Hummus is one of the most delicious dips available and it can be paired with almost anything. Feeling peckish and want some carby goodness? Breadsticks and hummus. Feeling healthy? Carrots and hummus. It is a brilliant dip and can be used all the time. It is also really easy to make yourself if you have the right ingredients and know how! However, with its constant use, you can sometimes forget to store your hummus properly and may wake up to realize you had your unopened hummus left out overnight. Is it still safe to eat? Find out and also learn about how to properly store it for next time!
Table of Contents
- Can I Eat Hummus That Was Left Out Overnight?
- Hummus Shelf Life
- Best Conditions for Storing Hummus
- How to tell if your Hummus has gone Bad?
- FAQs on Hummus
Can I Eat Hummus That Was Left Out Overnight?
Bought the best hummus ever? Or perhaps you made it on your own and it was so good that you couldn’t stop eating it?
If you have left your hummus out overnight on the side or on the table, you may start to worry about if it is still safe to eat or not.
Thankfully, you are in no immediate danger as hummus can be completely safe to eat after this, depending on its condition.
Hummus that is unopened will be completely safe to eat even when left on the side overnight. It is recomended that it is stored in the fridge but just this once will not be an issue. It is very important to make sure that the airtight seal on the container is intact as once fresh air gets in your hummus, the clock is ticking. As long as it is unused and unopened, your hummus will be fine.
If your hummus has been opened, it will need to be stored in the fridge overnight. Any attempt to leave your hummus at room temperature for more than 2 hours will result in the hummus no longer being safe to eat as a lot of bacteria will have grown on it.
Hummus Shelf Life
The shelf life of hummus is quite easy to understand as it is very similar to the shelf life of other dips and condiments. However, hummus will last a day or 2 longer than you assume because of how oily it is. The natural oils in the dip act as a preservative and will allow it to last longer than less oily dips.
Storing hummus is very similar to storing chickpeas. After all, they are both almost the same. Hummus is made from chickpeas, olive oil, and flavorings to create a nutty and tasty dip.
How Long Does Hummus Last in the Fridge?
When stored in the fridge, hummus has two different lengths of time that it will last. These depend on the condition of your hummus as if the pack remains unopened, it will last for significantly longer.
When unopened, your hummus will last until the expiration date given on the top or bottom of the packaging. If your hummus is opened, it will last for 6-7 days in the fridge until it needs to be discarded.
Homemade hummus will last a significantly shorter time as it has different ingredients and lacks the preservatives that make the store-bought versions so stable.
How Long Does Hummus Last in the Freezer?
Hummus can be frozen if you are desperately trying to prolong its shelf life. While some people may argue that this is too much effort and it is more worth it to go and buy some more, freezing your hummus can actually be very easy and useful if you know what you are doing.
Freezing your hummus incorectly can result in you having a flavorless dip that is also dry and unappealing to eat.
To ensure your hummus is still perfect after you freeze it, there are some tips you must know.
- It is essential to use a freezer-safe container such as a plastic airtight container or any heavy duty freezer bags.
- Alongside this, keeping your hummus moist is quite a challenge unless you know what you are doing. Pour a thin layer, usually a tablespoon or more, of olive/vegetable oil over your hummus just before freezing. It is best to use olive oil as this is an ingredient in hummus so your flavor will remain unchanged. This will counteract the normal moisture loss that happens during the freezing process.
- Finally, it is important that you carefully thaw your hummus when you are planning to use it. You cannot heat it up or rush this process as that will ruin the hummus. Naturally let it come to temperature by thawing it in the fridge the day before you plan on eating it. Once it is thawed, make sure you stir in the extra oil that you added to make sure it is all nice and consistent.
How Long Does Hummus Last at Room Temperature?
At room temperature, hummus can last a varying amount of time. Assuming the lid is unopened and untouched, hummus can last until its expiry date at room temperature. As soon as the packaging is broken or opened, hummus should be stored in the fridge at all times except from when being eaten.
Storing hummus at room temperature is a bad idea yet it is sometimes necessary if you are constantly snacking and using it. Hummus should be left out at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours before being placed in the fridge.
It is important to remember this as bacteria will grow and breed on your hummus while it is at room temperature. This is not an issue until after two hours have passed as the bacteria will be at such a number that it is now considered harmful to eat.
Best Conditions for Storing Hummus
Hummus can be stored very esaily while the packaging remains unopened. Yet once it is opened and no longer airtight, it becomes much more of a challenge to optimally store.
When starting out, you can place your brand new containers of hummus in the cupboard in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
After being opened, it is essential that they are placed in the fridge until consumed or until 6-7 days have passed. After this, it is best to discard the hummus entirely.
If you are wanting to store your hummus for up to 4 months, pour a small tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the hummus, place it in an airtight container, and sit this in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge the day before you intend on eating it.
How to tell if your Hummus has gone Bad?
Being able to understand when your hummus has gone bad is a very useful skill to have. It can prevent you from accidentally eating hummus that is far past it’s safe-to-eat time.
The best way to do this is to look out for any rancid smells that the hummus may be producing. Naturally, hummus will smell very nutty and earthy. Any scents that are unlike this and smell sour or putrid will be a warning sign. There is likely already a lot of bacteria growing on your hummus.
Another way to see if the hummus is still safe to eat is to inspect it. Look for any mold or unpleasant discoloration. If there is any mold then the whole container of hummus needs to be thrown away. You cannot simply scoop out the mold and eat the rest of the hummus.
FAQs on Hummus
Can sabra hummus be eaten after being left out overnight?
As long as the packaging is undamaged and is left fully intact then the hummus will be perfectly safe to eat the day after. If your hummus is opened then it is necessary to store it in the fridge. Failure to do so, especially overnight, will deem the hummus as unsafe to eat and it is best that you throw it away.
How can you tell hummus has gone bad?
Telling if hummus has gone bad or not is incredibly easy to do and can be done so by just smelling the hummus. The main ingredients in hummus will cause it to have a very nutty and earthy scent. If you can smell anythng putrid or sour then you will know your hummus has gone bad.
Can hummus get warm?
Hummus should avoid being warmed as this will lead to it spoiling quicker. Hummus will only survive at room temperature for 2 hours before it is unsafe to eat and should be stored in the fridge permanently except from when it is being eaten.
