Custard
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Enjoy your creamy, delicious custard for as long as possible by following these expert storage tips. Proper refrigeration is key to maintaining its delightful texture and preventing spoilage, ensuring every spoonful is as good as the first.
Storage Time
Homemade custard typically lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Commercially prepared, unopened custard can last until the 'best by' date, and once opened, it should be consumed within 3–5 days.
Temperature
Always keep custard refrigerated at or below 4°C (40°F) to inhibit bacterial growth and maintain optimal freshness.
Freezing
Custard can be frozen, but its texture may change upon thawing, becoming slightly grainy or watery. To freeze, portion the custard into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Stirring vigorously after thawing can help to re-emulsify it, but it may not return to its original smooth consistency. It's best suited for use in baked goods or as a filling after freezing.
Signs of Spoilage
- A sour or off smell, distinct from its usual sweet aroma.
- Visible mold growth, which can appear as fuzzy patches of various colors.
- A slimy or curdled texture, indicating that the dairy components have separated and spoiled.
