If you’re a fan of Everything But The Bagel seasoning, you know how versatile and delicious it can be.
But have you ever wondered if this popular seasoning blend has an expiration date? After all, it’s made up of various herbs and spices that can lose their potency over time.
In this article, we’ll explore the shelf life of Everything But The Bagel seasoning and how to properly store it to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible.
So, let’s dive in and find out if this beloved seasoning blend ever goes bad.
Does Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Expire?
The good news is that Everything But The Bagel seasoning doesn’t really expire in the traditional sense. The individual spices that make up the blend, such as sesame seeds, sea salt, garlic, onion, black sesame seeds, and poppy seeds, don’t really go bad. However, they can lose their flavor and aroma potency over time.
If the individual spices have expiration dates, it’s best to go by the earliest date. But if there are no expiration dates, you can make the seasoning in bulk and use it month after month to your heart’s delight.
What Is Everything But The Bagel Seasoning?
Everything But The Bagel seasoning is a popular spice blend that originated at Trader Joe’s. It’s a perfect mixture of sesame seeds (both black and white), poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion, and sea salt flakes. The blend is designed to bring a crunchy, savory flavor to a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, baked potatoes, salad dressings, pasta, and more. This seasoning has become so popular that it can now be found in almost any grocery store.
The salty and savory flavors of Everything But The Bagel seasoning are reminiscent of the popular bagel variety that it’s named after. However, this seasoning can be used on much more than just bagels. It’s a versatile spice blend that can enhance the flavor of almost any dish.
To make Everything But The Bagel seasoning, all you need to do is combine the individual spices in a bowl and stir. You can use flaked sea salt for the seasoning mix or substitute it with coarse salt if you don’t have it. It’s best to store the spice blend in a sealed jar or container until you’re ready to use it.
While the individual spices that make up Everything But The Bagel seasoning don’t really expire in the traditional sense, they can lose their flavor potency over time. It’s best to use the earliest expiration date of any individual spice in the blend as a guide. However, if there are no expiration dates on the spices, you can make the seasoning in bulk and use it month after month without any issues.
Understanding Shelf Life And Expiration Dates
Shelf life and expiration dates are important concepts to understand when it comes to food and medication. The shelf life of a food product refers to the length of time it can be stored without undergoing chemical, physical, or microbial deterioration or change. This can be affected by both internal and external factors, such as pH, enzyme activity, temperature, humidity, and atmosphere. On the other hand, the expiration date of medication indicates the date when the manufacturer or pharmacist guarantees its full potency and safety.
It’s important to note that there are different types of expiration dates for food products. A “sell-by” date tells the store how long to display the product for sale, while a “best if used by (or before)” date is recommended for best flavor or quality. A “use-by” date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. It’s important for consumers to know which definition is linked to which type of expiration date to avoid food waste and prevent foodborne illnesses.
Similarly, medications also have both a shelf life and an expiration date. The shelf life generally refers to a drug’s quality over a specified period of time, whereas the expiration date relates to both quality and safety of a medication at a specific point in time. It’s not advisable to use a drug beyond its expiration date unless directed by a pharmacist, as some drugs can even be dangerous if used after their expiration date.
How Long Does Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Last?
According to various sources, including home cooks and food bloggers, Everything But The Bagel seasoning can last for up to six months if stored properly. The key to keeping the seasoning fresh is to store it in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place. It’s important to keep the seasoning away from moisture, heat, and light, which can cause the spices to lose their flavor and aroma.
Some people have reported that their homemade Everything Seasoning has lasted for up to two years when stored properly. However, it’s important to note that the potency of the spices may diminish over time, so it’s best to use the seasoning within six months to ensure maximum flavor.
If you’re not sure if your Everything But The Bagel seasoning is still good, give it a sniff test. If the aroma is weak or non-existent, it’s time to make a fresh batch. Alternatively, you can also taste a small amount of the seasoning to see if the flavors are still strong.
Signs That Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Has Expired
While Everything But The Bagel seasoning doesn’t really expire, it can lose its flavor and potency over time. Here are some signs that your seasoning may have gone bad:
1. Weak aroma: If the seasoning doesn’t smell as strong as it used to, it may have lost some of its flavor.
2. Dull color: The spices in the seasoning may have lost their vibrancy and appear dull or faded.
3. Clumping: If the seasoning has clumped together, it may have absorbed moisture and lost some of its potency.
4. Off taste: If the seasoning tastes different than it used to or has a stale taste, it may be time to replace it.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s probably time to replace your Everything But The Bagel seasoning. However, if the seasoning still smells and tastes fresh, you can continue to use it for a while longer. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to help preserve its flavor and potency.
Proper Storage Techniques To Extend Shelf Life
Proper storage techniques are crucial in extending the shelf life of Everything But The Bagel seasoning. The key is to keep the seasoning away from air, light, heat, and moisture. Here are some tips to help you store your seasoning properly:
1. Store the seasoning in an airtight container – This will prevent air and moisture from getting in and affecting the quality of the seasoning.
2. Label the container with the date of purchase – This will help you keep track of how long the seasoning has been stored and when it’s time to replace it.
3. Seal the container after each use – This will prevent air from getting in and affecting the quality of the seasoning.
4. Store the container in a dark and dry environment – Exposure to light and moisture can cause the seasoning to lose its flavor and aroma potency.
5. Store the container in a cool and consistent temperature – Heat can cause the seasoning to lose its flavor and aroma potency.
6. Do not store the seasoning above the stove – Heat from cooking can affect the quality of the seasoning.
7. Do not store the seasoning in the refrigerator or freezer – The moisture from these environments can cause the seasoning to clump and become soggy.
By following these proper storage techniques, you can extend the shelf life of your Everything But The Bagel seasoning and ensure that it retains its flavor and aroma potency for as long as possible.
Creative Ways To Use Up Expired Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
If you find yourself with expired Everything But The Bagel seasoning, don’t throw it away just yet! There are plenty of creative ways to use up this flavorful blend:
1. Infuse oils: As mentioned earlier, expired spices can be used to make spice-infused oils. Combine your expired Everything But The Bagel seasoning with a high-quality oil and let it sit for a few weeks. You’ll end up with a delicious oil that can be used for cooking or as a salad dressing.
2. Add to homemade bread: Use your expired seasoning to add flavor to homemade bread. Mix it into the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking.
3. Sprinkle on roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables are delicious on their own, but a sprinkle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning takes them to the next level. Try it on roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes.
4. Mix into dips: Mix your expired seasoning into dips like hummus or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Use as a popcorn seasoning: Popcorn is a blank canvas for all kinds of seasonings. Sprinkle your expired Everything But The Bagel seasoning on top for a savory snack.
6. Use in marinades: Mix your expired seasoning with oil and vinegar for a flavorful marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu.
7. Top off avocado toast: Avocado toast is already delicious, but adding Everything But The Bagel seasoning takes it to the next level. Sprinkle it on top of mashed avocado and enjoy.
With these creative ideas, you’ll never have to waste expired Everything But The Bagel seasoning again!
