Maple syrup is a sweet syrup made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. It’s used as a topping on pancakes and waffles, as an ingredient in coffee and tea, or as a condiment on other foods.
Maple syrup is typically graded according to its color and flavor. There are three grades: extra light amber, light amber, and dark amber. Maple syrup producers also use the flavor of the finished product to classify it into either traditional or premium categories.
It is generally believed that maple syrup will go bad if it is not stored properly. There are different causes of spoilage that can make maple syrup go bad much faster than it should.
This article will be exploring the different causes of spoilage and how to avoid them so that your maple syrup does not go bad.
Does Maple Syrup Go Bad?
Maple syrup doesn’t usually go bad. This is due to the high content of sugar that’s in it.
However, the syrup does go bad, but the one cause of spoilage could be too much air exposure. This can happen if you are not storing the bottle properly or if the lid is left off for too long.
Another cause of spoilage for maple syrup is mold. When the syrup is not sealed properly, oxygen can get into the container and start to decay the syrup.
Oxygen exposure will cause the sugar in maple syrup to turn into water and alcohol which then results in mold growth. The longer that you leave your maple syrups un-refrigerated, it will be more likely that you will see signs of spoilage.
How Long Does Maple Syrup Last
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. You can store maple syrup for up to 12 months in the fridge.
You can also store it outside of the fridge, but it will need to be stored in a cool, dark place like your pantry – where it will last for 6-12 months.
Maple syrup has a 10-year shelf life when canned or bottled.
How to Store Maple Syrup
You have several choices of how to store your maple syrup, but the most popular is the sugar shack method and vacuum sealing.
The sugar shack method of storing maple syrup consists of putting it into a container that has been filled with sugar and then sealing it with wax paper and aluminum foil, which will keep it fresh for up to two years.
Vacuum sealing is another common way to store maple syrup because it removes all air from the container, which reduces oxidation and prevents bacteria from growing in there. Vacuum sealed jars will keep the syrup fresh for a very long time.
How to Tell If Maple Syrup Is Bad?
Maple syrup is a sweetener that is also used as a flavor. It is made from the boiled-down sap of maple trees. Maple syrups can be bought from grocery stores or supermarkets, or simply made at home.
There are a few signs that may indicate that your syrup has gone bad, which includes:
A change in color. When you see the syrup has separated into two clumps with different colors; this usually means there was too much heat used in the production.
A change in flavor. Instead of the sweet taste, you will get a metallic taste when the syrup is bad.
It smells different. When it smells like caramelized sugar which indicates it’s burnt.
An increase in viscosity. The syrup will become thicker, which will make it hard to pour from the bottle.
Cloudy liquid. Instead of the usual clear syrup, it will become cloudy.
How To Keep Maple Syrup Fresh Longer
There are many ways to keep maple syrup fresh longer.
One way is to use maple syrup glass containers. This will allow the syrup to stay in its liquid form which helps it last longer.
Another way is to store the syrup in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cabinet away from the stove or oven.
But the best way to keep maple syrup fresh longer is by storing it in the fridge. This will prevent any mold growth that might occur over time if stored at room temperature.
Related Questions
Is it OK to eat expired maple syrup?
The shelf life of maple syrup is set at 18 months after the production date. Once the expiration date has passed, the syrup has lost its flavor and thickness, which means it won’t be as tasty.
It’s generally safe to eat expired maple syrup unless you find mold on top of it. If you find mold on top of your syrup, throw it out.
Can bacteria grow in maple syrup?
The answer is that bacteria can grow in maple syrup if the syrup is not sealed and they have a source of water.
If you want to store maple syrup, it is best to seal it in a container and put it in the fridge. This will protect the syrup from bacteria growth.