Mayonnaise is a food product that goes with both sweet and savory dishes. It spoils easily because of the egg yolk, which is the main ingredient in its creamy consistency.
Egg yolk spoils quickly when left at room temperature. Commercial mayonnaise makers have found a way to slow this process down with pasteurization.
The process kills any harmful bacteria that might develop and allows the mayonnaise to last longer before it expires.
Once you open a jar of mayonnaise, the clock starts ticking. That's why it's important to know how much time there is until it expires.
Experts recommend keeping mayonnaise in your refrigerator after opening it. An opened jar of Hellmann's Mayonnaise remains in good quality for 2-3 months when properly refrigerated. The low temperature of the refrigerator slows the rate at which bacteria develop in the mayonnaise, extending its shelf life.
Once you open a jar of mayo, it only has a shelf life of about 8 hours if not refrigerated. So if you accidentally left it at room temperature overnight, it won't do you any good in the morning.
Homemade mayonnaise can only last a week in the refrigerator. When this time passes, throw it away because there is an increased risk of the bacteria salmonella developing in the egg yolk. Commercial producers pasteurize eggs to prevent this, but the eggs you have at home may not have been pasteurized.
An unopened jar of store-bought mayonnaise can be stored in your pantry as it does not require refrigeration. Keeping it in the fridge is also a good option because the cold temperatures will extend its shelf life.
See also some delicious ideas with mayonnaise:
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