Does grenadine go bad? How long does grenadine last? Can expired grenadine make you sick? Let us find out the answers to all these questions in our detailed guide. We will also discuss signs of the bad grenadine and how to store it properly.
A lot of beverages contain grenadine, a syrup known for its tangy yet sweet taste. For example, it is used to make Tequila Sunrises, Shirley Temples, and other popular cocktails. It is also a kitchen staple, especially in the United States. It is a main ingredient for sauces for various dishes like chicken wings.
Grenadine is an important ingredient for beverages and sauces, no doubt. But – you must be wondering does grenadine go bad or what its shelf life is.
What is Grenadine?
Grenadine is a popular syrup made of pomegranate and sugar. It has a sweet and tangy taste which adds unique and distinct flavors to drinks and beverages. Almost every bar has a bottle of grenadine on its countertop. It is quite hard to resist ordering one as well.
However, the use of grenadine is not limited to drinks. You can use it for making Popsicle flavorings, fruit salad, sauces, etc.
It is also a common sight in barbeque parties, wedding anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentine’s Day lunches because of its vibrant hue. It can match any occasion you can think of.
Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Ernest Ayer invented grenadine 140 years ago. He wanted to create a completely natural drink that was also easy to make.
Ayer originally named it Pomegranate Punch. However, a labeling error resulted in its current name which is grenadine.
It remains a very popular drink even after all that time.
How Long Does Grenadine Last?
Unopened grenadine has a long shelf life of 2 years. You must keep it at room temperature or in the fridge otherwise it can expire if the bottle is sealed.
It is not recommended to freeze the grenadine. Freezing affects the consistency and flavor of the syrup by separating solids from liquids.
Also, note that the expiration date written on a bottle of grenadine or any other food is actually a best-by-date. It means the drink will retain its peak quality by that time. The syrup will not go bad even after a few days and months if you have not opened the bottle yet.
How Long Does Grenadine Last Opened?
If refrigerated, an opened bottle of grenadine is only good for up to 6 months. It will maintain its good quality for 2-3 months only if stored at room temperature.
It does not instantly expire after 6 months but starts declining in quality, taste, and texture. Therefore, it is better to buy a new bottle of grenadine.
Some brands have a plastic screw top on their bottles for easy access. These bottles should also be refrigerated after first use to preserve the syrup for a long time.
When it comes to homemade grenadine, you must consume it within 2 weeks if stored at room temperature for the best taste.
You must also seal the jar. It will not only keep harmful bacteria away but also keep the drink fresh and safe.
Irrespective of the type of grenadine, you must put it in the fridge once its seal has been broken.
So, does grenadine go bad? It does and goes bad really quickly if you do not store it properly at room temperature or in the fridge.
How to Tell if Grenadine is Bad?
Just like most syrups and drinks, grenadine has some telltale signs that it has gone bad and you must not consume it. Some of these signs are as below.
Change in Color
Fresh grenadine will always have a bright red color. Any color change suggests it has already expired or is on its way to getting bad. Do not put in your cocktail or sauce if you notice a different hue than bright red.
Foul Smell
Grenadine should always smell sweet. It has gone bad if it has a foul or sour smell. It is no longer safe to use and you should throw it away.
Check for Mod and Fungus
Mold will also grow on bad grenadine. Similarly, it has expired if you spot fungus pores on the bottle. You should never use such grenadine if you see any of these signs.
Lumps Floating on Top
The bad syrup will have lumps floating on top or bottom of the jar. It usually means two things. Either the syrup has too much sugar (over-ripening) or mold has grown on it.
Sometimes, you will also see fruit flies hovering over a spoiled bottle. You should immediately throw the bottle of your grenadine away if any of these signs are visible. Do not take any risks because it can be deleterious to your health.
Buy a new bottle if you cannot live without grenadine. It will cost you money but it is better to spend money on fermented drinks that taste like rubbish.
How to Store Grenadine Properly?
Now, it is time to discuss storing grenadine properly. Most people keep grenadine and other foods on the fridge door. However, you should put grenadine in the pantry to store it properly for a long time.
Place it in a Dark and Dry Place
Unopened grenadine can remain fresh at room temperature as well if you place it in a dark and dry place. Ensure that the storage container has low humidity and it is away from any light source. Do not put grenadine near any fruit as well. Using this method to store the syrup will keep it fresh for the longest time.
Refrigerate after Opening
How long do you put grenadine in the fridge after opening? You should not keep it in the fridge for more than 6 months. Once again, do not place it close to other foods and fruits in the fridge as well.
Store it Away from Light Sources
Long-term storage often affects the color of grenadine. You can perverse the color by keeping it away from direct light sources such as light from the kitchen window. It is especially important if you are storing the syrup at room temperature.
Use Airtight Containers
You must use airtight containers to store grenadine. It will prevent moisture and air from entering the jars, keeping the grenadine fresh. Similarly, the syrup will not catch any smell or flavor from other foods in the fridge.
Can Expired Grenadine Make You Sick?
Eating expired grenadine will not make you sick on most occasions. However, you must not take risks and be cautious. Expired grenadine does not offer the same taste and texture as the fresh grenadine. Changes in consistency and flavor make it undrinkable or unusable. Besides, you can have a disturbed stomach if you consume bad grenadine.
Potential Health Risks
Grenadine is primarily made of pomegranate and sugar. Therefore, it has a high sugar content that helps in preserving the syrup. However, eating a huge amount of expired or even fresh syrup can result in weight gain or tooth decay. Therefore, you must try to consume grenadine moderately and within the specified shelf life.
When to See the Doctor?
You must immediately see the doctor if the reaction and symptoms after eating the expired grenadine are severe. Usually, consuming bad grenadine is not that unhealthy. However, more serious health issues can sprout from allergies or individual sensitivities.
Also Read: How Long To Cook Chicken Leg Quarters In Oven?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you preserve grenadine syrup?
Grenadine syrup is typically made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and water, and it does not naturally contain alcohol. To preserve grenadine syrup, it should be stored in a cool, dark place if unopened. Once opened, it is best to keep it refrigerated to maintain its flavor and prevent spoilage.
Does grenadine belong in the fridge?
It is recommended to refrigerate grenadine after opening because refrigeration slows down the degradation process and maintains the quality of the syrup.
Is the alcohol in grenadine?
Grenadine syrup does not contain alcohol. It is a non-alcoholic syrup commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails and various non-alcoholic drinks for its sweet flavor and deep red color. It is traditionally made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and water.
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Can you drink straight grenadine?
Regarding drinking straight grenadine, it is non-alcoholic and can be consumed as is. It’s very sweet and is commonly used as a mixer for cocktails or to flavor non-alcoholic beverages.
Why is grenadine age restricted?
Grenadine is typically not age restricted. If grenadine is age restricted in some areas, it may be due to local regulations or because it’s sometimes sold in liquor stores where minors are not permitted, or it’s mistaken for an alcoholic product due to its common use in alcoholic drink mixes.
Final Thoughts
Does grenadine go bad? It does and therefore, you need to store it properly according to the instructions. Similarly, you can only enjoy its best taste if consumed within the recommended shelf life. It does not expire after a few months of the expiration date if refrigerated. However, it will not retain its peak quality.