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
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.
Does syrup ever go bad? ›
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.
Is 2 year old syrup still good? ›
The refrigerator will stop mold from growing for up to 2 years and that is long enough for most people to use the bottle. If you have more than two years worth, put the excess in the freezer. Here it can be store indefinitely. Sometimes you may see some sugar crystals form in the bottom of the syrup container.
What is the life of a syrup? ›
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.
Does date syrup go bad? ›
Date syrup is kept in an airtight jar. It's better to keep it in a cool place or a refrigerator. Although there is no necessity in refrigerating this product, the refrigerated date syrup can last for a longer period without going rancid. Generally, date syrup lasts around 18 months.
Does syrup go bad if never opened? ›
Maple syrup can go bad, though this only tends to occur after the bottle has been opened. 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.
How long is syrup safe to eat? ›
Before opening, all maple syrup can be stored in the pantry about a year. After opening, genuine maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator and will last about a year.
Can you eat 10 year old maple syrup? ›
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.
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.
Does sugar expire? ›
Shelf life. Commercial sugars (granular, syrup, and honey) have an indefinite shelf life due to their resistance to microbial growth. However, sugars have a best-if-used by date of approximately 2 years for quality concerns.
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.
How do you keep syrup from going bad? ›
Syrup Preservation Tips
- Increase the sugar level - Higher sugar levels reduce water availability to microorganisms. ...
- Add alcohol – 15% or so of alcohol helps work as a preservative environment; the higher the better. ...
- Strain syrups well – hom*ogeneous environments are best.
Boxed Mix: An opened package of Aunt Jemima pancake mix should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It's typically good for 6-12 months, but always check for spoilage before use.
Can maple syrup 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 can a syrup be used after opening? ›
Syrups that come when already reconstituted and are in liquid form may not need to be refrigerated and as such can be kept on the shelf. These are stable without refrigeration, and can be used for longer periods, and re-used severally, even up to 1-3 months.
Does Karo syrup get old? ›
Whether previously opened or not, Karo® Syrups are safe to eat for an indefinite period of time.
How do you know 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 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.
Is it okay to eat expired maple syrup? ›
In other words, the expiration date is not a safety measure so much as it is a means of covering the manufacturer's behind, should you be dissatisfied with the product. Long story short: Yes, you can use expired maple syrup—provided you have followed the aforementioned storage guidelines and there is no mold present.
