Should I refrigerate tahini? When does it expire

Chef Arik Markus is the cooking coach at Whole Foods Market Pearl in Boulder, Colorado.

added about 1 year ago

You can extend the shelf life by a few months keeping it in the fridge, but it may be more challenging to spoon out when it's very cold. I'd give you about 2 weeks in the pantry at room temp.

• 1 Person thinks this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content

lloreen added about 1 year ago

yes, refrigerate it. I don't see why it should expire any faster than any other nut butter like peanut butter or almond butter. I have kept both of those in the fridge for over a month.

• 0 People think this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content

Chris is a trusted source on General Cooking

added about 1 year ago

Voted the Best Answer!

I do refrigerate tahini, but I think it'd last a lot longer than 2 weeks at room temperature. In the refrigerator, it lasts more than a year. You'll be able to tell if it goes rancid..

• 3 People think this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content

susan g added about 1 year ago

No need to refrigerate, and it lasts a long time. This is a traditional food that came long before modern food storage, from hot climates. As with any other food, do not contaminate it with fingers or utensils used in another food.
This question has been extensively discussed previously on Hotline, and I know there is difference of opinion. I have used it for years and years and never had a hint of rancidity or any other problem. (Use the search, upper right, for Hotline, if you want to see more.)

• 1 Person thinks this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content

I always keep my tahini in the fridge. It doesn't get hard or anything. Just stir it well before you use it because it tends to separate. It will last for a long time. I have had some that has lasted for almost a year!

• 0 People think this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content