Having a tub of sour cream in the kitchen is normal for every household. That’s because it makes an apt addition to dips and sauces, while some people love it with baked potatoes. However, storing sour cream is not an easy task because it can ho bad. So, if you are unsure and don’t know how to tell if sour cream has gone bad, we are sharing the details with you!
How To Tell If Sour Cream Has Gone Bad?
1. Smell
The first sign of bad sour cream is the off and unpleasant smell. The fresh sour cream smell smells sour and tangy, but the bad sour cream will be stinky and will give off a rancid whiff. This off smell is caused by extra bacterial or mold growth, which adversely impacts the safety and flavor of the sour cream. So, always smell the container closely before adding it to the meals.
2. Mold Growth
Mold growth is extremely common when you don’t store the sour cream properly. So, if you open the tub and see some mold growth on the surface, it is not safe to consume. Keep in mind that you have to dump the container. Some people make the mistake of clearing away the mold layer and using the clean part. However, mold growth is always deep-rooted, so make sure you don’t use it. On the other hand, if you don’t know what mold looks like, it looks like a fuzzy layer in white or green color. All in all, discard such sour cream.
In addition to this green and white mold growth, you should also look for extra yellow color. This is because extra yellowing is caused by bacterial growth and cannot be used. In simpler words, if there is discoloration in the sour cream, it cannot be used.
3. Texture
The texture is an essential indicator to check when sour cream goes bad. For instance, when you open the sour cream container and see the watery layer on the top, it means the sour cream has gone bad. Keep in mind that a slight quantity of water is normal and can be mixed up. However, if there is too much water, it’s not safe to consume. In addition, when sour cream goes bad, there will be small chunks, so that’s another indicator for you!
4. Proper Sour Cream Storage
When you purchase sour cream and open the container, keep in mind that it immediately needs proper storage. It is fine to store the sour cream in the refrigerator for a week or two (you can also check the packaging to be sure). However, if you have to store sour cream for a longer time period, you can pour it in an airtight container and freeze it for over six months.
You must remember that sour cream goes bad with time and when mold or bacteria grows in the container. To prevent such adverse growth, you need to use a clean spoon. In addition, when you defrost the frozen sour cream, it cannot be frozen again as it causes bacterial growth.