Does Tahini Sauce Need To Be Refrigerated? Does It Go Bad?

Tahini sauce is a thick spread with a very earthy flavour and is slightly bitter. It is a very versatile ingredient that can be used for many applications and can be added to many diets. In some countries, it is referred to as Tahina. The burning question is does tahini sauce need to be refrigerated? It’s what we wanted to find out here.

What Is Tahini Sauce?

Now, what exactly is tahini sauce? This is a paste made by grinding sesame seeds. The sesame seeds can be roasted, hurled, raw, or hulled. Although it looks like most nut butter, it has a robust earthy flavour. Tahini also has a thick oily smooth texture and is a little bitter. They include dressings, snack bites, and stuffed dates.

Generally, the sauce is ideal for dishes that need a creamy sauce. Mostly, dishes that are not highly flavorful. Tahini is used to make countless dishes, for example, veggie burgers, falafel, and salads.

How Long Does Tabasco Last?

After storing it for some time on the shelf, either closed or open, you definitely start wondering if it has gone bad. Sometimes, you are unsure if keeping it in the fridge prolongs its life.

It rarely goes bad and here is why. It is so acidic that microorganisms hardly develop because it is made of vinegar, salt, and fermented Tabasco peppers. Worried about the best-before date? No need to worry. The sauce stays good past the date given. This holds even when it is not refrigerated.

It is imperative to note that it gradually darkens. It may become dark red or brownish, especially when not kept in the fridge. However, the gradual darkening is not anything of concern. This happens due to the natural oxidation of Tabasco peppers.

Also read: Does Tabasco Sauce Need To Be Refrigerated? Does It Go Bad?

Does Tahini Need to Be Refrigerated?

Whether open or unopened, tahini does not have to be refrigerated strictly. However, refrigeration helps retain its original quality for as long as you need it to. This means that it also depends on how long you want to use it. If you want to use it for a longer time, say more than two months, the refrigerator maximizes its shelf life.

You can otherwise store it in a cool, dark, dry place. It should not be kept in direct sunlight or near a heat source. This way, you will still use it for a couple of months without going bad.

If you bought Tahini sauce from the grocery store, you are almost sure that it has a lot of oil. For this reason, ensure that it is refrigerated once it is opened. This ensures that it does not go bad.

Is Tahini A Healthy Fat?

Tahini is a healthy fat that is highly nutritious with many benefits to the body. The fats enrich any meal and have a great taste.

Nevertheless, it is vital to note that fat, though healthy, has a high number of calories; thus, regulation is advised.

Does Tahini Sauce Go Bad?

Yes. Tahini sauce does go bad. If you purchase one from the grocery store, it is essential to check the best-before date. This is usually about two years from the time it was jarred. Apparently, it stays even longer, about 5 to 6 months after that date. You can keep it refrigerated for better quality.

If homemade, it lasts up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It is imperative to make sure that you use dry utensils. This ensures quality throughout use. Below are some of the signs that your tahini sauce has gone bad.

• Rancid smell
• Unpleasant taste
• Growing molds
• Hardening

Why Is My Tahini Sauce Bitter?

Tahini sauce will always have a somewhat bitter taste. However, some of the brands are better than others. This depends on the source of the sesame seeds. Poorly roasted or over-roasted seeds can also cause it.

Also read: Does Hot Sauce Need To Be Refrigerated? Does It Go Bad?

How to Store Tahini Sauce?

Tahini sauce stays good for years, sometimes up to three years. However, due to the high concentration of oil, with time, oil separates from the paste. This is not a problem though, as it can easily be fixed by simply stirring the contents well before use. It should not be kept in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

Leftover tahini sauce should always be kept in a cool, dry place. Although the fridge excellently meets these conditions, there is no need to store it in the fridge if you live where the climatic conditions are cool. In fact, the leftover sauce may form hard lumps when stored in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Tahini Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze tahini sauce. This can simply be done in the jar it was in. When things freeze, it tends to increase in volume. Thus, it is vital to ensure that the sauce’s container is a little bigger to ensure room for expansion before freezing.

If the container is half full, place a plastic wrap over the mouth of the container with the sauce. After this, wrap the container with a second layer, then freeze.

The tahini can be removed from the jar and placed into a re-sealable freezer bag. Just like the container, ensure that the bag is not completely full. Leave room for expansion.

When freezing, it is essential to double-bag it. This will ensure that the sauce will not have odours from the freezer. To use it, you just need to de-freeze it.

Also read: Does Chick Fil A Sauce Need to Be Refrigerated? Does It Go Bad?

The Risks of Consuming Contaminated Tahini

Tahini sauce can be contaminated with Salmonella. This organism causes infections, especially in children and older adults. The infections can be fatal, especially for children and the elderly. In point of fact, it has been listed as a usual food source for Salmonella by the World Health Organization (WHO).

For this reason, when you use tahini sauce beyond the best-before date, always look out for a rancid smell. Additionally, if it tastes rancid, ensure that you get rid of it.

Conclusion

With a myriad of benefits to the human body, such as protecting against hormone-related cancers, lowering inflammation, and reducing risk factors for heart disease, among others, this paste is a must-have in every household. It doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge but doing so will extend its life.