Can You Leave Hummus Out Overnight? The answer is maybe. It all depends on the ingredients in your recipe and how long it’s been sitting out.
Hummus is a perishable food made with fresh ingredients, and as such, it should be treated like any other perishable food.
This blog post will discuss factors that will determine whether or not you can leave hummus out overnight and how you can make it last longer.
We will also answer some common questions about Hummus.
So, whether you are a newbie or a hummus expert, this blog post has something for everyone.
What is Hummus?
Hummus is a delicious and healthy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice.
It’s perfect for dipping vegetables or spreading on sandwiches. But can you leave Hummus out overnight?
The answer is yes!
Factors That determine When leaving Hummus Out Overnight
There are a few factors to consider when leaving hummus out overnight. These include:
The Temperature of Your Kitchen:
If it’s hot, the Hummus will spoil faster. If you leave Hummus out at room temperature for more than two hours.
It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. And while the bacteria itself may not be harmful, it can cause the Hummus to spoil and develop an off-putting smell.
Even if you intend to microwave the Hummus to kill any germs, some bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, may generate heat-resistant toxins that reheating will not eliminate.
Generally, Hummus left out overnight is safe to eat for up to four hours at room temperature. After that, bacteria can start to grow and make you sick.
The Type of Ingredients Used:
The ingredients used in hummus can affect how long it will last overnight outside of the fridge.
If you’re using fresh ingredients, For example, if your recipe contains raw eggs, you shouldn’t leave it out overnight.
If you’re using freshly cooked chickpeas, then your hummus will only last a couple of hours before it starts to spoil.
However, if you’re using canned chickpeas, your hummus will last much longer.
How Long Has It Been Sitting Out:
The amount of time the hummus has been sitting out will also affect how long it will last overnight.
If you’ve only had the hummus out for a couple of hours, then it should still be safe to eat.
However, if it’s been sitting out for more than 24 hours, then it’s best to throw it away.
The Hummus-To-Water Ratio:
Another factor that affects how long hummus will last out overnight is the ratio of hummus to water.
Note: If there's more water in the recipe, the hummus will spoil faster. However, if there's less water, the hummus will last longer.
How Long You’ve had the Hummus in Your Fridge:
If it’s been a few days, it’s probably not going to last overnight out of the fridge.
If your fridge is set to a higher temperature, the hummus will go bad faster.
This is because bacteria grow faster in warmer temperatures.
How You’re Storing the Hummus:
If you’re storing the hummus in an airtight container, it will last overnight and longer than if you’re just storing it in a regular container.
However, It’s best to eat it within a week so it does not spoil. Hummus will usually last about two weeks past the expiration date.
If it smells bad or has mold, do not eat it. You could get sick from eating it.
The Type of Hummus:
If you’re using store-bought hummus or homemade hummus without any dairy products, it’s usually safe to leave it out overnight.
However, if your hummus contains dairy products, it’s best to consume it within 24 hours.
Another thing to remember is to mix your dip once it has thawed. When Hummus is defrosted, its consistency changes.
As a result, stirring your Hummus a few times helps return it to its original texture.
After your Hummus has thawed, you should consume it within 5-7 days.
How to Make Hummus Last Longer Out Overnight
What can be frustrating about Hummus is how quickly it goes bad. Luckily, you can do a few things to make your Hummus last longer.
1. Hummus should be refrigerated in an airtight container. Be sure to tightly seal the container so that air does not get in and spoil the dip.
2. Add a layer of oil on top of the Hummus. This will create a barrier between the air and the Hummus, which will prevent it from drying out.
Because the oil forms a type of barrier, it may impede the development of germs.
Tip: Olive oil can also assist your Hummus in maintaining a smoother surface after storage.
3. You can also add a layer of plastic wrap on top of the oil. Just make sure to remove the plastic wrap before you eat the Hummus. You can also use aluminum.
Remember to push the aluminum foil as close to the surface of the Hummus as possible to avoid unnecessary air. This method can make your Hummus last a bit longer.
4. Another way to make Hummus last longer overnight is by adding a few drops of lemon juice.
Tip: Lemon juice may help to increase the shelf life of Hummus by lowering the pH level in the dip.
Also, it will make your Hummus taste a little acidic and help to preserve the color and flavor of the Hummus.
5. You can also add a bit of water if the consistency is too thick. Just be sure to add a little at a time to avoid making it too runny.
Hummus should be kept away from direct sunshine and heat. Your Hummus will stay at room temperature for many hours with this procedure.
6. Before consuming your Hummus, remember that you should scoop your dip with a clean spoon.
Human spit adds extra germs to your Hummus and may potentially contaminate it. As a result, never eat your Hummus with a filthy spoon.
Furthermore, never take out so much Hummus that you can’t devour it all at once.
You should offer an appropriate quantity of Hummus each time so that the leftovers do not waste.
FAQS
Can You Freeze Hummus?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. You may need to add a little water to get the desired consistency once it’s thawed.
How Long Does an Opened Jar of Hummus Last in the Fridge?
Typically, an opened jar of store-bought Hummus will last about a week in the fridge. If you make your Hummus, it will last about three days.
However, we recommend consuming it within a few days for the best quality and flavor.
Is Expired Hummus Poisonous?
No, expired Hummus is not poisonous. However, it can cause some stomach upset and gastrointestinal issues.
If you’re going to eat expired Hummus, make sure to do so in small quantities and monitor your reaction closely.
If you experience vomiting or diarrhea after eating expired Hummus, seek medical attention immediately.
Final Verdict
So, can you leave Hummus out overnight? The answer is technical, yes, but there are some things to consider first.
If the Hummus is going to be stored in a cool, dry place and eaten within 24 hours, it should be fine.
Second, if the temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the Hummus should be consumed within two hours. Thirdly, always store Hummus in an airtight container.
Finally, if you do leave it out overnight, be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
It is not recommended to leave Hummus out overnight.
Hummus can spoil quickly due to its high moisture content, so it’s important to keep it refrigerated. If you’re not sure if your Hummus has gone bad, check for signs of mold or an off odor.
If in doubt, throw it out.