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How Long Does Cream of Tartar Last? Does it Go Bad?

Do you know the answer to this question? Does Cream of Tartar last forever, or does it go bad like all other foods eventually do?

You may have heard that Cream of Tartar is a shelf-stable item and doesn’t require refrigeration.

That is true, but just because it’s shelf stable doesn’t mean that it can remain good for an indefinite amount of time.

In fact, there are several factors like storage conditions and quality which play a role in its expiration date.

If you want to get the full scoop about how long Cream of Tartar lasts and if it ever goes bad then keep reading!

We’ll cover everything from identifying spoilt cream tartar to storing solutions which will help ensure its freshness.

What’s Cream of Tartar?

Cream of tartar is a white, powdery substance that is commonly used in baking.

It is made from the residue that forms on the inside of wine barrels during the fermentation process.

Cream of tartar has a number of uses, including stabilizing whipped egg whites, preventing sugar crystals from forming in syrup and frosting, and acting as a leavening agent in baked goods.

While it is most often used in baking, cream of tartar can also be used to clean brass and copper cookware.

How to Store Cream of Tartar?

Cream of tartar is a key ingredient in many recipes, and it is important to store it properly to keep it usable.

To ensure your cream of tartar’s integrity, keep the container tightly sealed when not in use.

If possible, store in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Check occasionally for any signs of crystallisation along the sides of the container or on the lid; if there are signs of crystallisation, transfer the contents to an airtight glass at room temperature to prevent further crystallisation.

When purchasing new cream of tartar, make sure any that you purchase is free from lumps.

And as always, check expiration dates.

With proper storage, cream of tartar can stay fresh and last up to eighteen months if unopened, and up to six months after opening.

How Long Does Cream Of Tartar Last?

Cream of tartar is a versatile baking ingredient that can last for years when stored properly.

The shelf life of cream of tartar depends on the packaging, method of storage and its use-by date.

It should be stored in the pantry in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Cream of tartar will stay fresh at room temperature indefinitely and doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

Using unopened, expired cream of tartar should not pose any health or safety issues, however there is no guarantee that it will work correctly in baking recipes after the “best before” date has lapsed.

To ensure optimal results, it’s best to buy cream of tartar that hasn’t expired yet and rotate older containers to ensure proper aging.

Can You Freeze Cream Of Tartar?

Yes, you can freeze cream of tartar. In fact, freezing cream of tartar is a great way to extend its shelf life.

Cream of tartar is a fine, white powder that is used as a leavening agent in baking.

It is also sometimes used in cooking as a flavoring or as a stabilizer.

When stored properly, cream of tartar can last for up to two years.

To freeze cream of tartar, simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer.

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When you are ready to use it, thaw it out at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

You can also grind frozen cream of tartar into a powder using a coffee grinder or food processor.

How to Tell If Cream Of Tartar is Bad?

Cream of tartar is a white powder that is used as a leavening agent in baking.

It is made from the residue that forms on the inside of wine barrels during the fermentation process.

Cream of tartar has a long shelf life and does not usually go bad, but it can lose its potency over time.

There are a few simple ways to tell if cream of tartar is still good to use.

The first way to tell if cream of tartar is still good is to look at the color.

Cream of tartar should be pure white in color.

If it has started to yellow or brown, it is no longer good to use.

Another way to tell if cream of tartar is still good is to smell it.

Cream of tartar should have no scent.

If it has developed a sour or unpleasant smell, it should be discarded.

Finally, you can taste a small amount of cream of tartar to see if it is still good.

It should have a slightly acidic taste.

If it tastes bitter or otherwise off, it should not be used.

Conclusion

We explored the answer to the question, does cream of tartar go bad? And we discovered that the answer is no, cream of tartar does not go bad.

You can store it in a cool, dry place for an indefinite amount of time.

We also answered the question of how long does cream of tartar last? Cream of tartar will last indefinitely, as long as it is stored properly.

Finally, we answered the question of can you freeze cream of tartar.

And the answer is yes, you can freeze cream of tartar.

How Long Does Cream of Tartar Last? Does it 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
  

  • Cream of tartar
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Store your product in an labelled container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
  • If your food is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
  • Make sure to look for signs that your food has gone bad before eating it.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!