There’s no savory spread like hummus. This Middle Eastern dish with subtle reminiscence of a lemon-garlic blend is always one to savor. Capped off with an appetizing brown hue of whole/mashed chickpeas, usually veggie-studded, you’re not alone if you’ve made or bought excess.
It compels you to exploit multiple storage options, but one keeps lingering with doubts about its possibility. Can you freeze hummus?
Short answer: Luckily, yes, you can. It’s a very efficient preservation method, especially when you need your hummus to last for months.
Continue reading to discover every essential detail about freezing hummus in this order:
What Is Hummus?
Hummus is a savory dish, dip, or spread most popular in the Middle East. It can be homemade or commercially bought. Hummus’s most prevalent ingredients include garlic and lemon juice.
Cooked, whole, or mashed chicken peas blended with tahini, a ground-sesame condiment, are equally indispensable.
Despite multiple theories, there isn’t much evidence linking hummus’s discovery to the West Asians.
Ancient records support the Egyptians and Levants as its founders.
Historically, the earliest known recipes are in Arabic cookbooks in Cairo. Egyptian cooks combined garlic, lemon, sesame, and chickpeas for whole meals over the centuries. It commenced in the 13th century.
Fun Fact: Nowadays, chefs employ multiple garnishes for hummus. Tahini, cucumber, olives, pine nuts, pickles, chopped tomato, parsley, and caramelized onions are just a few. It is also served as a dip with flatbread, appetizer, snack, or spread.
Nutritional value of hummus
Hummus is as nutritious as it’s tasty. Its health benefits depend on the constituent ingredients as multiple variants exist.
Chickpeas contain substantial protein, dietary fiber, and vitamin B6. Heart health is improved by lemon.
Also, garlic has anti-cancer properties. And tahini helps lower body inflammation.
Conventionally, hummus protein content is about 10%, fat content 14%, carbohydrates 17%, and water 65%.
Can You Freeze Hummus?
Yes. You can freeze hummus, as earlier responded. The hummus’s molecules are considerably immobilized when placed in a freezer at a steady 0° F.
Furthermore, the slowed motion rate averts the growth of microorganisms that drive spoilage.
Good To Know: Microbes initially present like molds, bacteria, or yeasts are deactivated by the low & unfavorable temperature. Hence, the hummus remains safe.
How Long Can You Keep Hummus Frozen?
Generally, it’s best to keep homemade humus frozen for six months at most.
It will last beyond then, but after the 8th month, its quality decline becomes more evident. Moreover, ensure they are in proper airtight containers.
An opened commercially-canned hummus will also last as long. Also, ensure the containers are airtight at a steady 0° F.
Commonly, frozen, unopened commercially-canned hummus will last indefinitely. Its expiration date printed on its body is more of a “best by” date. It can last longer.
Note: Freezing it will extend this "best by" by four months. It will still be edible beyond then but at lower quality.
How To Freeze Hummus?
1. Homemade hummus
Follow these steps to freeze homemade hummus appropriately:
- First, scrape the hummus into airtight containers. Avoid using glass jars or plastic bags.
- Second, allow room (around an inch) for the hummus to expand. If filled to the top, frozen hummus may lift the lid off due to the water content.
- Then, after portioning the hummus in batches, label them conspicuously. Also include their dates.
- Lastly, arrange them in the freezer away from strongly-flavored foods like meat and fish.
Follow the same steps for opened store-bought hummus.
Tip: You can pour olive oil over the hummus to prevent drying out. It will help retain its moisture.
2. Sealed store-bought hummus:
- First of all, don’t tamper with the factory seal! Ensure there are airtight with no holes.
- Always label each container with dates.
- Then put them in the main freezer body. Confirm that there aren’t foods around with a strong odor.
Don’t forget to guarantee the temperature is steady at 0° F. Your hummus is at stake.
How To Defrost Hummus?
There are three methods to defrost hummus. Look into them below to find the one most convenient:
1. Fridge transfer method
This method ensures the most evenly thawed hummus.
Basically, just transfer the hummus to a refrigerator for about 24 hours and remove it to warm.
We most recommend this technique as the hummus would retain its natural texture and flavor.
2. Microwave method
To thaw frozen hummus rather quickly, employ a microwave.
Furthermore, regulate it to work for 10 to 20 seconds per session. The end product may be uneven.
3. Water method
Immerse the hummus containers in a water-filled bowl and wait while it defrosts.
Continually change the water if it gets colder due to the temperature difference.
This method should take about 30 to 40 minutes.
Stir the hummus with a spoon if the texture isn’t even enough.
Also, remember that the larger the quality, the longer it’ll take hummus to thaw.
Can You Refreeze Hummus?
Yes, you can refreeze hummus. But you might not want to. Freezing hummus already affects its moisture and texture for the slightly worse. Refreezing compromises the hummus much more.
Besides, it won’t extend its foreseen high-quality time frame. It remains six months from the first time you initially froze it.
To refreeze more hummus portion, follow the steps about to freeze it above.
Does Freezing Affect The Quality Of Hummus?
Of course. You should be ready to pay the price for freezing your hummus, quality-wise. Its flavor, texture, and possibly color can change during freezing.
Because of this, we recommend that you don’t let your homemade hummus spend beyond six months frozen.
It will still be safe to eat a few months later, but not at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does homemade hummus freeze well?
Yes. If you take the proper steps to freeze hummus, it should last for approximately six to eight months.
Typically, plain homemade hummus has proven to freeze better than flavored ones with ingredients like red peppers or garlic.
On the other hand, commercially-bought hummus may freeze better than homemade ones because of the additional preservatives. They protect it from the effects of freezing and thawing.
2. Is hummus actually healthy?
Depending on the ingredients used, some hummus variants are healthier than others. Hummus containing garlic will help cancer patients and help the body fight parasites.
Some with tahini provide the body with anti-oxidants. And others with lemon juice will improve the digestive system.
Hummus containing all three ingredients will have all listed health benefits. So, yes, hummus is actually very healthy.
3. How do you tell if hummus has gone bad?
You can tell if your hummus has spoilt by o appearance, smell, or taste. The growth of microbes causes these changes.
If a store-bought hummus container is bloated or unsealed, consider discarding it. And if you feel your hummus has been stored longer than recommended, scrutinize it first.
Final Thoughts
Can you freeze hummus? Yes, It’s possible to freeze hummus to keep it consumable for weeks to months. It will retain its highest quality for six months which will deteriorate gradually over time.
Ensure the hummus placed are in airtight containers. And the temperature is steady at 0° F.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, please play safe by disposing of it.
