How Long Is Tahini Good For Once Opened?

Whether you store tahini in the refrigerator or on your kitchen shelf, an unopened jar of this creamy condiment has a shelf life of two or more years, assuming it's been stored in an airtight container. Once the jar is opened, the sesame butter can be good from three weeks to up to a year, though always check for signs of spoilage like color changes or a weird smell. 

For the best flavor, however, you should consume it by the manufacturer's use-by date on the label. If your unopened jar is kept beyond the "best by" date, the tahini may become thicker and possibly stiff due to moisture loss. As long as it hasn't been exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures (think sitting around on your counter during a terribly hot summer day), it may still be safe to eat. 

With that in mind, know that tahini can go bad. When the seed paste comes into contact with moisture, the tahini can get contaminated by illness-causing bacteria. High temperatures can also cause it to spoil and the oils to go rancid. If you're ever in doubt, discard questionable tahini.

Why does tahini have such a long shelf life? The oil in tahini functions as a natural preservative, but those same seed oils can become rancid if conditions aren't quite right. To be on the safe side, always check the freshness before using a jar of tahini by using your eyes and giving it a whiff. Spoiled sesame paste will have a sour odor or taste. Of course, if you spot any signs of mold or other odd colors, it's time to toss the tahini.

Naturally, the key is to use up the tahini before it spoils. Although tahini is a main component of a good hummus (assuming you're also careful to avoid some common hummus making mistakes), there are some surprising uses for the sesame paste. Make a tasty vegetable or pasta salad (paying attention to noodle shape for the best results) and drizzle with a lemon-tahini dressing. While you're at it, consider preparing a zesty tuna salad sandwich by swapping out the mayonnaise with tahini.