A bottle of maple syrup can be expensive—especially if you're buying top-notch grade A syrup—and it would be a shame if any went to waste. If you're wondering how long syrup lasts and if it even goes bad at all, then read on. We consulted the experts about how best to store syrup and when to toss it.
Does Maple Syrup Go Bad?
The short answer is technically no,syrup does not expire. That's due to thehigh sugar contentof pure maple syrup, according to the experts at Ben's Sugar Shack, who produce syrup in New Hampshire. This is the same reason whyhoneynever expires; bacteria have a hard time growing in these high-sugar, low-moisture environments.
But one difference between honey and syrup is that syrup can get moldy after the container's been opened. This is because it has been exposed to mold spores in the air.
What To Do About Moldy Syrup
If you store your open maple syrup at room temperature, let it sit out for long periods of time, or just forget about it in the fridge, there's a chance it will grow a thin layer of mold on the top. Folks in maple syrup-producing regions have long felt comfortable simply skimming off this mold and proceeding as usual. This may very well be fine, but it's not what we'd call an official recommendation.
To ensure your moldy maple syrup is safe to use, first skim off the mold. Then heat the syrup to at least 180°F to kill off any remaining mold spores and bacteria. Strain into a clean container through cheesecloth and use or store in the fridge.
Does Pancake Syrup Go Bad?
Things are a little bit different if you're buying pancake syrup, not pure maple syrup. Pancake syrup is often a type of corn syrup that's been flavored. According to Karo, which makes corn syrup and pancake syrup, its high sugar content means it doesn't spoil and doesn't need to be refrigerated. It is also not typically susceptible to mold.
How to Store Syrup
According to the USDA, unopened maple syrup can be safely stored in the pantry for a year, but it will likely last for longer. After opening, move the bottle to the fridge to discourage mold growth. It will keep well for a year. That being said, maple syrup doesn't technically go bad, but your chances of it becoming moldy go up over time.
For longer storage, stick maple syrup in the freezer. It won't completely harden and will keep in the freezer indefinitely.
Pancake or breakfast syrup can be stored in a closed container, unopened or opened, in the pantry. It's best to use it within a year, but it will keep indefinitely.
A version of this article originally appeared onMyRecipes.com
FAQs
If it smells good and tastes good, it is good! If there is mold on the surface or in the container, you can scrape it off or strain the syrup through a cheese cloth to remove all of the mold pieces. Since mold cannot grow inside syrup, there should only be surface mold.
Can you eat maple syrup that has mold? ›
Re-Heating Maple Syrup
Re-heating your syrup to 180°F should kill any mold or bacteria in your syrup and make it safe to eat.
Can you eat 10 year old maple syrup? ›
The short answer is technically no, syrup does not expire and you can keep an unopened container of the stuff on your shelf indefinitely. That's due to the high sugar content of pure maple syrup, according to the experts at Ben's Sugar Shack, which produces syrup in New Hampshire.
Does real maple syrup ever go bad? ›
Does Maple Syrup Go Bad? As it turns out, maple syrup does have a shelf life once opened, and mold is not as uncommon as we thought. StillTasty.com indicates that 100 percent pure maple syrup should keep for a year unopened in the pantry, a year opened in the refrigerator, and indefinitely in the freezer.
Can moldy simple syrup make you sick? ›
Bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella can thrive in spoiled simple syrup. These bacteria can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases, even life-threatening complications. Mold growth in spoiled syrup can also pose health risks.
Is cloudy maple syrup ok to eat? ›
This is the result of sugar sand (also called niter) and every sugarmaker has dealt with it in their syrup-making career. While it's not very appetizing and can sometimes affect taste, sugar sand is not a sign of spoilage or bad syrup.
Do you really need to refrigerate maple syrup? ›
Unopened maple syrup of any kind can be stored in a cool, dark place until you're ready to use it, ideally within two years. But once opened, pure maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator.
How to save moldy maple syrup? ›
Should mold grow on maple syrup, it's safe and easy to remove. Just scoop the mold off the top of the syrup with a spoon and discard the mold. Another way of removing the mold is to strain the maple syrup into a clean container through a piece of cheesecloth.
Can you eat 3 year old syrup? ›
Pancake or breakfast syrup can be stored in a closed container, unopened or opened, in the pantry. It's best to use it within a year, but it will keep indefinitely.
Is maple syrup OK for 12 month old? ›
Make sure to never offer raw maple sap to your baby! In conclusion, maple syrup is safe for consumption, but our team of experts does not recommend it for babies under 12 months old.
maple syrup off-flavors
Musty: syrup tastes yeasty or moldy, and has a moldy odor. Usually this happens when syrup is stored in an unsealed container or run through moldy filters. Ferment: fermented may be honey-like, alcoholic or fruity to the taste, and often will have a foam at the top.
How can you tell if maple syrup is good? ›
USDA Grade A Maple Syrup Standards
All USDA Grade A maple syrup must be 100% pure with no additives. It must have a minimum density of 66 brix, equal to 66% sugar. Individual state requirements may vary. Syrup that is less than 66% sugar can spoil quickly.
Is Ropey maple syrup safe to eat? ›
The ropy syrup problem
Ropy syrup is inedible and must be discarded.
Can real maple syrup mold? ›
Because maple syrup is a super saturated sugar, it is impossible for bacteria, mold or anything else to grow in the syrup, it can only grow where it comes in contact with air.
Can I eat expired maple syrup? ›
The sugar in maple syrup acts as a natural preservative, but it also plays a primary role in why the syrup goes bad once the bottle is opened. You'll find plenty of sources stating maple syrup can be safely consumed beyond a year if it's been unopened, but we don't recommend taking risks when it comes to food safety.
What is the white stuff in my maple syrup? ›
The most common reason mold starts to grow on pure maple syrup is because it hasn't been properly refrigerated after opening. It's best to discard your maple syrup if mold is found.
What is white stuff in maple syrup? ›
Signs of Spoiled Maple Syrup
The first thing to watch out for when it comes to detecting if maple syrup is bad is mold. If you see any blooms of white, green, or black, it's definitely time to throw it out.
Does maple syrup have fungus? ›
In a study on container storage and syrup stability, when pure maple syrup was heated at the traditional minimum packing temperature of 82°C, 6.9% of syrups in all types of containers were surface-contaminated with a fungal mat; Penicillium and Aspergillus species predominated.
What is the jelly like substance in maple syrup? ›
Ropiness of maple syrup is a phenomenon that can occur several times in the season. The alteration known as ÒropinessÓ is characterized by a viscous, thick, slimy/jelly-like texture which, although not noticeably altering the taste, renders the product unpleasant in terms of mouthfeel.
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