While deciding whether or not it is worth it to buy horseradish because you’re unsure about its shelf life, and if you only eat them once in a while, you just came to the right page!
Short answer: Yes, fresh or processed horseradish kept in the wrong storage condition will eventually go bad. Even if you have stored it in the best conditions or it seems safe for consumption, you should be aware that it will gradually lose its distinct pungent flavor.
Right now, you might have some of these questions that are bugging you about horseradish:
In this article, we will give you helpful information about shelf life, spoilage, and proper storage of horseradish. Let’s dive in to find out!
What is Horseradish?
Horseradish is a white edible root vegetable of the mustard family. It is widely used as a condiment, a spice, or as a medicine.  (*)
The name of the root may sound funny, but horseradish is quite known for its fiery pungent flavor. To spice up your meals, you can purchase fresh horseradish root or the ready-made horseradish sauce from the market.
Many people would love to use horseradish to give a kick of spiciness to their food. It is commonly used in sauces or marinades for meat and vegetable dishes.
If you have a fresh horseradish or a creamy horseradish sauce, it is best to have it as a condiment for your steak or prime rib.
How Long Does Horseradish Last?
- Fresh Horseradish Roots
Your fresh horseradish roots can last from four to six weeks if it is properly kept in the refrigerator. However, the storage period in the fridge may depend on the freshness by the time you buy it.
If you want to keep them in the fridge to maximize the shelf life, make sure you pick the freshest roots in the market.
On the other hand, horseradish roots kept at room temperature or in the pantry will only last for a few days.
- Frozen Horseradish Roots
Frozen horseradish can last up to 6 months in the freezer. However, if you keep it for a longer time in the freezer, it will gradually lose its quality, aroma, and flavor.
- Horseradish sauce
An unopened horseradish sauce can last up to 3 to 4 months. Once you have opened a jar, it can stay in the pantry for 4 to 8 weeks.
We advise that you should not dip any food right into the container. That way, you can preserve its quality better and prevent cross-contamination.
Just use a clean spoon to scoop out the amount of horseradish sauce you need for your dish.
- Homemade horseradish sauce
If you made yourself some horseradish sauce at home, it could last for 3 to 4 weeks if you store it under refrigerated conditions.
- Frozen horseradish sauce
Frozen horseradish sauce can hold its best for 3 to 4 months. You may keep it for a more extended period but expect that the flavor won’t be as intense as it should be.
How Can You Tell if Horseradish Is Bad?
Note that horseradish roots can rot in a few days if you don’t store them in a suitable condition.
- Fresh Horseradish Root
Note that these are the characteristics of a fresh and high-quality horseradish root:
- Firm to touch
- Clean and free from black spots or mold
- Has a creamy white flesh when peeled or sliced
- Has no repulsive smell
- No discoloration
Avoid the sprouted ones as they will go bad quickly in the storage.
Once your horseradish gets mushy and soft, that’s already a sign of spoilage.
The roots will also turn dark or brownish when exposed to heat and moisture for a certain amount of time. Do not use that as well.
- Horseradish Sauce
Whether it is a store-bought or homemade horseradish sauce, you have to check for its appearance, aroma, and flavor to see if it has already gone bad.
If you notice discoloration in its content, it is best not to use it anymore. As it darkens, it also loses its pungency.
If ever your horseradish sauce looks okay, give it a sniff. If it smells off, that should be a sign for you to discard it.
If your horseradish smells and looks fine, scoop out a tiny amount of it and taste it. If the taste is spoiled and unpleasant, just throw it away.
How to Store Horseradish
Whether you will use the roots or the sauce, you must know how to store it properly to extend its shelf life.
Let’s discuss one-by-one on how you can store these different market forms of horseradish:
Fresh Horseradish Roots Storage
To avoid spoilage and discoloration, the ideal storage condition for horseradish roots is in a cool and dark place.
The pantry
Although the pantry is not the best storage area for your horseradish roots, you can still keep them there as long as you have planned to use the horseradish roots within a few days.
The refrigerator
Refrigeration can further extend the shelf life of your horseradish roots. If you’re after to savor its fullest flavor, you’ll have to use it within a week or two.
Keep your horseradish in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator and make sure that it is totally dry. Your horseradish roots can retain their freshness for a little longer compared to storing it in the pantry.
Horseradish Sauce Storage Tips
The pantry
Horseradish sauce usually comes in jars. You can keep your unopened horseradish in a cool, dark place like the pantry.
The refrigerator
You can also store your horseradish sauce in the refrigerator. To retain the potency and flavor of your horseradish sauce, don’t forget to cover the jar tightly before putting it in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Horseradish is a great ingredient to spice up your sauces and marinades.
So, can Horseradish go bad, how long does it last?
If you only use it once in a while, you will only need to buy as much as you need. Or, just scoop out the amount you will only use for the day and keep the rest in the storage.
Horseradish can last for a more extended period if you refrigerate or freeze it.
If you suspect any signs of spoilage coming off from your horseradish, it is best to just throw it away.
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