ice to keep it cold or cover it with plastic wrap.

Following these simple tips will help ensure your hummus stays fresher for longer at any party or event!

How Can I Make Hummus Last Longer After It’s Been Opened?

If you’ve opened your jar of hummus container and want to make it last longer, there are a few steps you can take. First, always use clean utensils to scoop out hummus, as dipping food or fingers directly into the container can introduce bacteria that will cause the hummus to spoil.

Second, store it in the refrigerator at all times and only take out small portions at once – using much of the hummus at once will speed up spoilage and reduce its life span. For maximum freshness, consider storing your hummus in an air-tight container and drizzling a little olive oil over top before sealing.

This helps lock in moisture and flavor for an extended shelf life. Additionally, adding a bit of lemon juice – a natural preservative – can also help extend your hummus’ life.

Finally, be sure to keep your fridge temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit; any warmer than that puts food into the ‘temperature danger zone’, allowing harmful bacteria to grow more quickly than would typically occur with cooler temperatures.