Bread is pretty much a staple food, as evidenced by Eufic. It is used in an unmentionably large number of recipes.
Breadcrumbs, on the other hand, find their uses in coating, thickening and much, much more.
This is mainly due to their versatility since you can buy them from the store or just take some bread, pop it in the grinder and voila!
Breadcrumbs are ready. However, bread expires quickly and breadcrumbs stay good for a while longer.
Maybe you want to make some crispy fried chicken and have some breadcrumbs you froze last year. They don’t taste up to par but look decent. You question yourself, do breadcrumbs go bad?
And you are infuriated since you don’t know whether or not they do.
No need to fret, though. This article is here to quell your curiosity and maximize your productivity.
Do Breadcrumbs Go Bad? How Long Do Breadcrumbs Last?
Breadcrumbs do go bad and have a shelf life similar to that of grains like oatmeal and flour (coconut, all-purpose, almond). The main reason for spoilage is moisture, as stated by Food52.
There is a stark difference in the freshness of store-bought and homemade breadcrumbs.
This is because store-bought breadcrumbs are already dried, whereas homemade breadcrumbs are not. As a result, homemade breadcrumbs expire far quicker.
However, you can make breadcrumbs from dried bread as well to remove moisture. You can freeze breadcrumbs for even greater longevity, but keep in mind that the taste will start to degrade after a while.
In the case of store-bought breadcrumbs, they will last:
- Up to 4 or 5 months in the pantry
- Over 1 year in the freezer
Homemade breadcrumbs last for:
- 2 weeks in the pantry
- 1-2 months in the fridge
- A little over 6 months in the freezer
It is best to keep them in a tightly sealed bag, devoid of any moisture or external contamination.
These are just general guidelines and specifics will vary depending on the type of bread you use and how you make the breadcrumbs.
How to Tell If Breadcrumbs are Bad? Breadcrumbs Shelf Life!
There are several indications of breadcrumbs going bad such as:
- 1Stale bread
- 2Appearance of mold or a fungus-like substance
- 3Sour taste
- 4Strange odor
The first rule of thumb, is to check if any moisture got into the container with breadcrumbs. If so, it is better not to take any risks and just discard the whole thing.
Moisture is the prime factor for the widespread of mold and as we know, mold is the main enemy of bread.
Furthermore, over time, bread can go stale. This is a natural process and cannot be stopped.
In the case of preserved breadcrumbs, while they may look the same, the taste is anything but. Thus, always give the food item a simple taste test before you use it.
Conclusion
To summarize, breadcrumbs are best used as soon as possible. While they can be preserved using the techniques mentioned above, the taste starts to fade over time.
Having a bread box can prove handy for extending the Best By date, but it is still wiser not to take your chances and just get some fresh breadcrumbs in case things look fishy.
Do Breadcrumbs Go Bad? How Long Do Breadcrumbs Last?
Ingredients
- Breadcrumbs
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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