How long does shortening last

But refrigerating this shortening comes with a cost: the fat becomes firmer. Fortunately, returning it to room temperature will bring back the usual texture. Please remember that if you store it in the fridge, you need to take it out and put on the counter like half an hour before you need it for baking. After opening the package, make sure you always close it tightly before putting back in storage.

If the packaging is damaged or has some holes in it, transfer the shortening into an airtight container. Last but not least, if you need to store Crisco for a very long time, freezing is an option. The method I recommend is freezing it using an ice cube tray. This way, you can easily scoop a few cubes from the freezer whenever you need some shortening. Thaw it in the fridge or on the counter and use it right away. Like other oils and oil-related products, Crisco has a pretty long shelf life.

If you reside in a hot region, refrigerating it will make it thicker and firmer, but it can be easily brought back to a normal temperature. For long-time use, you can also freeze the shortening. This way, whenever you need it, you just need to scoop out some cubes, thaw them and use them immediately. If the Crisco Shortening is stored properly, its shelf life can be extended, resulting in healthy eating, low food cost and less wastage. For bakers and professional cooks, shortening can never go to waste.

Like other oil-based items, shortening has a long shelf life, as stated by StillTasty. Hence, it can possibly be used for cooking and baking after the Best Used By date has passed. However, be sure to check for bad signs first. The degradation process begins after the package has been opened. The fresh air interacts with the fat, which causes fat oxidation and the oils to go rancid.

On the bright side, it is a slow process that takes months, so you will have a long time to utilize it before it goes bad. Unopened Crisco shortening can stay up to two years, whereas an opened can will last for one year. The exact date is printed on the bottom of the can.

As for unopened Crisco shortening sticks, the time limit is also one to two years. However, for an opened package, it will go bad after six months. This is why in many kitchens, you will find it placed near a stove without any care.

However, improper storage such as an open container or being placed close to heat can cause spoilage even before the estimated time. Spoiled shortening can be easily spotted because its appearance, smell, color and taste will become very different from its original state, as indicated by eHow. Firstly, the color will be different. It will darken as the shortening gets older from a milky white color to something yellowish.

The texture will also become harder, and it will taste stale. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. Food Storage - How long can you keep Tips How long does an opened can of shortening last?

The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened shortening in a cool, dry area. To maximize the shelf life of opened shortening, keep can tightly closed.