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
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.
What happens if I eat moldy maple syrup? ›
Again, if you eat mold, the odds are high that nothing will happen or you may experience a slight gastrointestinal upset.
Can you eat 10 year old maple syrup? ›
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.
Can maple syrup go moldy? ›
Maple syrup is particularly susceptible to types of moulds that can grow in high-sugar environments. Mould prevention in maple syrup is an ongoing challenge for maple syrup producers because the presence of mould in maple syrup can severely impact the perceived quality of that syrup.
How can you tell if maple syrup has gone bad? ›
How to Tell if Maple Syrup Has Gone Bad. To be sure your maple syrup is at its freshest, check for these three things before you pour it on a pile of pancakes: visible mold, an off smell, and an off flavor. Visible mold should be pretty easy to identify. It can appear fuzzy and light brown or green in color.
What happens if you drink expired maple syrup? ›
In some cases, organic maple syrup will still be safe to consume after its expiry date, provided that there is no mould present and the bottle has been stored properly.
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.
How to remove mold from 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.
What is the cloudy stuff floating in maple syrup? ›
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.
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.
Is Ropey maple syrup safe to eat? ›
The ropy syrup problem
When bacteria contaminate the syrup, however, the syrup can instead have a stringy, ropy texture. Ropy syrup is inedible and must be discarded.
What does syrup look like when it goes bad? ›
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.
How do you know if you have maple syrup disease? ›
Within a few days and as the disease quickly progresses, infants with MSUD will display abnormal or spastic movements, hypertonia, neurological symptoms, and a distinctive odor of maple syrup in their urine, sweat and/or earwax. Children with classic MSUD may also have: Intellectual disabilities or limitations.
Does Aunt Jemima syrup go bad? ›
Let me look on the bottom. No, there is no expiration date.
What should I do if I accidentally ate mold? ›
Unless you are immunocompromised or eat very large quantities of mold, you will probably be OK. But watch for any symptoms, the experts note. If you feel fine, you can proceed as normal. If you develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention.
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.
Can you remove mold from food and still eat it? ›
Microbiologists recommend against scooping out the mold and using the remaining condiment. (such as cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, etc.) Use. Cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot (keep the knife out of the mold itself so it will not cross-contaminate other parts of the produce).
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