In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “Can you get sick from eating expired dough?” We will also discuss how long dough lasts and how to properly store dough.
Can you get sick from eating expired dough?
Yes, you can get sick from eating expired dough especially if the dough has not been properly stored or has been eaten way past its expiration date. Storing dough in humid and warm environments can cause it to be contaminated by bacteria and this can result in food poisoning.
The risk of getting sick is not as high as other foods but It is important to take caution before consuming expired dough and ensure the dough is properly stored in an airtight sealed container. Always check for signs of spoilage by smelling it and other signs like mold.
How long is dough good for?
The dough is typically good for three days when stored in the refrigerator. If stored longer, it develops an off-flavor and becomes stale. If stored in the freezer, the dough can be good for up to three months.
You extend the shelf life by storing it in an airtight container. Exposure of the dough to too much air causes it to dry out and this can render it unusable. Only take the dough from the fridge or the freezer when you want to cook it. You can leave it at room temperature to thaw until the yeast is activated then shape it according to preference.
How can you tell if the dough has gone bad?
The easiest way to tell if the dough has gone bad is to check the color. Bad dough shows signs of discoloration. You can also smell dough. The bad dough has a rancid or sour smell to it especially if stored in a humid environment for a long time.
If you are still unsure if the dough is fine, you can do a taste test. If it has an off, bitter and sour flavor, then it has most likely gone bad. Moreover, a dried-out dough is also a sign that it was not properly stored, and kneading it will be hard.
How do you properly store dough?
The dough is properly stored in a dry and cool place. You can either leave it in the freezer for 2 months or in the fridge for a maximum of five days. Dough easily dries out and should therefore be stored in an airtight container or a freezer-safe back if storing it in the freezer.
You can thaw dough by leaving at room temperature for a while or thawing it in the refrigerator overnight. At room temperature, you can thaw it faster by placing the dough in a bowl with warm water until it becomes soft enough to be kneaded.
If you knead with cold dough, it will become sticky making it hard to form supple and smooth balls. However, if you need to use it without thawing it, you can add more flour.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the question, “Can you get sick from eating expired dough?” We have also discussed how to tell if the dough has gone bad and how to properly store dough.
I hope you find this blog useful, in case of any questions please let us know
