Storing simple syrup [duplicate]

What is the best way to store simple syrup, made from equal parts of sugar and water? Do I store it on the counter, or in the refrigerator?

storage-method

Best Answer

While a similar question to this one, as @Athanasius points out, I think this question is different enough for a re-visit!

The short story: Though it doesn't require immediate refrigeration, it's best to keep simple syrup tightly sealed and in the refrigerator; it will last longer. Even so, using it within a week to 10 days is best; it might last a month, but best not to keep it for longer. It will eventually grow mold or perhaps other nasties.

References: Some people say to use within about a week (e.g., Morgenthaler). These people say it will last more like a few weeks or a month (e.g., Food Republic; the kitchn; Kitchen Riffs).

Slightly longer story: a 1:1 sucrose/water simple syrup won't crystallise at refrigerator temperatures (even at nearly freezing, this ratio is nowhere near saturated; reference). That is, there's no disadvantage to storing simple syrup in the refrigerator. In contrast, stronger mixtures like honey may sugar. As an aside, measuring 1:1 by-weight or by-volume are similar result; sugar measures lighter per volume by about 15%.

Stronger syrups (e.g., 2 parts or more of sucrose, 1 part water) will have greater resistance to critters because of the preservative properties of sugar. An anecdotal experiment was done by alcademics showing increased "freshness" time with increased sugar concentration.

Still, however, this is not canning; you'll eventually get mold or other critters. Since it's not necessary to boil simple syrup to mix (since sucrose is so soluble in water), so (depending on how you make the simple syrup) you're not getting the full effect of sterilization of the storage vessel nor the foodstuff (e.g., as you would with canning jams).

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How do you store extra simple syrup?

Keep it cold. Store the simple syrup in an airtight container, in the fridge, until ready to use. As mentioned above, basic simple syrup can stay fresh up to 4 weeks, however flavor simple syrups need to be used within a week or two.

Can simple syrup be reheated?

If your mixture happens to crystalize, you can try to reheat it. As before, it is extremely important to make sure all those crystals are fully dissolved before using the batch again. Reheat the syrup over a low-medium heat to ensure you do not agitate the mixture further.

Can bacteria grow in simple syrup?

When bacteria grow in simple syrup, they almost immediately die. This is because the water is being pulled out of the bacteria and into the syrup. It's trying to equalize the amount of sugar and water in both the syrup and the bacteria.

Does simple syrup need to be stored in glass?

Put simple syrup in an airtight container. Choose an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, like Tupperware or a glass bottle, to reduce the syrup's exposure to oxygen. Don't choose glass if you plan the freeze the simple syrup, however. A bottle with a pour spout is perfect for adding simple syrup to cocktails.

How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?

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