Hummus….yum! Healthy and nutritious, hummus can pair with so many things like veggies and crackers.
While many of us enjoy a dollop of hummus with our veggies or pita bread, have you ever wondered how this Middle Eastern dish should be stored?
In particular, do you have to refrigerate hummus?
Commercially prepared hummus, which is widely available in grocery stores, generally contains preservatives that allow it to be stored at room temperature.
However, homemade hummus, which is often made without preservatives, should be kept in the fridge.
If you’re unsure whether your hummus needs to be refrigerated, check the label or ask the person who made it.
Swelling, discoloration, and mold are all signs that the hummus has gone bad and should be discarded.
Can Hummus Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?
Traditionally, hummus is made without any preservatives or artificial ingredients.
This means that it can spoil more quickly than other dips and spreads.
If you leave hummus out of the fridge for more than two hours, it’s best to throw it away.
However, many store-bought versions of hummus contain preservatives that extend their shelf life.
If you have a jar of store-bought hummus that’s been sitting out on the counter, it’s probably still safe to eat.
Of course, the best way to keep your hummus fresh is to store it in the fridge.
This will help to prolong its shelf life and prevent the growth of bacteria.
If you’re not planning on eating your hummus right away, be sure to refrigerate it within two hours of preparation.
It is possible to use hummus in various ways, including dip or spread.
Here are three recipes that feature hummus as a key ingredient:
Spicy Hummus Wrap: Spread a layer of hummus on a whole wheat tortilla and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
For a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeño peppers. Roll up the tortilla and enjoy!
Hummus Veggie Pizza: Spread a thin layer of hummus over a pre-baked pizza crust, and top with your favorite vegetables.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is crispy.
Hummus Deviled Eggs: Start by boiling eggs until they are hard-boiled.
Once cooled, carefully remove the egg yolks and place them in a bowl.
Mash the yolks together with some hummus, mayonnaise, mustard, and paprika.
Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Hummus is a popular dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.
Originally from the Middle East, it is now eaten worldwide.
Hummus is high in fiber and protein, low in calories, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
It contains no cholesterol and is low in saturated fat.
Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are a good source of iron and folate.
They also contain important antioxidants that may help to protect against heart disease and cancer.
Can Hummus Be Stored Without A Fridge?
Generally speaking, hummus will last longer if it’s stored in the fridge.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
For example, adding extra virgin olive oil to your hummus will extend its shelf life and make it safe to store at room temperature.
This is because olive oil contains natural antioxidants that help to preserve the food.
Another exception is if you live in a very humid climate; in this case, it’s best to store your hummus in the fridge to prevent mold growth.
You will ultimately have to choose how to store your hummus based on your individual preferences and environment.
What Does Bad Hummus Taste Like?
Have you ever wondered what bad hummus tastes like? One common problem is that the chickpeas are overcooked.
This can make them mushy, which gives the hummus an unpleasant texture.
Another issue is using old or spoiled tahini.
Tahini is a key ingredient in hummus, and it can go rancid quickly.
It can give the hummus a sour, bitter taste if it’s not fresh.
If you want to avoid these problems, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and season to taste.
With a little care and attention, you can make delicious hummus that everyone will enjoy.
Overall, hummus is a delicious and healthy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
The first step in making hummus is to cook the chickpeas.
This can be done by simmering them in water for about an hour or by using a pressure cooker.
Once the chickpeas are cooked, they are typically cooled and then peeled.
The next step is to combine the chickpeas with the other ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
The final step is to taste the hummus and add salt, pepper, or other spices as desired.
Hummus can be served immediately or refrigerated for later use.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Hummus?
In general, it’s not a good idea to eat bad hummus.
The dip is made from cooked chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic; if any of these ingredients are spoiled, the dip can be unsafe to eat.
Spoiled chickpeas can cause food poisoning, and spoiled tahini can contain harmful bacteria.
Additionally, olive oil and lemon juice can go bad over time and cause stomach upset.
If the garlic in the hummus is starting to sprout, this is also an indication that the dip is no longer fresh.
So what should you do if you find yourself with a container of bad hummus?
The best course of action is to throw it away.
Eating bad hummus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, so it’s not worth taking the risk.
If you’re at a party where the hummus has been sitting out for a while, it’s also best to avoid eating it.
Food safety should always be approached cautiously.
The danger zone of food safety is the temperature range between 40°F and 140°F, in which bacteria can grow rapidly.
This range is often called the “temperature danger zone.”
Foods that are left out in the danger zone for more than two hours are at risk of becoming contaminated with foodborne bacteria.
Contaminated food can cause illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
To prevent contamination, it is important to keep hot foods above 140°F and cold foods below 40°F.
This can be done by using a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of cooked foods, using ice or refrigerator packs to keep cold foods chilled, and avoiding leaving food out for extended periods of time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food poisoning affects one in six Americans yearly.
That means that, on average, 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from food poisoning yearly.
While those numbers are staggering, it’s important to remember that most cases of food poisoning are mild and resolved independently.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
If you experience these symptoms after eating, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and rest until they resolve.
However, if your symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
Occasionally, food poisoning can lead to serious complications like dehydration, kidney failure, and even death.
By taking simple steps to prevent food poisoning and knowing when to seek medical care, you can keep yourself and your family safe from this common ailment.
How To Tell If Hummus Is Bad?
Bad hummus will have a different color.
Fresh hummus is usually a light brown or tan color.
If it has turned green or orange, it’s time to toss it.
Another sign of bad hummus is when mold is growing.
This one is pretty obvious – if you see mold, the hummus has gone bad and should be thrown away.
In addition, if the hummus has developed an unpleasant odor, it’s no longer safe to eat.
Whenever you see mold growing on food, it’s best to throw it out.
This is because mold is a type of fungus that can release spores into the air.
When these spores are inhaled, they can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems.
Mold poisoning occurs when a person is exposed to toxins produced by certain types of mold.
These toxins, known as mycotoxins, can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
Mold poisoning can cause many symptoms, including respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress.
In severe cases, it can lead to organ damage and even death.
If you suspect you have been exposed to mold toxins, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
In most cases, the body can fight off the infection without any lasting effects.
However, people with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions are at a higher risk for serious complications.
Toss your food into the garbage the next time you see mold growing on it.
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.