A frequently asked question: how long does sour cream last after opening? An opened package of sour cream will generally last for about three weeks after opening, assuming it has been continuously refrigerated. Have you ever forgotten to use some sour cream you purchased? I’m here to help you decide whether to throw it away or buy a new batch, so don’t worry, friend.
To kill the majority of harmful bacteria, milk is pasteurized before being used to make sour cream. Well, in reality, its shelf life depends on many factors. I’ll do my best to impart to you all the knowledge you need to have regarding sour cream. Keep reading!
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How Long is Sour Cream Good After Opened?
Opened sour cream can still be consumed for up to two weeks in refrigerator. However, it must be refrigerated, so keep that in mind. It is interesting to note that reliable online sources had stated a 21-day window for consuming opened sour cream, just so long as it has been refrigerated at 40 F.
Milk that has been pasteurized, which kills the majority of harmful bacteria, is used to make sour cream. The milk is then fermented by advantageous bacteria, which results in the production of lactic acid. Sour cream has a sour flavor because of this. Consider sour cream as a living product with living components if you need a better analogy.
Protein and sugars in the milk used to make sour cream act as a favorable culture medium for both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Unfriendly bacteria, which frequently include molds that cause diarrhea, multiply over time in the refrigerator or more quickly if the sour cream is left out at room temperature.
Signs of Spoilage
Even if your sour cream isn’t yet at the “best by” or “use by” date, don’t eat it if you notice:
- An Off Smell: Grab some sour cream and take a whiff. The flavor and safety will likely be impacted by additional growth if it smells moldy, rancid, or stinky in any way other than the typical sour smell.
- Mold: The entire container needs to be thrown out if you notice mold growing on the surface. Avoid the temptation to simply remove the mold from the top and consume the remaining food. The mold might go farther than what the unaided eye can see.
- Yellow or Discolored Sour Cream: The presence of noticeable bacteria and fungi growth is clearly indicated if the cream has lost its white color.
If foods are not handled correctly, their shelf life may be significantly shortened. At some point, your sour cream might have been left out at room temperature, either by the producer, the vendor, or a resident of your house. Or perhaps someone inserted a soiled implement into the container. When your nose and eyes warn you that something is off, believe them.
How to Store Sour Cream?
Sour cream, once opened, has to be refrigerated as soon as possible. There are a few items you might require. They are:
- Container lids that are airtight.
- Sour cream transfer with spoons or a spatula.
- To seal containers, use aluminum foil or cling film.
Try to quickly put the remaining sour cream in a clean container with an airtight lid after you’ve finished eating it. The sour cream that has been stored will have a longer shelf life and stay fresher for longer if you follow these instructions.
Can You Freeze Sour Cream?
Sour cream shouldn’t be frozen, according to the manufacturers.
The flavor may also be somewhat altered by freezing, which also has an impact on texture. That is undoubtedly the case, and if freezing the prepared dish with sour cream rather than freezing this condiment alone is a possibility, it is preferable.
But many people successfully freeze sour cream, and you can too.
The trick here, and it works for many other dairy products as well, is to use the frozen and thawed sour cream in a cooked or baked dish.
The slightly different consistency is not a big deal if you’re adding the sour cream to a soup or need it for a cake you’re making. It will be combined with other ingredients anyhow, so the prepared dish won’t taste much different.
Read More: Can You Eat Bacon Right Out of the Package?
How to Freeze Sour Cream?
Since you most likely need only a small amount of the product at a time, it’s probably best to freeze it in an ice cube tray or a muffin tin.
To do that, simply pour the sour cream into the container of your choice and place it in the freezer.
Put the cubes in a freezer bag after they have frozen, then put the freezer back in operation.
Take as many cubes of sour cream as you require from the bag and use it whenever you need it.
Also Read: How Much is One Package of Yeast?
FAQs
Can You Use Frozen Sour Cream?
Yes, but since it will split, bake with it instead.
How Long Does Sour Cream Last Out of the Fridge?
How long can unopened sour cream be left out? When not in the refrigerator, sour cream only lasts for two hours at most.
Can You Use Expired Sour Cream for Baking?
The sell-by, best-by, or use-by date for your sour cream will be printed on the container. Never eat or cook with spoiled sour cream.
Wrapping Up
According to the USDA, sour cream (opened or unopened) is good for up to three weeks after the sell-by date, as long as it’s been stored in the refrigerator.
It’s acceptable to eat sour cream that has a thin layer of water on top. However, throw it out if there is a lot of water, the smell is stronger than usual, or there are any other indications that it has spoiled.
Life is too short, in my opinion, to eat expired food. Always eat fresh, eat well, and practice good food hygiene.
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