How Long Do Marshmallows Last? Can They Go Bad?
How to store marshmallows?
In storing marshmallows, your goal is to prevent the moisture carried by the air from being absorbed by the marshmallows. Because if that happens, the marshmallows will stick together. Marshmallows are not something most people use frequently. Who knows when you are going to use them again? Hence, you must keep them appropriately stored to remain fresh the next time you need them. Here are three methods that you can choose in storing your marshmallows: (1) the bread method, (2) the refrigerator method, and (3) the freezer method.●Bread Method
If you don’t have a fridge or freezer, apply this storage method for your marshmallows.1.First, put a piece of white bread inside an opened pack of marshmallows. The bread helps retain the marshmallow’s freshness by absorbing the moisture that may have entered the packaging.
2.Second, twist the packaging and tie it using a rubber band to seal it. This will help prevent moisture from getting inside your marshmallows.
3.If you are going to open the pack again to get some marshmallows, make sure to replace the old bread with a new slice and reseal it again.
4.Ensure that you store this pack of marshmallows where the storage temperature is cool. See to it that the marshmallows are away from heat or light exposure. Your pantry or kitchen cabinet will do.
●The Refrigerator Method
Always remember that moisture is the number one enemy of marshmallows. If the marshmallows’ air pockets come into contact with moisture, the marshmallows will collapse and stick together whether you stored it in a sealed plastic bag or in an airtight container. So here’s how to refrigerate your marshmallows:1.Transfer your marshmallows to an airtight container.
2.Note that the humidity inside the refrigerator is a little bit higher compared to that from the freezer. So, sprinkle some cornstarch on your marshmallows. If cornstarch is unavailable, you can add a dash of grounded or powdered sugar. Either cornstarch or sugar, both powdered ingredients will absorb moisture from the air circulating in your refrigerator.
3.Seal it properly and shake the container. Shaking it will coat the marshmallows with sugar or cornstarch. This way, your marshmallows won’t get sticky.
●The Freezer Method
Yes, you can freeze marshmallows! Freezing the marshmallows will be the best storage method if you don’t intend to use them anytime soon. This way, you can avoid food wastage. This is how you freeze your marshmallows:1.If a pack of marshmallows is not opened yet, just simply put it in the refrigerator. Once opened, transfer the marshmallows to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Or, you can put the marshmallows in a Ziploc bag or in a freezer-safe bag.
If you can, store the marshmallows in small packs in an airtight container to avoid clumping. Doing this would also help prevent ice crystals from forming that can make them soggy when thawed.
Does it go bad?
Here is a typical marshmallow issue: You opened a bag of marshmallow and only measured out what you needed in the recipe; you twisted the bag and tied it to close the package, then placed it in the pantry. The next time you need it, find the contents in a gooey mess, and your marshmallows are sticking together. Again, marshmallow is a mixture of sugar, water, and gelatin that are whipped together to create air pockets. The air pockets in it are responsible for holding the shape of your marshmallows. When the air pockets are exposed to moisture, the marshmallows will collapse. How so? Marshmallows naturally tend to absorb odors and moisture in their environment. Thus, you have to keep them in an airtight container. Knowing this will help you understand why you have to properly store marshmallows once you open a pack of it.How long does it last?
The shelf life of marshmallows depends typically on how it is produced. Manufacturers usually recommend consuming marshmallows between one to two weeks after opening them. Some manufacturers urge consumers to eat the marshmallows in 2 to 3 days to enjoy its prime. However, the taste and softness can apparently last for at least one week. An opened pack of marshmallows can stay for more than one month. Actually, they will still be okay for consumption even after the indicated “use-by” date or “best by” date. Marshmallows can even last from 6 to 8 months after its “Best By” date. However, you should consume them before it expires. Note that the longer it stays, the quality also slowly deteriorates. Hence, they will not taste the same as before. Refrigerated opened packs of marshmallows can last in the fridge for 2 to 3 months while still fresh. Frozen marshmallows can last for 3 to 4 months if stored properly.How to tell if it has gone bad?
Marshmallows will naturally harden and lose their quality as time passes. If you to find out whether or not your marshmallow has gone bad, try these tips:1.Smell the marshmallows. Smelling the marshmallows is the quickest way to check its quality. If the marshmallows do not smell sweet and a little aromatic, then it has already passed its peak quality.
2.Check the appearance of the marshmallows. Check for any signs of discoloration. Old marshmallows that have been stored in a humid environment tend to change their color and taste. If that pure white marshmallow has turned light yellow, then it is spoiled. Do not use it. You have to discard it right away.
3.Taste the marshmallow. If it has lost its sugary sweetness and its pillowy-soft texture, it is no longer in its peak quality.
