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Sour cream, like many other dairy-based condiments, has long been a favorite of many people; the delectable creamy ingredient has long been a staple of Eastern and Central European cuisines before making its way west.
Sour cream, as most people are aware, is present in practically every home and is widely used to thicken sauces, garnish baked potatoes and soup, as well as toppings for previously prepared food and baking. When it comes to baking, sour cream is known to have acid and fat, both of which are necessary for a good cake.
No, it is not good for you to make use of your expired sour cream for baking, as this can lead to food poisoning and other unwanted symptoms.
Sour creams, like most of our favorite items, have a shelf life. While several items can be used after they have passed their expiration date, many people are unaware of the possibilities of utilizing sour cream after it has gone beyond its expiration date, particularly for baking.
We did some homework and have information for you in this post about that and more.
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What Happens When You Bake With An Expired Sour Cream?
Sour cream is prepared by combining dairy cream with microorganisms that produce lactic acid, resulting in thick, sour material.
Sour cream is a dairy product, and due to the process of producing it, several things can happen if you bake or cook with an expired sour cream. Eating expired sour cream can cause food poisoning, which can range from mild to severe.
You might also have nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms.
How To Identify An Expired Sour Cream
There are a few important things to note, to identify that your sour cream has gone bad. The following are below
1. The Smell
Sour cream naturally has a tangy smell. If you find your sour cream to have an unpleasant smell, then that is an indication that your sour cream has gone bad. This unpleasant smell can range from moldy, rancid, or becomes generally off.
2. Discoloration
Colors are a major thing to pay attention to. Sour cream comes in white, however, when you notice the color has changed, and then it means it has been infected with bacteria and should not be consumed.
3. Mold Appearance
The presence of mold on your sour cream is an indication that your sour cream is already expired. Mold spots appear on the surface of the cream and sometimes on the neck of the container. They can come in different colors such as blue, green, black, and pink.
If you notice any of these colors in your sour cream, then it’s time to throw the sour cream away.
How Do You Store Sour Cream?
The proper way to store your sour cream is to put it in a plastic or glass container and keep it in the refrigerator. We also advise that you keep your sour cream once opened for up to three weeks, this is also following the USDA.
What Other Alternatives Are There For Sour Cream?
We are aware that sour cream stays top for a lot of people when it comes to baking.
A lot of people have wondered about what they can use when their sour cream is expired and they need to bake. The good news is that there are a good number of other dairy products that you can use in place of sour cream.
Here they are;
- Greek yogurt
- Buttermilk
- Cottage cheese
- Crème Fraiche.
Here’s a list of the best sour cream substitutes to try for baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If You Consume Expired Sour Cream?
Consuming an expired sour cream can make you sick from food poisoning, nausea, diarrhea, stomach ache, etc.
What To Do With Expired Sour Cream?
If you find that your sour cream has expired, we suggest that you trash it and purchase another one. If you urgently need it, especially for baking, you can make use of buttermilk.
How Long Past The Expiry Date Can I Use Sour Cream?
According to the USDA, sour cream can still be used for up to three weeks after the expiry date provided by the manufacturer, as long as it is stored in the refrigerator.
Is Sour Cream Good If It’s Watery?
It is normal for your sour cream to have water or liquid on top, especially when it is newly purchased, this liquid is known as whey. However, if you notice this water is accompanied by mold, discoloration, and a bad smell then the sour cream is unsafe for you to consume and should be discarded.
Final Thoughts
The dangers of using expired sour cream for baking or cooking are a lot and you should discard your sour cream when you notice a sign of spoilage.
Be reminded that you should store your sour cream in the refrigerator; however, if your sour cream has stayed in the refrigerator for a long time, you should not use it anymore but discard it instead.
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