Pure maple syrup is a must-have for your kitchen pantry. Delicious over countless sweet and savory recipes, pure maple syrup is truly one of the most versatile products you can have on-hand.
But can pure maple syrup eventually go bad? The short answer is yes – but that’s a rare occurrence. Below, we’ll discuss the main signs your maple syrup has gone bad and what to do about it.
Signs Your Maple Syrup Has Gone Bad
When foods like fruit or vegetables go bad, it’s easy to tell. However, due to the nature of maple syrup, the signs can be a bit more subtle in certain cases.
Key signs your maple syrup has gone bad:
Mold: Yes, maple syrup gets moldy too! When this happens, you’ll typically see the moldy film on the surface of the syrup. Like other foods, don’t bother scraping it off (continuing to consume spoiled maple syrup can make you ill).
Smell: This is another key indicator your maple syrup has seen better days. An odd smell usually indicates the maple syrup has fermented, and the smell may even be similar to alcohol.
Texture: Maple syrup should be smooth and easy to pour. When it becomes too thick, slimy, or clumpy, that’s a major sign your maple syrup has gone bad and needs to be disposed of.
Appearance: When your maple syrup starts to look cloudy or murky, it’s time for a replacement. However, if you notice a little sediment or crystallization, this is fine (and very normal).
Our tip: Not sure if your maple syrup has gone bad but it still seems off? Err on the side of caution and replace with a fresh batch.
The Best Conditions to Store Pure Maple Syrup
While pure maple syrup can go bad, it’s easy to prevent in many cases.
If your syrup is still unopened, store it in a room temperature, dark place like a cabinet or pantry. Once you’ve opened the syrup, keep it in your refrigerator and ensure the cap is tightly sealed.
So, you’ve stored your syrup correctly – but how long does it last? Unopened maple syrup lasts indefinitely, and once opened, can last up to one year.
Get the Most Out of Your Pure Maple Syrup
Keeping an eye out for signs of spoilage and proper storage are the two key steps to enjoying your pure maple syrup for as long as possible.
Storing your pure maple syrup correctly means enjoying it with (and in) countless dishes. Our quality-made pure maple syrup and related products enhance countless meals, making each bite memorable.
