Tahini is a rich and nutty sesame paste that has become a staple in many pantries all around the world. However, its creamy consistency and high oil content make people wonder: does tahini need to be refrigerated, and what is the best way to store it? Storing tahini safely can impact its flavor, texture, and shelf life, allowing you to enjoy this versatile ingredient for a longer time. Therefore, we have compiled a guide to cover everything you need to know about storing tahini. Keep reading to find out the best way to store tahini so you can enjoy fresh tahini in every recipe.
What is Tahini, and How is it made?
Before we discuss the best storage method for tahini, it is essential to know what it is and how it’s made. Tahini is widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, baba ghanouj, and some Mediterranean desserts. It is made by grinding toasted sesame seeds into a fine, creamy, oil-rich paste. The oil extracted from the sesame seeds during the grinding process makes tahini prone to oxidation, affecting its flavor and nutritional value over time. Properly storing tahini is a must to extend its shelf life.
Does Tahini Need to Be Refrigerated?
Tahini is relatively shelf stable and doesn’t generally require refrigeration. However, refrigerating tahini makes it last longer by slowing down the oil separation, making it less prone to bacteria. If you use tahini often, storing it on a shelf is best since it’s pourable and easier to work with. Tahini gets stiff in the refrigerator, but that shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t use it as often and prefer a more spreadable texture. Therefore, storing it in a refrigerator is best so that it lasts longer and preserves its natural taste and aroma.
If you mix tahini in water for sauces, refrigerate it and use it within five to seven days. However, it is best to look for signs of spoilage, like unusual smell or appearance, before use. Compared to sesame oil, tahini is less likely to go bad due to its antioxidant content, but keeping it in a cool, dry place or refrigerated can extend its freshness, especially when stored long term.
Some people like their tahini to be pourable and at room temperature, while others like it to have a spreadable texture. At the end of the day, it’s totally up to your preferences as storing tahini in the refrigerator is not a must but is an added safety, especially if you live in a hot and humid area.
Shelf Stability of Tahini
Like other nut and seed pastes, tahini has a high oil content, making it susceptible to separation and oxidation. Therefore, Tahini’s shelf stability is crucial to maintaining its flavor and ensuring food safety. You can prolong the freshness of tahini and prevent spoiling by knowing why its oil tends to separate, how air exposure affects its quality over time, and how to use the ‘best by’ dates.
Understanding the Oil Separation and Spoilage in Tahini
The natural oil content in tahini influences its shelf stability, oxidation processes, and storage conditions. Here’s how these factors affect tahini:
Natural Oil Separation: Why It Occurs and How to Handle It
Tahini naturally experiences oil separation due to the high-fat content of the sesame seeds. This process occurs when the oil rises to the top, leaving the denser sesame paste below. How to handle it? Stir the tahini each time before use to mix the oil with the paste! There’s nothing to worry about since you only reincorporate the separated ingredients. To slow down this separation, store the tahini in a cool place, ideally in the refrigerator, especially if you don’t use it as frequently.
Oxidation and spoilage
Oxidation happens when the oils in tahini react with air. It can slightly alter the taste and aroma, but it doesn’t make it unsafe to eat. On the other hand, true spoilage occurs when tahini is exposed to moisture and bacteria, which results in visible changes such as mold growth or a rotten smell. To preserve your tahini for a longer period, store it in an airtight jar to minimize oxidation by limiting air exposure.
Understanding ‘Best By’ Dates and Shelf Life Beyond That Date
Most tahini jars come with a ‘best by’ date, indicating the peak quality time frame rather than a strict expiration. When stored properly and refrigerated after opening, tahini can remain safe and flavorful for a few months beyond its ‘best by’ date. However, the risk of spoilage increases after a few months, which is why it is wise to assess for any strange aromas or unusual flavors before use. This approach ensures you make the most of your tahini and enjoy it at its best, maintaining quality and safety.
How to Tell if Tahini Has Spoiled
Use your eyes and nose to tell if tahini has spoiled. If any of the below-mentioned indicators are present in your tahini, it is best to discard it:
- Smell: If your tahini smells sour and bitter instead of its usual nutty scent.
- Appearance: If it has unusual dark spots and extreme oil separation.
- Taste: If it tastes bitter or off compared to its usual flavor.
- Texture changes: If the consistency is significantly different.
- Mold: If your tahini has visible mold or an unusual texture.
Tips to store tahini
Below are some tips for storing tahini to maintain its quality longer.
Storing at Room Temperature:
- Pantry tips: Keep tahini in a cool, dark place away from sunlight or heat sources like a stove. Store it in an airtight container away from strong-smelling spices to prevent the flavor from contaminating.
- Shelf life: Tahini can typically last up to a month at room temperature. However, you should always check the label for specific recommendations based on your brand to make the most out of your tahini.
Refrigeration tips:
- Containers: Glass jars for refrigeration are often preferred because they are nonreactive and prevent the odors from the refrigerator from contaminating your tahini. You can also use plastic containers, but they might impact the texture or flavor over time.
- Impact on quality: Refrigerating tahini may cause it to thicken or separate. Stir the tahini before use to reincorporate all the ingredients back and help it return to its creamy consistency. Store it tightly sealed to prevent moisture or air exposure from affecting its quality.
Freezing Tahini
- Freezing methods: Freezing tahini is a viable option for long-term storage. Portion tahini into ice cube trays, pop them in the freezer and transfer them to a ziplock bag or container. This divides the tahini into smaller portions, making it easier to use.
- Thawing: When using the tahini, let the portions thaw in the fridge overnight or store it at room temperature for a few hours. Stir well after thawing, as the oil may separate.
These storage tips can help you store your tahini properly to keep its taste and flavor intact longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tahini need to be refrigerated?
Once opened, you can store tahini in the refrigerator for about 6-8 months. Unopened tahini can last up to one year when stored in the fridge. However, always check the label at the back for specific storage recommendations according to the brand.
How to store tahini after opening?
Store your tahini in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat sources after opening it. A pantry cabinet is ideal for storing tahini. Still, you can also store it in the refrigerator if you like its consistency to be more spreadable. Moreover, you can also store tahini in the fridge by keeping it in an airtight glass container to preserve its flavor and prevent contamination.
How long does tahini last once opened?
Tahini can last 3 to 4 months to about a year, depending on how you store it.
How do you know if tahini has gone bad
Look for signs of spoilage, which can be a bitter and sour odor or visible changes in the texture or dark spots.
Can tahini be kept at room temperature?
You can keep tahini at room temperature for a short period or if you plan to use it quickly. However, storing it in the fridge is best to maintain its freshness. Refrigerating tahini extends its shelf life.
Does refrigerated tahini taste different?
Refrigerated tahini may have a slightly thicker consistency, and the oil may separate more, but it does not significantly alter the flavor. However, if stored in the fridge for an extended period, the taste may become more intense and nutty due to the cold, which can cause some flavor changes with time. Simply stir the oil back into the paste to bring it back to its usual smoothness and flavor.