Expiration & Storage Tips
When does tamari expire?
Unopened bottles of tamari can be kept a surprising amount of time due to the nature of fermentation preservation methods - up to three years stored in a cool, dark place! You can still safely use it a few months beyond the 'best by' date printed on the bottle if the seal hasn't been broken. Once opened, however, the timeframe shortens considerably. It's best to consume the tamari in your fridge within one year. You can also freeze tamari; this later use will not change the flavor but make sure to leave some room in the bottle for expansion during freezing.
How do you tell if tamari is bad?
A big indicator that tamari has gone bad is smell. If it has a sharp, overly sour or unpleasant smell, it's time to discard it. Mold growths (though very rare due to high salt content) are another surefire sign of spoilage. For tamari that's been frozen, if it develops strange, unfamiliar colors once thawed, it's safe to say you should throw it out.
Tips for storing tamari to extend shelf life
• Keep unopened tamari in a cool, dark and dry place.
• After opening, always refrigerate tamari as it helps maintain the freshness and flavor.
• It's also a good idea to keep the bottle cap clean and to tighten it after each use to prevent bacteria growth.
• While cold storage is most effective, just remember to shake the bottle before use as the flavors may need redistributing.
• You can freeze tamari if you have too much, just make sure to use a freezer-safe bottle/container and leave about 10% space for the liquid to expand during freezing.