How to Know When Sour Cream is Spoiled?
Sour cream is made "sour" by the addition of a lactose-producing bacteria that tastes acidic. This dairy product should always be kept in a refrigerator. According to Shelf Life Advice, sour cream that is unopened can last up to 60 days in the fridge. Sour cream that has been opened will last up to three weeks, but it can be considerably less time depending on a number of factors. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Check for signs of mold growth on the sour cream, including red or pink spots, blue mold or green, hairy growths. This is the simplest way to tell if sour cream is spoiled. Some people believe that if the mold is not plentiful on the surface of the sour cream, it can be scraped off and the cream beneath it can be eaten. However, the USDA advises that bacteria that causes food-borne illness also can be growing along with the mold. There is no guarantee that scraping off the mold will eliminate the invisible bacteria. Sour cream with visual signs of molding should be discarded.
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Inspect the surface of the sour cream for liquid whey separation. Fresh sour cream should appear thick and free of separation. If there is liquid settled on top of the sour cream that has begun to yellow, this is a sign that the cream is spoiling. Do not use sour cream that has a pink sheen or tint to the surface. This is a precursor of mold growth. Small amounts of liquid whey on the surface can be mixed back into the cream to avoid decay, according to Shelf Life Advice. Large amounts indicate spoilage. Don't just rely on one of your senses to inspect the sour cream. Look at it and smell it to detect unsatisfactory odors before deciding whether to throw the product away.
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Taste for bitterness or yeasty flavors in sour cream. The "sour" in sour cream is produced by a lactose-producing bacteria that gives the cream its flavor. Sour cream always should be light and never yeasty. A strong, bitter odor or flavor is a common sign of spoilage. Also, according to Shelf Life Advice, an unpleasant, bitter-apple taste is a sign that the cream is past its prime date. Oxygen, humidity, temperature and poor quality milk all are factors in how long sour cream will last. Avoid storing sour cream in the refrigerator door since that area of the fridge is more susceptible to temperature changes.
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