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How Long Does Miso Paste Last

How Long Does Miso Paste Last? Answered

Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Shari Mason

Miso, known for its rich umami taste, is a notable aspect of Japanese cooking. Although commonly misconceived as a standalone dish, Miso actually adds depth and intricacy to various meals.

However, miso is vulnerable to spoilage because of environmental and storage circumstances. 

So, how long does miso last? Let’s find out.

How Long Will Miso Paste Last?

miso paste on a white bowl

Miso paste could last up to one year if unopened and stored in the fridge. If there’s an expiration date, it should last from its printed date plus six months.

It is also known as soybean paste, a fermented food product with high salt content. It can be stored for a long time at low temperatures. 

An opened miso could last up to a few months if properly covered and stored in the fridge. 

You can store unopened miso in a dark place, but the refrigerated section is best to maintain its good quality.

Factors To Consider 

Opened 

An opened miso or soybean paste jar could keep its quality for around three months if stored at low temperatures. This is because the fermentation process of paste is still ongoing.

Read: Substitute For Soy Paste

Unopened

An unopened jar of miso could last a year from its manufacturing date. It can be stored for an extended time without ruining the taste.

If kept in a refrigerator, miso does not go bad. The miso flavor should maintain a consistency similar to when it was first made.

Read: How Long Does Reddi Whip Last After Opening?

Storage

top view of miso paste on a jar

Fridge

Miso is a fermented product that can last up to a year if stored in the fridge. It will not go bad because cool temperatures don’t kill the probiotics used in fermented paste.

Regarding the quality of the soup taste, these fermented soybeans should remain consistent for up to one year.

Read: How Long Do Scrambled Eggs Last In The Fridge?

Pantry 

An unopened paste could last in the pantry for up to 1 year or best by date + 3 to 6 months. 

Opened miso stored in the pantry at room temperature can only last for several hours, between 2 and 6 hours. 

How To Properly Store Miso

The best way to store miso paste is inside the refrigerator. Cool storage is a great environment that allows the paste to keep its color and salty taste for a longer time frame.

If you wish, you can store it in a dry, cool pantry until it is opened. After opening, store it in the refrigerator to keep the color and flavor fresh for a long time.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”

– James Beard, American Chef

You don’t have to put it in the freezer, but you can. Keep the paste away from all heat sources.

Also Read:

How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad

Molds

Miso paste goes bad in a warm environment. If there are molds that have developed around the surface of the miso, it is already spoiled.

If you notice a greenish-black discoloration on your miso paste, it indicates that it is already spoiled. 

Discoloration

Bad miso turns darker from its fresh-looking colors (white, yellow, red, and brown). [1

Discoloration occurs in warmer storage, so you better keep miso at a low temperature if you’re not planning to cook it yet.

Smell

A good sniff could tell if fresh miso has gone bad. If the miso starts to smell like strong ammonia or fishy and very unpleasant, it has gone bad and is not safe to eat. [2

FAQs

u003cstrongu003eCan you freeze miso paste?u003c/strongu003e

Yes, you can freeze miso. But refrigeration is preferable. When freezing, use an ice tray to ensure distinct amounts for thawing.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eYou’ll have to chip or scoop it out using a clean spoon or clean utensils instead of a block. It is not recommended to freeze and refreeze miso.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAlways use clean spoons when scooping miso to prevent cross-contamination.

u003cstrongu003eDo you refrigerate miso after opening?u003c/strongu003e

Yes, miso should be refrigerated to keep its best quality and prolong its shelf-life.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eCover it thoroughly so it’s sealed, then place another plastic wrap beneath the lid, directly over the paste.u003cbru003e u003cbru003eThe extra plastic wrap will keep the residual paste from oxidizing and microbial contamination.

u003cstrongu003eWill expired miso make you sick?u003c/strongu003e

Yes, eating expired miso soup can make you sick. Therefore, it’s best to carefully learn how to store or handle it to avoid this awful scenario.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eBefore you add miso paste to your recipes or make a bowl of miso soup with tofu and soy sauce, look for spoilage signs to see if your miso is harmful.

u003cstrongu003eWhat should miso smell like?u003c/strongu003e

Fresh miso should smell like clean and fresh because of its ethyl alcohol and salt content used to ferment it. You should not consider eating it if it doesn’t smell like this.

Key Takeaways

Miso is a perishable product that lasts up to 6 months past its printed date. Its shelf-life and taste prolong if stored in a refrigerator because cool temperatures don’t kill good bacteria.

Miso is a preservative food used to make vegetable dishes with miso soup and tabasco sauce. Because of its high salt content, it could last longer than other food. 

However, it must also be refrigerated once opened to maintain its quality and taste. You can find miso in Asian grocery stores or local wet markets in your city.

References:

1.   https://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/article/know-your-miso 

2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/miso

Shari Mason

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