Using Agar agar beyond its use by date
A friend of mine came over the other day to borrow some agar agar from us. We had two boxes in the cupboard, and handed him one that was within its use by date, not knowing the ramifications of using the one that was past its use by date.
However, we were thinking about it, and couldn't really find any reason not to use agar agar even well after its use by date. The box in question is a year over.
My question is this: is the use by date merely there because everything must have one, or does agar agar go "off" beyond some point in time?
Best Answer
If you store it properly (i.e., dry), it won't go bad in the unsafe sense. It has a pretty long shelf-life. Its possible that it'll lose some gelling strength eventually, particularly if stored in harsh conditions (elevated temperature, exposure to humid air, exposed to sunlight, etc.). Like anything else, it could conceivably pick up off-flavors if not stored in an air-tight container.
I'd make a small bit of agar-agar gel with it, to see if its still OK. I expect it is.
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Quick Answer about "Using Agar agar beyond its use by date"
If you store it properly (i.e., dry), it won't go bad in the unsafe sense. It has a pretty long shelf-life. Its possible that it'll lose some gelling strength eventually, particularly if stored in harsh conditions (elevated temperature, exposure to humid air, exposed to sunlight, etc.).How long is agar agar good for?
All forms of agar-agar should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot such as the pantry, where it will last at least eight months.Does agar agar need to be refrigerated?
How does it work? Agar agar has stronger setting properties than gelatine which requires refrigeration to set. A jelly made with agar agar will set at room temperature after about an hour. It is advisable to store agar jellies in the fridge as it is a high protein food.Does LB agar powder expire?
Nutrient broth/agar powder has a shelf life of 1 to 5 years. Prepared sterile medium a shelf life of 6 mths to a year. LB broth is lysogeny broth and is a nutritionally rich medium primarily used for the growth of bacteria.Is agar agar toxic?
Agar is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth with at least one 8-ounce glass of water. If it is not taken with enough water, agar can swell and block the esophagus or bowel. Immediate medical attention is necessary if chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing occurs after taking agar.Agar Agar FAQ: What you need to know
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Answer 2
agar agar has (almost literally) nothing to it - it's just a ground up seaweed. Has it been exposed to any kind of moisture? I think if it hasn't, it's probably fine. You said it was in the cupboard, but how was it stored?
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