Tahini is a relatively rare product uncommon for most European cuisines. We probably know only that it may be added to sauces, like teriyaki sauce or soy sauce, however, this foodstuff is a truly multipurpose thing!
Can tahini go bad?
Let’s find this out!
Related: Can You Freeze Mayonnaise?
What Is This Product Made Of?
This is a paste-like foodstuff that takes its origin from the Middle East. It is traditionally produced from crushed sesame seeds and it’s rather thick, that is why, before serving, this product is diluted with water to make it more liquid.
In some countries, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper are often mixed in to enhance the taste. Well-known humus, by the way, also contains tahini!
What does tahini taste like, by the way?
Since it’s made of sesame, its taste reminds sesame pretty much, however, some say that tahini is more like nut butter only being stronger, and absolutely unsweetened.
In Arabic countries, this foodstuff comes as an ingredient for sweets, for instance, halva.
Of course, those who rarely consume this paste may wonder: do sesame seeds go bad? Could it somehow influence the durability of the paste?
Well, let’s take a closer look!
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But will the state of the basic ingredient affect the product itself?
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Tahini Storage Tips And Nuances
Since this paste is quite rarely found in our kitchens, we may assume that few people are knowledgeable about its storage specifics.
To begin with, we can say that tahini expiration hangs upon how we keep it and what conditions we provide, just like for any other foodstuff actually.
But what about how to store tahini? Are there any special tricks one needs to know?
- For storage, find a cool and dark place away from heat or direct sunlight.
- Keep the tank of paste tightly screwed to prevent oxidation
- Once the product was opened, decide yourself where to store it. Does tahini need to be refrigerated, consumers wonder?
Though it is indeed recommended to keep it chilled, it’s not a rare thing for people to leave it in a cupboard.
You decide but note that chilling will extend its lifespan and keep the quality longer. That is why we would offer you to refrigerate tahini after opening.
Sounds like nothing complicated at all but such simple rules may help the foodstuff remain at its full quality much longer!
Related: Does Canola Oil Go Bad?
Can You Freeze Tahini?
The dedicated tahini fans would probably ask whether it is OK to toss the product to the freezing camera.
Fortunately, guys, this product is freezing-friendly! So if there’s a half-empty jar of sesame paste left, don’t hesitate to send it directly to the coldest part of your fridge! Like that, the foodstuff will preserve its best qualities longer.
How long can you keep tahini frozen?
Hmm, if storing tahini this way, we would say it will last for several months more.
For freezing, wrap the mouth of the tank with the plastic wrap and screw the lid tightly. Then cover the tank with one more layer.
Tahini Shelf Life. How Long Does Tahini Last?
Now it’s time to talk about the most thrilling question of all times. How long is tahini good for?
Don’t laugh, for the adepts of Eastern cuisine, it is indeed a crucial point of concern!
For sure, the term of its duration hangs upon where we keep it. To make the process easier, just follow the answers to the most common questions that folks usually ask!
- How long does tahini last in the fridge?
An opened tank will remain eatable for half a year.
- How long does tahini last after opening?
Once unsealed, the product must be used within sixty days. In case it’s refrigerated, its lifespan will be extended.
- How long does tahini last unopened?
Feel free to keep the tightly screwed paste in a pantry for nearly half a year after its expiry date passed.
As you can see, no tricks and complications! This foodstuff is indeed a super simple to have at home even if you’re not a pro in all those cooking-storing stuff!
Does Tahini Expire?
Storing is great but sooner or later a question comes up: does tahini spoil?
And here we must, unfortunately, disappoint you our friends since improper tahini storage does lead to this wonderful product spoilage!
If we are careless and leave our beloved sesame paste close to the stove or oven, let the sun shining over it freely or we do other insane things like this, be sure that the poor product won’t survive.
And right for you!
Eager to enjoy this yummy longer? Keep it properly, that’s the thing!
How to Tell If Tahini Is Bad?
What if the tragedy happened and we suspect our yummy is bad?
Check the paste for the symptoms of spoilage instantly to prevent consuming the off foodstuff since we all know how it may end (not good let us give you a hint).
Here it must be mentioned that this foodstuff is very unlikely to become spoiled in fact since its content prevents any mold or fungi from growing.
But of course, upon noticing anything that reminds the sign of tahini expiration, throw the foodstuff to the garbage bin.
In addition, consider that the product may go rancid but that won’t harm your health.
Where To Use Tahini In Culinary?
Since tahini is quite rarely used in European cuisines, not everyone is informed about how to use this paste.
Nevertheless, there is plenty of ways we can consume it!
