Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Kheer expire?
Kheer, a popular Indian dessert, is usually safe to eat for up to 3 days when refrigerated immediately after cooling down. This time can get reduced to just a few hours if kept at room temperature due to its dairy base. The magic of freezing can extend this shelf life to a month or two! Just remember to consume it within 2 days after defrosting.
How do you tell if Kheer is bad?
The first thing will be the smell. If it has an off smell, then it's time to let it go. Also, check for the presence of mold. It may appear as fuzzy spots of white, blue, green or black. The texture can also be a giveaway. If the kheer feels too thick, pasty, or has water separation, it is a red flag. Tasting it might be the last resort, but if the flavor is sour or off from what it should be - it's probably bad.
Tips for storing Kheer to extend shelf life
• Always let the kheer cool at room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Never close the container while it's still warm as it will cause condensation which promotes bacterial growth.
• Use airtight containers to store kheer to keep out bacteria and odours.
• When freezing, leave some headroom in the container to allow the kheer space to expand.
• To defrost frozen kheer, transfer it to the refrigerator section and let it sit overnight. Do not defrost it by leaving it out at room temperature as it can promote bacterial growth.
• Stir kheer well before serving after refrigeration or defrosting to get an even consistency, and taste.