Expiration & Storage Tips
When does garlic paste expire?
When it comes to garlic paste, it's all about freshness! A store-bought, unopened jar of garlic paste will typically last up to a year once it's past the printed date, as long as it remains unopened. Once it's opened though, the lifespan drops to about 2-3 months if properly stored in the refrigerator. When it comes to homemade garlic paste, it will generally have a shorter shelf life and is best used within 2 weeks. You can extend the life of your homemade garlic paste by freezing it, where it can last for up to 6 months.
How do you tell if garlic paste is bad?
Garlic paste gone bad is rather easy to spot. It will start to develop a sour smell that you wouldn't want your food to take on. Furthermore, if you notice mold growing in your garlic paste or if it's started to discolor and turned a deep yellow or brown instead of its usual light hue, you should consider it spoiled and discard as soon as possible.
Tips for storing garlic paste to extend shelf life
• Always keep the garlic paste in a cool and dry place. Ideally, you should store it in the refrigerator, especially once it has been opened.
• For homemade garlic paste, consider keeping it in a small, airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. The less air it comes into contact with, the better it will be in maintaining its freshness.
• You can also freeze your homemade garlic paste. Try freezing it in an ice cube tray for easy, pre-portioned servings! Just pop out a cube whenever you need it and defrost either in the microwave for a few seconds, or at room temperature.
• Make sure to use a clean, dry spoon every time you use the paste. Any moisture or food particles can accelerate spoiling.