You’ve been a few months since you bought corn syrup, but only used it on few occasions. This is why you put it on the shelves of the pantry and forgot about it. Now that you’re about to prepare your most loved pancakes or pastry, you have pulled out your corn syrup bottle to use it again. However, you don’t know whether it’s suitable for consumption anymore, so you’re asking yourself this question, “Does Corn Syrup Go Bad”? And you are a bit perplexed! Read on to learn more.
To begin with, as with other sweeteners, corn syrup is utilized only when it is needed. Therefore, it is common to store corn syrup in the cupboard for a long time.
What is corn syrup anyway?
The Corn Syrup is a very well-known syrup that is made of corn starch. It is processed using an enzyme to convert sugars in corn starch to fructose. This process makes it sweeter.
It can also be produced by heating it with dilute acid. Corn starch is a byproduct made from the maize (maize). Corn syrup can be called glucose syrup, however it may not be made of corn starch.
Other starchy plants are hydrolyzed in order to create glucose syrup, e.g. wheat, rice or potatoes.
There are two kinds of corn syrup on the market The light corn syrup as well as the darker corn syrup.
It is a light syrup that has been colored and has a slight sweetness. The dark corn syrup is colored with caramel and molasses, which gives it a strong, sour sweet flavor.
We make use of corn syrup as a sweetener and a thickener in many sweets. It is also utilized to preserve the food’s moisture by acting as an moisture-retaining agent.
Light syrup is utilized in baking because it does not form crystals when heated, while darker syrups are used when a strong and sweet flavor is required. It can also be used as table syrup.
How to Store Corn Syrup Properly?
You might have used up the corn syrup in your bottle half-way, but you aren’t sure what to do to keep it. Don’t worry. Corn syrup can be stored just like another sweetener.
Sweeteners are best in controlled room temperature areas, such as the pantry or the cabinet. Like a lot of food products, the storage space must be kept dry.
If you fill the bottle half way and you want to make sure you have the cap secured shut to prevent food particles from entering.
You may be thinking about refrigerating your honey, but it’s not needed since honey can be stored for a lengthy period of time without refrigeration. It is stored the like honey can be stored.
If you are unsure about refrigerating it is not the right choice, then it’s not right. Refrigeration can stop any growth in microorganisms and mold.
However, if you plan to store corn syrup in a freezer, then we suggest not to do so. The freezing process does not extend the shelf duration of corn syrup, and could only alter the appearance of the syrup.
Be aware of the fact that the lid is sealed tightly to stop water from seeping into. Moisture is not a benefactor of food syrups and can only encourage the growth of mold.
Use a spoon or other utensil to scoop syrup as this could release food particles that can lead to the formation of mold.
Does Corn Syrup Go Bad? How Long Does Corn Syrup Last?
Fortunately, as with any foodstuff syrup (e.g. chocolate syrup and maple syrup), corn syrup does not get spoiled. It is reflected in the highest quality when it is used up to the date it was purchased with.
This is just to inform you of how long the product will be maintained and not the time to quit eating the product.
Sometimes light corn syrup might change color, releasing an orange-yellow hue, however it’s still safe to consume. The shelf-life of corn syrup helps it to remain safe for consumption.
If you observe an odd color or smell in the corn syrup, or if your sixth sense is getting tingly and you feel it’s time to dispose of it and buy another one.
If you also have an irritable stomach or sensitive body system, you should avoid taking corn syrup that’s beyond its expiration date in order to maintain your health.
Corn syrup that is added to baked goods or processed foods has the potential to become worse. It’s not because of the component but due to other ingredients used in the baked goods.
Corn syrup is able to stay for months, or even for years, if it is kept in a dry, cool location.
But, there’s another variation. If you store corn syrups for more than one year without making use of it, the quality could alter.
The flavor of corn syrup and its texture could differ in comparison to the one that was originally. Corn syrups from the past are said to be thinner than those made from modern corn syrups.
How to Tell if Corn Syrup Is Bad? Corn Syrup Shelf Life!
Although it is not common the corn syrup you buy to spoil but it’s still an option. It can occur if you didn’t preserve it in a safe manner.
The discoloration of this clear syrup that changes from white to yellow does not necessarily mean that it’s damaged. It could still be safe to consume.
These signs could suggest that it’s time to get rid of it:
A cloudy bottle: If you notice a cloudiness or cloudiness on the bottle, it could be that mold has just began to grow.
It usually happens because of water gets into the bottle after you did not cap it correctly. In this situation you must throw the bottle out.
Fermentation: Fermentation occurs frequently in corn syrups that have been utilized. It is due to food particles being absorbed in the syrup.
Fermentation causes the creation of bubbles. If you observe this, you need to eliminate it.
Bad smell: If you’re completely certain whether it’s edible, then you may apply this method.
