Does pepper expire or go bad? Fortunately, it does not go bad like most spices, especially if they are grounded. Therefore, you can buy your favorite spice in bulk if you are getting a good deal.
Pepper is an integral part of almost every dish we eat. It is the second most popular spice after salt in the world. Most often, however, the bags of paper sit in the kitchen cabinet for months or even years. The pepper will not expire in most cases and you can use it whenever you want. Buy putting it in a cabinet for a very long time also begs a question. How long does pepper last?
Does Black Pepper Go Bad?
Pepper never expires or goes bad. It will not adversely affect your health even if you use it after a long time. The expiry date on the packing is just a reminder of how long it can retain its best quality.
The pepper will remain edible after its expiry date. Even mold will not grow on the bottle of black pepper. However, it will start losing its quality, potency, and taste. Its decline will be speedy if you don’t store it properly.
What is Black Pepper?
Pepper is one of the most traded spices in the world. It grows on the vines of the Piperaceae family. Its fruit is known as peppercorns which is a red dark circular drupe in shape. Peppercorns when grounded, becomes black pepper.
Pepper mostly enhances the taste of other foods and dishes. It is a common product and no kitchen in the world is complete without it.
Whole Peppercorns
Black peppercorn is the most common but it also comes in red, pink, and white colors. Usually, farmers harvest peppercorn berries before they are ripe. Subsequently, they are left to dry after going through a quick boiling process.
Ground Black Pepper
Ground black pepper is the grounded form of peppercorns. Just like black pepper, you also have white pepper and red pepper.
How Long does Pepper Last?
As mentioned above, black pepper can last forever. But – it starts losing its quality and flavor after a certain time just like all other spices. How long it retains its quality also depends on the kind of pepper you have in your kitchen.
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Whole Peppercorns
Whole peppercorns maintain their taste and quality for up to four years provided you store them properly. The storage duration is the same for black, red, and white peppercorns. You can also use them until their best-by or expiry date if you are extra cautious about your health.
But – you can eat it after that date without negatively affecting your health. It will just not be as effective and potent as fresh pepper.
Ground or Black Pepper
The shelf life of ground or ground black pepper is up to a couple of years. Similarly, you can also use it by its expiry or best-by date. Once again, it is quite safe to consume grounded pepper even if it has expired.
The ground pepper will have lost its potency or have a milder taste if it has been in your cabinet for a year after its expiry date.
How to Store Black Pepper Properly?
It is a breeze to store black pepper. It does not require any special equipment or jars. You just have to protect it from moisture, direct sunlight, heat, and air.
You should try to store black pepper in a place that prevents its exposure to these elements.
The following are some tips to store your pepper, whether grounded or whole peppercorns, properly.
Correctly Close the Jar
You must cover the container containing black peppercorns properly. It is necessary to prevent oxygen and moisture from getting into the jar. Keep in mind that both these elements can destroy pepper’s potency and flavor.
It is better to store ground black pepper in a pepper mill. However, you must properly close its cover tightly as well.
Keep Pepper in a Dark and Cool Place
Most people use a spice drawer to store black or ground pepper. Similarly, you can also put it in a dark and cool place such as a dark cabinet or pantry. The black pepper will lose its flavor and potency quickly if you place it near a heat source or in an open place with maximum exposure to moisture and oxygen.
Use an Airtight Container
Sometimes, the pepper is available in a refill pack or small plastic bags. You must transfer this type of pepper to airtight containers the moment you get home. Airtight containers keep the pepper fresh for a long time.
It is not difficult to implement these tips as well. However – they can help your favorite spice maintain its quality for a long period.
How can You Tell if Black Pepper is Bad?
Black pepper does not normally go bad. Sometimes, however, it can and the best way to find out is by using your senses. Similarly, it may also change in appearance and taste.
The following are some telltale signs that your pack of black pepper has indeed gone bad.
Wet and Moldy
This is the result of moisture entering the container or jar. Wet pepper provides a conducive environment for mold and bacteria to grow. You must throw away the paper immediately if it is wet or moldy.
Loss of Flavor and Potency
The expired or old bag of pepper may already have declined in flavor and heat. However, it may not be bad. But – if it is too dull and has no heat left whatsoever, you must discard it.
Foul Smell
The biggest sign of bad pepper is the sour smell. Your black pepper is no longer edible if it has a rancid odor.
Discoloration
Another good indication of bad pepper is discoloration. You must not use black pepper if it has lost its natural color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is black pepper good for you?
Black pepper has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties thanks to piperine, a substance it contains. It can also help you manage your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It also improves your gut and brain health according to some studies.
Are black peppers spicy?
It depends on the person using them. It is quite spic for some people while others consider it bland. Black pepper derives its heat from piperine. Generally, it mildly enhances the flavor of your food.
Can you eat raw black peppers?
Some people consider it odd to eat raw black peppers. However, some people opine that eating raw black pepper is good for digestion but it is up for debate.
Final Thoughts
Every kitchen has a packet of black pepper laying somewhere. It is an important ingredient for the majority of dishes you can of. It does not necessarily go bad but you need to take necessary precautions to ensure it never goes bad. Similarly, you can use it well beyond its expiry date but it is better to check if it is still edible or not.