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Dotdash Meredith/Janet Maples
Whether you like it sweet, ground, spicy, or just plain yellow, the many types of mustard need to go somewhere after you finish adorning your hot dog. But where is the best place to store your tasty topping? Should it reside in the fridge next to its cookout cousin, ketchup, or sit at room temp like hot sauce? Every condiment has its own advisory, so we reached out to the experts to weigh in.
Where Should I Store My Mustard?
Like many other food products, the major factors that aid in deterioration are temperature and light. These play a huge role in mustard losing its pleasant pungency over time. Keep unopened mustard at room temperature and away from light. Once opened, mustard should be refrigerated. Try not to leave mustard out for long stretches of time. The cold, dark environment will keep freshness at its best. And more importantly, refrigeration will prevent pathogen growth.
"Also, make sure the cap doesn’t get battered or broken," says Hadar Cohen Aviram, executive chef and culinary development senior manager at McCormick & Company the parent company of French’s.
Pro Tip
French’s Yellow Mustard cap pulls back all the way until it makes a click sound, which helps keep the consistency of the mustard while minimizing the dreaded crusty mustard bits.
How Long Can Mustard Sit Outside Refrigeration?
For French’s fans who don’t like cold condiments, Chef Aviram suggests you portion out the desired mustard amount, then allow it to warm up to room temp.
When using mustard outside at a barbecue or picnic, keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends keeping food temperatures outside of the “Danger Zone” of 40 to 140 degrees F for more than two hours, or one hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90. If it does sit out for that long, the mustard losing its flavor could be the least of your worries.
How Long Does Mustard Last?
Every bottle of French’s has a best-by date stamped on the package. This is the day by which the brand recommends using the mustard to enjoy the ideal level of flavor, freshness, and quality. But its actual lifespan varies quite a bit.
How long mustard lasts from there depends on how frequently it's removed from the refrigerator and how long it sits out. Regular usage and exposure to light and room temperature will cause mustard to lose its flavor faster.
When mustard loses its pleasing pucker, it’s time to replace it, but end of life doesn’t mean end of utility. Use that leftover mustard to make a salad dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce.
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