How Long Does Crisco Shortening last? Does it Go Bad?

Crisco shortening is a vegetable shortening used for cooking, but more commonly, it is used for baking.

As this is so versatile, thus people store them in their pantry so they can use them whenever needed.

However, during storage, people find that it is losing its potency, so they think do Crisco shortening go bad.

This shortening contains fat oxidizing when the content comes into contact with air.

Therefore you need to finish the shortening before it goes bad.

One must avoid bad Crisco shortening as they contain bacteria that can cause stomach aches and food poisoning.

What is Crisco Shortening?

Shortening refers to a type of fat that is solid at room temperature and contains margarine, lard, and butter.

This was originated in 1911 by Procter and Gamble.

Crisco shortening is made with vegetable oils such as soybean, cottonseed, or palm oil.

Initially, these oils are liquid at room temperature, but with the process of hydrogenation, it becomes solid.

It is basically used as they make frosting fluffier, soften cakes and provide pies a crust.

Crisco is rich in nutritional value as they have citric acid, TBHQ, mono, and diglycerides.

These are antioxidants that protect your body from several infections.

These can be found in 4 different types: solid, liquid, all-purpose, and icing shortening.

Each contains a different amount of water and fat, making them suitable for different recipes.

How Long Does Crisco Shortening last? Does Crisco Shortening Go Bad?

If you have Crisco shortening, then its shelf life highly depends upon the way anyone stores it.

The usual shelf life of an unopened Crisco can and stick ranges up to 2 years.

These are primarily stored in pantries because unopened cans have a similar shelf life, whether you store them in the pantry, fridge, or freezer.

If you have an opened Crisco can, then at room temperature, you can keep it preserved for six months.

If anyone desires to exceed its shelf life, then they can refrigerate and consume it for up to a year.

The shelf life of opened Crisco sticks is shorter than cans, and they will only serve you for six months.

That means once the pack is opened, then its quality will begin to decline quickly.

Therefore if anyone does not want to consume Crisco within a couple of days, they should avoid opening its pack.

Even though for Crisco sticks, keeping its pack in the freezer is unnecessary as that will not increase their shelf life.

However, one can still put them in the freezer as it will prevent the growth of bacteria if stored for a prolonged period.

How to Tell if Crisco Shortening Has Gone Bad?

• Changes in Appearance

When you are using an old found Crisco pack, then be sure to check whether it is safe to use or not.

You can see changes like discoloration, as Crisco will develop a darker shade if it has gone bad.

One can also see a greenish tint which indicates that the content is contaminated with bacteria, and you should refrain from consuming it.

Sometimes, bacteria can cause mold growth, so if there is any growth, then it is not at all suitable for usage.

• Strange Smell or Odor

Fresh Crisco gives a pleasant aroma but will fade away if you store this for a prolonged period.

As you exceed the storage of an opened pack, it will absorb the odor of strong food.

So you can sniff the pack’s content; if there is no smell or a foul odor, this is a sign that it is already spoiled.

• Alteration in Taste

If there is no odor or changes in the Crisco after storage; one can try tasting it.

However, you must be careful and consume it in small quantities as it can be harmful.

After tasting, you will get a clear idea if the shortening is still edible.

If the storage is good enough, long-stored shortening will give a similar taste to fresh Crisco.

Otherwise, it will have a rancid and bitter taste, after which you should discard the shortening.

How to Store Crisco Shortening?

• Storage in Pantry

For unopened packs, storage at room temperature is entirely suitable.

Although pantry storage is not considered appropriate for opened Crisco, one can keep this at room temperature if they do not live in a hot region.

Here it would be best if you saw that Crisco should not be kept in direct sunlight or heat-prone areas as it degrades its quality.

• Refrigeration

For humid areas, refrigeration is essential as they are prone to bacterial infection.

When you are using it, then remember to refrigerate it immediately after usage.

Storage at a cool temperature preserves its flavor and quality for an extended period.

Refrigeration and freezing will offer you a similar shelf life; however, freezing can be considered more effective for preventing bacteria.

• Use Airtight Container

It will be better to put the pack into an airtight container during storage.

This will prevent impurities and bacteria from entering the content.

The primary cause of bacteria is excess exposure to air and moisture; you can minimize this by keeping Crisco in an airtight jar.

Conclusion

Using bad Crisco shortening will ruin your recipes and increase the chances of illnesses.

Some of the possible illnesses are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and headache.

Therefore be sure that you use the above-provided measures to find bad shortening.

This is impossible to prevent the oxidation of Crisco; however, one can slow down the process with good storage and refrigeration.

You can also use a Ziploc bag to seal the pack, as it will prevent mold and bacterial growth.