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Avoiding Spoilage: How Long Does Liquid Smoke Last?

Liquid smoke gets formed as a result of the condensation of the vapors of heated wood.

When different types of wood like cinder, applewood, and so forth, heated in a closed chamber, the vapors get deposited on the roof of the chamber. The resulting aroma, eventually captured as liquid smoke.

Since the accumulation of water droplets helps in liquid smoke formation, you can decide on the wood getting picked out for the process.

Further, before the condensed vapors get collected for storage, they’re subjected to a filtration process to obtain purified vapor.

Liquid smoke is a unique flavoring agent mainly added to impart a smoky taste or aroma to the food getting cooked.

While using it as an additive, it is essential to use it in adequate amounts since it can be overpowering and heavy.

A significant question that arises is how long does liquid smoke last?

The answer to this is simple and straightforward. As it gets answered in the section below.

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How Long Does Liquid Smoke Last? Does Liquid Smoke Go Bad?

Liquid smoke has a long shelf life and can last for as long as two years.

It can retain its freshness and quality for two years, which is commendable considering the process of formation.

Further, just like other additives, the longevity and shelf-life of liquid smoke are determined by various surrounding factors.

They include temperature, moisture content, proximity to heat, light, and so forth.

The best part of the storage of liquid smoke is to extend the shelf-life of liquid smoke.

Preferred choices include adjusting the levels of humidity, temperature, and exposure to light to get protected from the detrimental effects of the fluctuations caused by any of these factors.

You don’t need to refrigerate liquid smoke; you can safely store it on the shelves.

To keep the aroma intact, it is necessary that the storage conditions are cool, dark, and far away from direct exposure to heat or sunlight.

Also, you can prepare liquid smoke at home or your workspace.

For the store-bought produce, the package label and instructions clearly list down the safety precautions you need to follow to maintain the quality of liquid smoke for a longer time.

All types of liquid smoke bottles or cans that are either opened or unopened can last for two years.

Further, the packaged containers have specific dates mentioned, such as date of manufacture, expiration date, best by date, and so forth.

The manufacturer lists these dates to indicate the quality of the liquid smoke.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that the product has expired or is unsafe for use but certain that the quality gets considerably reduced.

Hence, it is necessary to pay heed to the instructions of storage and the warning label.

How to Tell if Liquid Smoke is Bad?

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There is a distinct way to know whether the batch of liquid smoke has given way to spoilage.

All you need to do is open the container or bottle and smell it. If the aroma is off-putting and undesirable, you need to discard it.

A bad batch of liquid smoke is usually flat and repulsive, due to which it is no longer useful as a flavoring agent.

In order to keep it fresh for longer, storing in air-tight containers in cool, dark corners of your shelf is highly recommendable.

The inability of air to penetrate the storage containers prevents exposure to external conditions like water and other suspended particles.

These particulates and emissions can result in contamination of the liquid smoke, which can affect the stability and aroma of the liquid smoke.

Any typical malodor or change in the appearance of the liquid smoke should get recorded and the batch removed so that there is no issue in relation to it.

Also, crucial factors noted are that liquid smoke naturally has a low pH value and has anti-microbial functions.

Thus, safe and secure usage is possible beyond the shelf-life duration of two years because of its anti-oxidant properties.

Further, it doesn’t contain any harmful additives like MSG or any other carcinogens, which can prove detrimental to your health.

It is safe for people suffering from a gluten allergy as it doesn’t show even trace quantities of gluten.

High-quality liquid smoke is the perfect condiment or additive for your meats, especially the grilled or the barbequed ones.

Not only does it add earthiness and wood-smoked freshness to the food, but it also prevents microbial spoilage after that.

Conclusion

Liquid smoke may sound all fancy, but you can prepare it easily and is readily available.

For all of you who are weary of the product, you are in for a surprise treat.

All it needs is proper storage space and conditions. Smoking hot meals just got a whole lot better with liquid smoke!

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How Long Does Liquid Smoke Last? Does Liquid Smoke Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Liquid smoke
  • 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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