And how do you save moldy syrup?
By Maxine Builder and Maxine Builder Updated February 13, 2018
Syrup
Credit: Photo by Sara Lynn Paige via Getty Images
A bottle of maple syrup can be expensive—especially if you're buying that Grade A, totally pure stuff—so there's no shame in wanting to know how long syrup lasts. After all, you want to be able to use that maple syrup for as long as possible. So does syrup ever go bad? 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. This is actually the same reason why honey never 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, exposing the syrup to air. The good news is that this mold isn't like the mold that ruins fruit; it's a totally different type of fungus that doesn't affect the syrup. In other words, moldy syrup is still safe to eat—but you have to remove the mold first.
The easiest way to remove mold from maple syrup, according to the folks at Epler's Maple Syrup, which makes maple syrup in Pennsylvania, is to skim off the layer of mold on top. Then heat up the remaining syrup to its boiling point to kill the offending spores. Let that cool a bit, skim off any mold that may still be lingering, and reheat it again. Then it's ready to go.
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. Much like maple syrup, pancake syrup doesn't spoil. It's safe to eat for "an indefinite period of time regardless of whether it has been opened," according to Karo, which manufactures both a pancake syrup and several types of corn syrup. You don't have to store pancake syrup in the fridge, though. Room temperature is just fine, but if you're buying the stuff that comes from a tree, be sure to keep it in the fridge to avoid any moldy situations.
By Maxine Builder and Maxine Builder
FAQs
Maple syrup is resistant to spoiling because of the high sugar content. It will last indefinitely if stored properly. Problems can occur though. You may see a build-up of crystals on the bottom of the bottle, or you may find a layer of mold on the top.
How do you know when syrup goes bad? ›
The best way to check on your maple syrup is to smell it or take a small taste. 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.
Is 2 year old syrup still good? ›
Maple syrup unopened will last indefinitely. All of our syrup is heat packed and sealed so until it is cracked open it will have an indefinite shelf life. Once the jug is opened it should be kept in the refrigerator and should last up to 2 years.
Can you eat 10 year old maple syrup? ›
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.
When should you throw out syrup? ›
If you see mold on maple syrup, you should throw the entire container away. (A less common occurrence would be to notice sour, fruity, or floral odor. This is a sign that the syrup has fermented and it's also recommended that you discard it.)
What happens if you use old syrup? ›
According to the USDA, it is safe to keep pure maple syrup unopened in the pantry for a year, opened in the refrigerator for a year and for years when kept in the freezer. So, how does pure maple syrup “expire" once opened? The now-exposed sugar pulls moisture from the air. This, in turn, attracts mold spores.
How long is Aunt Jemima syrup good for? ›
The short answer is technically no, syrup does not expire and you can keep an unopened container of the stuff on your shelf indefinitely.
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.
What happens if you have out of date syrup? ›
While expired date syrup may not necessarily be harmful, it is best to follow the recommended storage guidelines and use the syrup within the indicated timeframe for the best quality and flavor.
What is the life of a syrup? ›
The difference is surprising. Simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water) will only stay good for about a month. But rich simple syrup, made from a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, will last about six months before becoming cloudy.
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.
What if my 12 year old smells like maple syrup? ›
Children with intermediate MSUD also display the characteristic odor of maple syrup in their sweat, urine and earwax. Children with Intermittent MSUD typically have normal growth and intellectual development, and most can eat normal levels of protein in their diet.
Can you get maple syrup disease later in life? ›
When should I call my doctor about maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)? If your baby or child shows signs of MSUD, you should seek immediate medical care. Though it's very rare for older children and adults to develop the disease, you should contact your provider any time you detect a maple syrup smell in urine or sweat.
How to tell if syrup is bad? ›
First examine your maple syrup for signs of mold. Another sign that the maple syrup has gone bad is it might not smell right. If the maple syrup has any kind of sour odor, or smells like fermentation then discard it. Maple syrup should smell sweet, like caramel.
How long is syrup safe to eat? ›
A sealed bottle of maple syrup should be stored in a cool, dry place in your cupboard, where it will last for up to a year. Once opened, the bottle should be moved to the fridge, where it can last for a further 12 months.
Does Mrs. Butterworth syrup need to be refrigerated after opening? ›
It's safe to say something like Aunt Jemima and Mrs. Butterworth's will be safe to live in the pantry since they're more corn syrup than maple, but if you have the real deal, just keep an eye on it and toss it if it starts to look off.
What does bad syrup look like? ›
You may see a build-up of crystals on the bottom of the bottle, or you may find a layer of mold on the top. Read below to learn how to save your maple syrup when it goes bad.
What does spoiled syrup taste like? ›
If it smells strange, it's most likely gone bad. An off flavor in maple syrup can come in many forms, too. Folks have described a cardboard flavor, a Tootsie Roll flavor, a sour flavor, or even a salty flavor. Again, if it tastes like anything besides delicious maple syrup, it's probably not fresh anymore.
How to tell if simple syrup is bad? ›
The simple syrup should be clear. A few signs that your simple syrup has gone bad are: Cloudy appearance. Mold has developed.
How long can a syrup be used after opening? ›
Typically, drugs in solution, such as drops or syrups, have relatively short expiry dates after opening, ranging from 2 weeks to 2 months, and must be stored in a refrigerator [20] . ...
