If you’re anything like me, then you love muffins. It doesn’t matter if it’s chocolate, fruity, or a breakfast muffin. I want them all! But a muffin that is growing mold, has an off scent, taste, or appearance, or has been left out too long is not a muffin you want to eat.
Hello! And welcome to my informative page about muffin freshness. My name is Michelle, and as I’ve already stated, I love muffins. But I have had the (sad) situation where my muffins have gone bad. Have you? Maybe you don’t know how to tell if a muffin is bad. Oh, no!
If you are wondering whether or not your sweet treat went sour, you’ve come to the right place. Yes, muffins go bad, and this article will teach you how to tell if your beloved muffins have finally boned beyond their maximum potential.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
How to Tell if Muffin is Bad
So you just made a fresh batch of muffins a few days ago. Yum! You spent days indulging in fluffy treats and enjoyed every second of it. However, it’s been a couple of days, and you’re a bit unsure whether or not the muffin is still good or not. How can you tell?
Well, there are a few ways to tell if your muffins have gone bad.
The Muffin is Growing Mold
Here is a clear indicator that your muffins need to be tossed: they are growing mold. Trust me; you don’t want to eat a moldy muffin. Not only is that not exactly the healthiest thing globally, but it isn’t appealing whatsoever. Furry, moldy muffin, anyone?
How can you tell if a muffin is growing mold? It’s pretty simple, really. The muffin will have a furry appearance. This fur will likely start off as bright white but will begin to grow green twinges throughout.
If you see mold, say sayonara to your baked goods.
The Taste is Off
Sometimes the best thing to do is the good, old-fashioned taste test. This should obviously be avoided if you see mold. However, if your muffins have only been sitting out for a few days or have been in the freezer, then a taste test might be exactly what you need to do.
Take a bite out of your muffin. Does it taste fluffy and fresh? Then you’re good to go. Taste a little off? Strap on your apron and bake a fresh batch. Try some different and new flavors this time around!
They Don’t Look Right
An odd appearance does not always equate to mold. However, the discoloration can be an indicator that mold might be starting to grow. Give your muffin a good visual inspection before tossing it into your mouth.
It Smells Odd
Smell a delicious, freshly baked muffin. There’s nothing quite like it! Now smell your muffin. Does it smell like it’s fresh and ready for consumption? Or does it smell like it would be better suited for the dumpster? Use your judgment.
The Muffins are Dried Out
When you hear the word muffin, you likely think of a light, fluffy, and airy baked treat that’s soft in your fingertips and crumbles a bit when you take a bite. Now, feel the texture of your muffin. Is it still soft and delicious? Or is it denser and dried out?
While a dry muffin doesn’t exactly mean it’s bad, per se, it doesn’t mean it’s at its peak of freshness, either. A dry muffin is on its way out. And who wants to dive into a dried-out muffin? No, thanks!
Freezer Burn
I will tell you this: muffin longevity is extended extensively when stored in the freezer. For example, muffins on the countertop last two to seven days, while those in the freezer last three to six months.
Does that mean your muffins will last forever in the freezer? Nope. As I said, most muffins last three to six months. You might not have to worry about mold, but you will have to worry about freezer burn at some point.
Inspect your muffin for signs of freezer burn. If you see a freezer burn, discard the whole batch and start from scratch.
FAQs
Still wondering about how to tell if a muffin is bad or not? I’ve looked through lots of questions to find the most frequently asked. Keep reading to find out the answers!
How long before the muffin goes bad?
Muffins on the countertop will typically last two to seven days, depending on the ingredients. They should not be stored in the refrigerator unless it’s a savory muffin with meats, cheese, etc. In the freezer, muffins can last three to six months when stored properly.
Do muffins get moldy?
Unfortunately, yes, muffins can get moldy. This is especially true when they are placed on the countertop during warmer months or in areas with high humidity. The best way to avoid muffin mold is to eat within a few days or store it in the freezer.
How long do muffins last after sell-by date?
Bought store-bought muffins? Typically, muffins from the store will last anywhere from five to seven days after the sell-by date. Of course, you can use the handy tricks above to see whether or not your muffins have gone bad!
Should muffins be stored in the fridge?
Although it might seem like a good idea to store muffins in the fridge, this should be avoided at all costs. Muffins in the fridge will end up drying out at a rapid pace, which changes the texture and flavor. Do you want dried-out muffins? Nope! Me either.
Final Thoughts
Muffins are meant to be enjoyed when they are fresh with a gorgeous texture and flavor. However, they don’t last forever. If your muffin is molding, looks odd and discolored, has an off-taste, or simply smells funky, it’s best to discard it – they’ve gone bad!
How do you tell whether or not your muffins have gone bad? Share tips below!
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