Coconut milk can potentially turn bad especially if not stored correctly.
But how to tell if coconut milk is bad?
There can be a number of indicators spoiled coconut milk has. In this post, I will share some of the most important ones.
The following are some of the indicators you can see on coconut milk that has turned bad.
1. Appearance
The appearance is not a sure way to know if coconut milk has gone bad but it can give you some clues.
Coconut milk should be white to light yellow or cream in color, before opening.
When coconut milk turns dark brown or gray color, then it is highly likely that it is spoiled.
Coconut milk that has gone bad also has a sour smell. It generally smells like coconut and nothing else.
If it starts smelling differently or stale, chances are that it has turned bad.
Coconut milk that is bad often floats to the top of the liquid. It tends to curdle when it is spoilt.
2. Smell
Coconut milk should smell slightly sweet when fresh. When it is spoiled, it tends to have an off smell.
In most cases, coconut milk smells sour if it has gone bad. You can easily tell the difference between fresh and spoiled coconut milk it terms of smell.
When coconut milk has a sour smell, it will not be safe to use for recipes. It is better to discard it than use it in your recipes.
Can you use expired canned coconut milk?
In some cases, expired canned coconut milk can still be used.
However, if it has been opened, it should be discarded if its taste or smell is different from before.
Coconut milk cannot be safely used after the expiration date stated on the packaging.
If it has been stored in poor conditions, it can go bad pretty quickly making it unsuitable for use.
Coconut milk contains a lot of fat, which means it is likely to become rancid if not stored properly.
Coconut milk should be used in less than two months after opening. However, it will last for longer and stay fresh only if it is frozen.
How long does coconut milk last out of the fridge?
When out of the fridge, coconut milk can only last for up to two hours.
It should be discarded if it is left out for more than two hours.
It should be stored inside the refrigerator, away from heat and moisture.
Coconut milk can stay fresh for 2-3 days when refrigerated correctly.
It can also go bad if exposed to humidity and temperature higher than room temperature.
Coconut milk can quickly go bad if it is not stored properly.
How long does coconut milk last before going bad?
Coconut milk lasts for around three days when stored in the fridge.
It is highly perishable and can go bad within a day if it is not stored properly.
Coconut milk can go bad if the carton it came in has been opened for more than a day.
It left out in the open, it can easily become spoiled.
Can canned coconut milk go bad?
Canned coconut milk can go bad if not stored properly.
Coconut milk packed in cans is usually sterilized, but exposure to humidity can cause it to become rancid.
Canned coconut milk has a shelf life of around 24-36 months when it is canned and sterilized. Normally, coconut milk cans are sealed tightly in order to retain their quality.
When coconut milk has been opened or not packed in a sterilized can, it should be discarded if it shows signs of spoilage.
Canned coconut milk should be stored in a cool and dry place.
Coconut milk that has gone bad should not be consumed.
How to tell if canned coconut milk is bad?
Canned coconut milk may show many signs when turned bad. If canned coconut milk has leaks or rust, it will not be safe to use.
Coconut milk that has gone bad will also have a sour or acidic smell. It is also thicker than usual.
Coconut milk that has gone bad will also be darker in color than usual.
Spoiled coconut milk is likely to have a different texture and may have a strange taste.
When you notice some of these signs of spoilage, coconut milk should be discarded immediately.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, coconut milk may show many signs of spoilage when it gets bad.
Coconut milk can go bad very quickly if it is exposed to temperature or humidity.
It is important to consume coconut milk before its expiration date.
Coconut milk should be discarded if it has a sour or acidic smell, thicker texture, and strange taste.
I hope this helps you determine the quality of coconut milk.
Thank you for reading.