If you detect the smell of alcohol or a an unpleasant smell, you should throw it out as it’s an indication of mold growth.
Corn syrup vs Cornstarch
Despite having the same name, the two are very different from one the other. Corn starch is a starch and corn, as does corn syrup. The difference lies in their purpose and their usage in food preparation.
It is an substance that thickens on the other hand , corn syrup is an viscous liquid which is utilized as a sweetener. Corn starch is utilized to thicken the texture of soups, stews, and other liquid-based foods. Corn syrup is used to sweeten food, while making it more supple and enhancing its volume.
FAQs
What are better alternatives to corn syrup?
A few corn syrup alternatives are available in your pantry are honey, golden syrup, white sugar, or agave nectar.
What’s the distinction between High-Fructose Corn Syrup and corn syrup? Corn Syrup?
It is frequently confused with high-fructose corn syrup (HCFS). Both are actually made by cornstarch, but the two are two distinct products. The former undergoes a further enzyme reactions to convert fructose into glucose which makes the syrup more sweet.
How can you tell the difference between dark or mild corn syrup?
Both are made with the same ingredients. The darker one is made to refiner’s syrup (a kind of Molasses) which creates a darker appearance and a stronger flavor. The light corn syrup can be moderately sweet, and is typically made to vanilla extract.
What does the corn syrup smell like?
Corn syrup doesn’t have any smell, aside from being sweet. Dark corn syrup smells more molasses-like and caramelly scent.
If you detect an unpleasant, bitter or alcohol-like scent when opening the bottle that contains corn syrup it’s a signal it is a sign that corn syrup is bad, and it needs to be thrown out.
Does Corn Syrup Harden?
Corn syrup doesn’t become hard when it sits. In fact, corn syrup that is older actually becomes more runny than the newer corn syrup.
Corn syrup can only be made to harden in the event of heating it to a specific temperature, after which the water evaporates, and the main sugar component remains.
How Long Does Corn Syrup Last in the Fridge?
Corn syrup doesn’t need to be refrigerated, however it could be. After it has been placed in the refrigerator it must remain within the fridge.
The corn syrup can be naturally thick but it is able to be poured even after being refrigerated. If you find it excessively thick for pouring, put it in the refrigerator for a while and try it again.
The shelf-life of corn syrup that is refrigerated will be for a long time, just similar to corn syrup that is kept on the shelf in the pantry. There is no significant change in time when refrigerating your corn syrup, since it is already good for a long period of time on the shelf of your pantry.
How Long Does Corn Syrup Last in the Freezer?
Corn syrup shouldn’t be stored in a freezer. The graininess of the syrup, and the final result won’t be pleasant. Corn syrup that is frozen and thawed does not work as a ingredient in baked items.
Because of the time corn syrup can last on the shelves of your pantry, there’s no reason to freeze it in the first place. Sometimes, freezing an ingredient can prolong its shelf-life. This isn’t the case for corn syrup.
Baked items that contain corn syrup, like the Thanksgiving pecan pie can be frozen and then thawed without noticing any change. When the corn syrup is combined with other ingredients you will not notice any change in texture resulting from the freezing.
Corn syrup is an excellent ingredient for baking items. It’s best kept on the shelves of the pantry however, it is also able to be stored in the refrigerator. No matter if it’s kept in the fridge or in the pantry it will last for a lengthy period of time.
Is it appropriate to use corn syrup that hasn’t been used?
Even if there is a slight shift in its quality it can be used for a long time if stored in a safe manner. Check the product prior to use to ensure that no contaminants are leaking in the bottle.
What are the uses of corn syrup?
The corn syrup can be described as an oligosaccharide that is popular due to its texture and sweetness. It is used to create high fructose syrup that prevents the crystallization of liquid food items. It helps soften its texture and makes it soft and voluminous.
It can be employed to sweeten food without making it thicker or crystallize of sugar. It is found in candy bars, candy or yogurt, and in sodas too. Corn syrup sweetens them without thickening the components of the food item.
Points to be remembered
The corn syrup that is stored, except for when it has been handled improperly in storage, won’t become rotten. Light corn syrup develops to a yellowish tint over time, but that’s not an indication of spoilage.
Corn syrup is able to keep its quality for many years beyond the date printed on the label.
Make sure the bottle is kept at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. It should be sealed securely when you store it away.
Wrapping up
Does Corn Syrup Go Bad?
Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. If stored properly it can last for many decades, if not for indefinitely. While it is in good condition, the quality can change slightly as it gets older. If it seems alright, you can use it for quite a long time, but if it shows any bad smell or there is a change in color, you should rethink about using it. So, in that case, it would be user to discard it completely and get a fresh bottle of corn syrup. Your health, after all, is the first priority!
