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
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.
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.
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.
When should you throw out syrup? ›
Your opened bottle of pure maple syrup needs to be refrigerated to prevent the growth of mold spores. You can store it in the refrigerator for around a year, checking at each use for any changes in consistency or mold spore growth. If you notice either of these things occur, dispose of the maple syrup.
Is maple syrup good after 2 years? ›
A sealed bottle of pure maple syrup, stored properly in an airtight glass container, will last several years, while an opened bottle can stay in the fridge for between six months and a year.
What happens if you use expired syrup? ›
Health Risks of Expired Syrups
Toxins produced by mold or bacteria, which may not always be visible or smellable, can lead to food poisoning. It's more likely for this to occur if the syrup has not been stored properly or if the container was compromised.
What does bad syrup taste like? ›
Sour sap: Syrup will have a ropey appearance and taste sour. This is caused by sap that overheats and starts to spoil before boiling. This is more common during hot days at the end of sugaring season. Burnt or Scorched: Burnt syrup will have a defined burnt flavor.
Can Aunt Jemima syrup go bad? ›
The short answer is technically no, syrup does not expire.
Does Mrs. Butterworth syrup go bad? ›
According to the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, unopened maple syrup will keep indefinitely, but it must be refrigerated once opened.
Does syrup go bad if not refrigerated? ›
When unopened, you can store hot-packed pure maple syrup for at least a year (or more) in the pantry at room temperature. Once opened, does maple syrup need to be refrigerated if it's the pure variety? Yes, because it's a natural product with no preservatives and can spoil or grow mold.
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 long does liquid syrup last? ›
An opened bottle of simple syrup should be refrigerated and used within 6 months for optimal freshness. However, if you store your open bottle properly (in an airtight container), it can last up to 12 months as well!
Can I use expired simple syrup? ›
Does Simple Syrup Go Bad? The short answer is yes. You'll know it has gone bad once it is no longer clear and starts to look cloudy in appearance.
How to tell if syrup has gone bad? ›
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.)
Why does my 2 year old smell like maple syrup? ›
What is maple syrup urine disease? Maple syrup urine disease is a rare inherited disorder caused by the body's inability to properly process amino acids, leading to a characteristic odor of maple syrup in the baby's urine.
Why is my maple syrup foaming? ›
The bubbles are completely safe and there is no reason for concern. The bubbles will disappear over time but it can take a while depending on how vigorously the bottles were shaken. If they bother you, you can easily skim them off.
How long can a syrup be used after opening? ›
A syrup or suspension typically lasts 3 months after opening, with some exceptions, such as suspensions coming in powder form like pediatric antibiotics (beyond use date is mentioned on the packaging), iron syrup (most are valid for 1 month after opening) and antacid syrup.
What does spoiled simple syrup look like? ›
Does Simple Syrup Go Bad? The short answer is yes. You'll know it has gone bad once it is no longer clear and starts to look cloudy in appearance. When this happens, it has started to grow mold and should be thrown out.
How to tell if sugar syrup is off? ›
If you've noticed that your simple syrup doesn't quite look the same, you're likely questioning if it's still good to use or not. The simple syrup should be clear. A few signs that your simple syrup has gone bad are: Cloudy appearance.
Does syrup in fridge 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.
