Cornstarch is a thickening agent that barely makes it to your dishes. And why we say so?
Well, many a time, there is always a package in your house that goes past the best-before date, and you never notice it. So, does it go bad?
Corn products like cornmeal and cornstarch differ from each other, while it might seem similar to wheat flour in looks and storage process picking cornstarch over the other can get confusing.
It is mostly used to thicken the liquid in gravies, pies, and sauces. So how long does cornstarch last? What are the signs of bad cornstarch?
If you are concerned about those questions, we suggest you stick around this article.
We will also cover the shelf life of cornstarch and how you can extend it and identify signs that help determine cornstarch going bad.
Does Cornstarch Go Bad? How Long Does Cornstarch Last?
Cornstarch, like corn syrup, has a long shelf life, which can become indefinite if you keep it away from moisture and bugs.
Unlike baking powder that losses its potency over time, cornstarch has little effect on its effectiveness, and you will get the same result each time you use it.
You can store cornstarch for long if you pack it in an airtight container and place it away from moisture.
Keeping it dry and in a cool dark place ensures that your cornstarch will retain its usual flavors.
Tip: To avoid moisture from getting into your cornstarch, storing it in its original container is the best solution.
You may wonder what if we put cornstarch in a refrigerator, as freezing is a good option for most food items. You can definitely store cornstarch in a fridge.
However, you have to keep in mind that you have the container tightly sealed and don’t allow moisture to sneak in.
The best place to store your cornstarch is in a dark cupboard, mostly in your pantry or kitchen.
Every cornstarch package comes with a best-by date, and many a time, people often forget they have it in their kitchen.
However, if it is sealed tightly, the chances are high that it will remain intact for years.
Tip: You can substitute wheat flour with cornstarch in many recipes where you need a thickening agent.
Cornstarch delivers the same results with a lesser amount.
How to Tell if Cornstarch is Bad? Cornstarch Shelf Life!
There is mostly one common reason for cornstarch going bad, and that is moisture.
Cornstarch disappears in warm water, and its molecular reaction with hydrogen starts to absorb the water.
It passes through several stages and finally gets the thick form that it provides to sauces and gravies.
You might want to look for signs of molds or any organic life growing inside your cornstarch container.
You might also want to avoid bugs inside the package. In short, taking good care of your cornstarch container is very crucial to extend its shelf life.
Cornstarch has several nutritional benefits, and many consider it as a versatile ingredient.
Cornstarch is rich in calories and is very helpful for people who want to gain weight. You can check for some cornstarch substitutes here.
Although cornstarch is still usable after the best before date, it is best to avoid it and consider purchasing a new one.
Did you know – Cornstarch does not react to cold water and sinks to the bottom, unlike its reaction with hot water.
Cornstarch may not make it to recipe list, but the fact that it offers a thick solution to every sauce and soup it mixes with makes it an essential ingredient for your kitchen.
Whether to use it or not depends on you, but if you store it in a correct manner, it is bound to serve for many years to come.
Does Cornstarch Go Bad? How Long Does Cornstarch Last?
Ingredients
- Cornstarch
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Check the u0022Best-by-dateu0022 to know when it expires.
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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