How long can you store sugar syrup? [duplicate]

Recently, we made a variety of cocktails from Ottolenghi and Scully's NOPI book. Now, we are left with two sugar syrups. According to the book, they can be stored a few weeks in the fridge. Skip ahead a month or two, and we're now left with two bottles of syrup that I'm not sure whether they are still safe to consume. As far as I'm concerned, the sugar acts as a preservative (like in jams) and it should be no problem; however, I'm a bit reluctant to ignore the advice of a distinguished chef - but perhaps he was just referring a change in flavor.

The syrups in question are 50/50 water and sugar (in weight), infused with cloves or saffron, each boiled for about 10 minutes. There is also a recipe with fresh ginger that is not cooked but blitzed, which may be more of a problem than the others.

How long can a syrup be preserved? What, if any, are the signs of a spoiled syrup?

Best Answer

From my experience, sugar syrups don't last too long (a month tops in the refrigerator). You may be able to prolong their shelf life by adding something acidic, or anti-microbial (I think some spices may work) but not by much. As for jams, I don't think it's the sugar that preserves them so much as the acidity or heat from canning/preserving.

Sucrose is actually something I've used in a laboratory to culture microbes. Many, including a lot of ones we're familiar with contributing to rotting foods in our kitchen, can use sucrose as an energy source.

That being said, if it passes the smell test, doesn't look cloudy (more than it initially was) it's worth trying a little if you're a home cook. I'd say the cloudiness is the best indicator, especially if it looks like there are strands/strings of cloudiness in the liquid.

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Quick Answer about "How long can you store sugar syrup? [duplicate]"

Homemade simple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator. When stored properly, it has a shelf life of up to one month.

How long can you keep homemade sugar syrup?

You can keep basic simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks, or 1-2 weeks for flavored simple syrups.

Will sugar syrup spoil?

The short answer is technically no, syrup does not expire and you can keep an unopened container of the stuff on your shelf indefinitely. That's due to the high sugar content of pure maple syrup, according to the experts at Ben's Sugar Shack, which produces syrup in New Hampshire.

How long can you keep homemade simple syrup?

Simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water) will only stay good for about a month. But rich simple syrup, made from a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, will last about six months before becoming cloudy.

How long is sugar syrup good for?

How long does simple syrup last? Simple syrup lasts for at least two weeks, and up to six months depending on the consistency and if kept in the fridge. If made hot then rich simple syrup, mixed with two parts sugar to one part water, can last up to six months. One-to-one simple syrup lasts about a month.

How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?

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