- The paste fits roasted veggies perfectly as a dressing
- It is an irreplaceable part of hummus
- Mix it to the coleslaw or salads
- Try tahini with oven-baked salmon
- Don’t be afraid to add it to the cookies dough!
- Hot savory dishes will also win from adding tahini to them
Try and experiment since this all-purpose product fits almost any dish!
Read next: How Long Does Salsa Last?
Bought a can of tahini these days for hummus. How do I know when hummus goes bad if there’s sesame paste in it?
That’s very easy to define! Spoiled hummus will smell unpleasantly sour while the fresh dish almost has no scent. And the presence of tahini won’t affect it anyhow.
Umm… Maybe my question will sound silly but… Is tahini inflammatory? Thanks all!
Huh! In fact, this thing, on the contrary, prevents any inflammation because of its healthy content. I’m not a pro so won’t tell you much but still – eat it safely!
Can I eat expired peanut butter with tahini in it? Got some left and have no idea what to do with it. Thanks for help guys!
Forget about tahini, it doesn’t play a big role. Unless the “peanut tahini ”mix doesn’t stink rancid and there’s no mold, it’s OK to intake! Peanut butter is not so easy to old!
Hi everyone! I’ve never used sesame paste before… Maybe anyone knows what is the best way to store tahini?
Hello! The optimal way is to keep it in a pantry or in the kitchen cabinet placed away from light and heat. If you mean you have a started can of paste, better refrigerate it for it may go rancid.
I heard that sesame paste is good to consume. Does anyone know what are the health benefits of tahini?
Hey there! I’m a pretty confident tahini user and as far as I know, it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Also, if I’m not mistaken, it’s good for our nervous system, liver, and kidney. I guess there was also something about good digestion but I’m not quite sure.
Hello everyone! I’m pretty concerned about healthy food and would like to know: does tahini lower cholesterol? Maybe someone knows?
Sesame paste is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that protect us from increasing the level of cholesterol so yes, your information is correct.
Does anyone know: is tahini good for fatty liver? I’d be so grateful for the advice!
Yes, tahini can be eaten even if you have fatty kidney. This paste is fat, indeed, but those fats are healthy, besides, tahini contains compounds that are beneficial for kidneys and liver, too. So eat it, only not too much.
I have half a jar of tahini left in the fridge but its expiry date passed like two of three days ago. Is it OK to eat expired tahini? Does anyone know whether it’s still consumable or not?
Well, according to my experience, expired tahini won’t make you sick (unless your stomach is EXTREMELY sensitive!). However, when this paste expires, it becomes rancid which makes its taste not so good. I mean you might just not want to even try it.
Can bad tahini make you sick? Mine expired yesterday but it smells ok for now. Is it safe to eat it? Thanks!
Hi! As you probably know, tahini is made of sesame seeds oil. That is why, when it goes bad, it turns rancid. Rancidity won’t cause you any harm even despite it is a sort of spoilage. But I would not advise you to consume it since the taste is not good.
Why does my tahini taste bitter? I have a jar of it and it was ok until today. Well, yeah, I haven’t checked it for quite a while but still – could it become bad so fast?!
Tahini originally tastes slightly bitter. However, I once tried tahini that was very bitter, I guess, the manufacturer used over-roasted seeds for it. Maybe, that’s why yours tastes the same?
At least, if it always was bitter, then there is nothing to worry about. But if it became like this just now, then probably it’s getting spoiled.
Is tahini healthier than peanut butter? I stopped using peanuts because they are fatty. Can tahini be a replacement for the nuts?
Both tahini and peanut butter have a high content of fat but it is a healthy fat. In addition, these two products are pretty similar nutritionally.
However, if you are allergic to nuts, tahini can be a perfect substitute for peanut butter. Otherwise, I don’t see a big difference between them.
Hi there! It seems like my tahini became too hard in the fridge! I’m thinking about warming it up a bit. Can you microwave tahini? Did anyone try? What was the result, if you did?
I tried it several times. It went well. If you’re going to cook something hot and you need tahini, I’d recommend simply add it to the dish while it’s being cooked. But except for that, of course, heat tahini up but just a little bit to make it soft again. Use the less powerful setting, I mean.
What does rancid tahini smell like? I suspect that mine is already bad since it smells very bitter if you know what I mean. Could it be rancid?
I can’t probably explain it 100% accurately but for me, rancid tahini smells partly bitter, partly soapy, and somewhat metallic if that’s the correct comparison. I mean, if you know what rancid oil smells like, you will probably tell if your tahini is off.