Shelf Life Tips
- How long does unopened half-and-half last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of unopened half-and-half, keep it refrigerated at all times.
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How long does unopened half-and-half last in the fridge? Unopened half-and-half will generally stay at best quality for about 1 to 2 weeks after the date on the package, assuming it has been continuously refrigerated.
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To maximize the shelf of unopened half-and-half, do not store it on the fridge door, as the temperature is too warm - the unopened half-and-half will last longer when stored in the main body of the refrigerator, in its original package.
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To further extend the shelf life of half-and-half, freeze it; frozen half-and-half will often become separated and the texture may become somewhat grainy, but it is usually acceptable for cooking and baking purposes.
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Freeze half-and-half in an airtight container and leave at least 1/2 inch headspace at the top, as half-and-half will expand when frozen; thaw in refrigerator.
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How long does half-and-half last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - half-and-half that has been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How to tell if half-and-half is bad? The best way is to smell and look at the half-and-half: signs of bad half-and-half are an off smell, off color and a thick or clumpy texture.
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