Expiration & Storage Tips
When does ladyfinger expire?
Unopened packages of commercially-made ladyfingers typically have a best before date, that's usually about 2-3 months away from the production date. But not to worry, they can be safe for consumption about a week beyond this date if they've been stored properly. Once opened, ladyfingers should be consumed within 1-2 weeks to maintain the best quality. If you've frozen the ladyfingers, they could last up to a year, but for the best texture and taste, use them within three months after freezing.
How do you tell if ladyfinger is bad?
You can tell if ladyfingers have gone bad by touch and sight. If they've become slimy or developed a strange color or smell, it's time to throw them out. Another common tell-tale sign of spoiled ladyfingers is when they start growing mold. This can be in the form of black, green, white, or red spots that weren't there previously. If in doubt, it's better to be safe and discard them.
Tips for storing ladyfinger to extend shelf life
• Store unopened ladyfingers in a cool, dark, and dry place outside of the fridge, similar to how you would store other baked goods. They do well in your pantry or bread bin.
• Once opened, store the ladyfinger biscuits in an airtight container to prevent them from losing their crispness. Again, a cool and dry place is best.
• Freezing can extend the shelf life of unused ladyfingers. To do this, place them in a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible, seal it tightly, then put them in the freezer.
• When ready to use frozen ladyfingers, just take out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. There is no need to use a microwave or oven for defrosting them.