How Long Can Yogurt Sit Out: Keep It Fresh And Tasty!
Yogurt is a delicious and tasty treat that is present in many homes, especially for weight watchers. It is asserted that it delivers a wide array of digestive benefits, among others. It is also versatile as you can use it in many ways, including as a main ingredient for a refreshing smoothie or as a flavorful dip.
There are some instances wherein we unintentionally leave yogurt unrefrigerated. This is when we begin to ask – how long can yogurt sit out? If in case you are wondering about the answer, read on. As a bonus, we’ll also discuss some of the best ways to use yogurt so that you won’t have to leave it untouched.
How Long Can Yogurt Sit Out
There is no simple answer to such a question as there are certain variables that should be taken into account. For instance, this will depend on the room temperature. As per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, if it has been left sitting at room temperature that is 41 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you should throw it away past two hours.
Meanwhile, provided that the room temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, see to it that yogurt will be eaten in an hour. Otherwise, discard it. As it is already too hot, this can encourage the growth of microbes, which will eventually lead to contamination.
How To Know If Yogurt Has Gone Bad
It is not enough that you are aware of how long yogurt can sit out. What if you did not know when you left it there? How can you count the hours that it has been sitting at room temperature? With this, it is also critical that you know the basics of determining whether it has already gone off or if it is still safe for consumption.
Start by having a quick visual inspection of the yogurt. There is no need to be a genius to spot possible signs of spoilage. If it has changed in color, this is a sign it is not safe to eat. The same thing is true when you see that there are fuzzy spots on the top, which are usually brown or green.
Pay attention as well to the consistency of the yogurt. You can use a clean spoon to give it a quick spin and scoop out a small amount. If it is too runny like water, this is also an indication that it has already gone bad.
Smelling the yogurt is another thing you must do. This is not going to be easy since it naturally has a sour smell. If it is too rancid, throw it.
What Happens If You Eat Expired Yogurt
It is an exaggeration to say that you will die after eating yogurt that has been sitting for a time longer than prescribed. However, there are problems that could happen, which is why you should pay attention to the freshness of your yogurt.
Having loose and excessive stool is one thing that could happen, which results from a foodborne illness. This, in turn, can be blamed to improper handling as you have allowed the yogurt to be unrefrigerated beyond the allowed duration.
Some people may also suffer from abdominal cramps. This, however, is not one thing that will be apparent right after eating yogurt that has gone off. The symptoms can be delayed by up to a few hours, and in some cases, even several days.
You might also end up vomiting after eating the expired yogurt. If you have been vomiting too much and if this is already resulting in weakness, you should go and see a medical professional. This could be a case of food poisoning.
What Are The Ways To Use Yogurt
For a lot of people, they leave yogurt sitting out because they already had too much of it and cannot consume all in one sitting. In this case, there are some creative ways to use yogurt to make it a more flavorful treat and to avoid it from going off.
One thing that you can do is to use it as a healthier replacement for mayonnaise. It will make a good choice for a dip or even as a flavoring for your sandwich.
It will also be ideal for a marinade. It contains enzymes that will not only add flavor to your meat, but will also help in tenderizing.
You can also make your own yogurt sauce, which will be perfect for French Fries and even for barbeques. All you need is to mix yogurt, pepper, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir and refrigerate.
Want something simpler? Why not try a yogurt smoothie? You can mix it with almost any fruit that you can find at home. Throw in some ice and milk. Enjoy a creamy blended drink that is not only delicious, but also healthy.
Conclusion
In this post, we hope that we have already answered your question about how long can yogurt sit out? Below is a brief summary of the important points we have earlier made in this post:
- Yogurt can sit out for two hours given that the temperature is anywhere from 41 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, you can leave it for only an hour if the temperature goes above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pay attention to the different signs that yogurt has already spoiled. Any changes in color and smell will be common indicators. Also, it will also not be as consistent or it can appear watery.
- Eating expired yogurt will result in a number of health problems, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.
- Aside from using yogurt on its own, you can use it for a smoothie, marinade, dip, or sauce, among others. Be creative in using yogurt rather than leaving it untouched at room temperature.
Did you learn anything from this article? Is there any insight you want to share? Do not hesitate to write in the comment section.