Expiration & Storage Tips
When does croissant expire?
Unopened and stored at room temperature, a bakery-fresh croissant should be eaten within 1-2 days. Most store-bought croissants that come in a sealed package can last in the pantry for about a week past the sell-by date if unopened. Once opened, it is best to consume the croissants within 7-10 days. For homemade croissants, try to utilise them within 2 days for best quality, as they lack the preservatives that commercially produced ones have. Lastly, If you freeze them, they can last up to 2 months.
How do you tell if croissant is bad?
A stale croissant is pretty easy to identify. The first thing you’ll notice is that the pastry has become hard; it won't have its usual flaky softness. The crust also loses its shininess and may appear dull or darker. Additionally, a sour or unpleasant smell indicates that it may have started to mold and should definitely be discarded. Lastly, visible mold of any color is a definite sign that the pastry has spoiled.
Tips for storing croissant to extend shelf life
• Store unopened store-bought croissants in a cool, dry place. No need for refrigeration. This helps to maintain their freshness.
• Once open, transfer the remaining croissants to a breadbox or an airtight container to maintain texture.
• If you can't eat them within a couple of days, freezing is the best option. Individually wrap each croissant in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn before popping them into a freezer bag.
• Defrost frozen croissants at room temperature or in a microwave on a defrost setting for about a minute. Warm in the oven before serving for best results.
• If you’ve made a batch of homemade croissants, let them cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Croissants can be refreshed in the oven. Do this by heating them at 375 degrees for about 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.