several health benefits<\/a>! Not only are grits refreshing, but they are also rich in iron, vitamin B, and powerful antioxidants.<\/p>\nSo that’s it? No, we are just getting started with the list! Grits are made from crushed corn and thus contain various minerals, Vitamin E, Potassium, etc.<\/p>\n
However, if you purchase a regular pack of grits, then it may contain fewer vitamins. This is because the nutritional parts of whole corn kernels, such as germ and pericarp, get removed during its processing.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nBesides, the stone-ground version of grits comprises several vital vitamins and minerals missing in other packs. Also, the processed variety of grits contains less fiber than stone-ground ones.<\/p>\n
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How Long Does Grit Last?<\/strong><\/h2>\nGrits are available in different variations, such as:<\/p>\n
\n- Hominy<\/li>\n
- Stone-ground<\/li>\n
- Quick and regular<\/li>\n
- Instant pack<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
All of them are produced from ground corn but vary in nutrients. Generally, the shelf life of grits is considered to be around a year which is sufficient enough to consume them.<\/p>\n
But they can get spoiled if not stored in a suitable space; let’s discuss this in more detail.<\/p>\n
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Packaged Grits<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhen you purchase grits, you will see a best-before or use-by date mentioned at the back of the packet. Generally, storing the grits pack at room temperature will last for about a year.<\/p>\n
However, once their best-by date passes, they are still safe to eat but only for a limited period. Look for signs of spoilage after the expiration date has passed to ensure you do not consume contaminated food.<\/p>\n
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Author’s Note:<\/strong> The date markings indicate their nutritional value, and taste will start changing from the given time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Opened Grits<\/strong><\/h3>\nAs soon as you open a grit packet, they become susceptible to becoming stale due to moisture and storage conditions. This is why it’s highly suggested to ensure grits remain fresh and keep them in a cool and dry place.<\/p>\n
Opened grit packages also last for around a year, but you can extend their shelf life by freezing. Impressively, by doing so, grits can be edible for 2 to 5 years!<\/strong><\/p>\nI have written about their preservation methods in-depth below.<\/p>\n
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Homemade Grits<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"homemade-grits\"](\"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/homemade-grits.jpg\")
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Although cooked grits taste fantastic, they, unfortunately, do not last long. This is because they lack preservatives. Typically, homemade grits are edible for 5-7 days in the pantry but may get spoiled.<\/p>\n
So, it’s recommended to keep them in the refrigerator for the same time frame; nonetheless, the taste and consistency of it will change.<\/p>\n
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How to Tell If Your Grit Has Gone Bad?<\/strong><\/h2>\nTo determine if uncooked or cooked grits have been spoiled, it’s best to check it by your senses! It may sound weird, but they are reliable in identifying perished food.<\/p>\n
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Appearance<\/strong><\/h3>\nOne of the first steps is to assess its appearance and texture. Dry grits are edible for approximately a year when stored ideally; afterward, they could get moldy.<\/p>\n
If you see whitish, yellow, or green layers on the packet, it has been spoiled, so dispose of them immediately.<\/p>\n
If you see that the water has been separated from the ingredients in the cooked grits, then chances are they have gone bad.<\/p>\n
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Smell<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"smell\"](\"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/smell-1.jpg\")
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Next, you should smell the dry or prepared grits. If you notice a stinky or weird scent, it indicates the grits are no longer safe to consume. Sometimes the smell can be mild and tough to make, so you can cross-check it by tasting them.<\/p>\n
Usually, grits have hints of oil, due to which they can go rancid and smell rotten.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Taste<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you are still unsure whether the grits have perished or not, take a tiny bite of it. Stale grits will taste sour or bitter. However, do not take big bites of suspicious food since they could be contaminated and cause health hazards.<\/p>\n
Author’s Note: <\/strong>If your dry grits do not bake as they did before, they have likely gone bad.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
What Happens If You Eat Expired Grit?<\/strong><\/h2>\nAn expiry date only states that the taste and consistency of the ingredients will change from the given date. So, there is no major problem if you eat expired grits. However, it’s safe only for a limited period since they are more prone to go bad.<\/p>\n
In short, yes, you can munch on your favorite grits, but their quality will not be the same as it was.<\/p>\n
Warning:<\/strong> Expired food quality deteriorates significantly with time, and they will taste different than before.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Can You Freeze Grits? Refrigerated vs. Shelf-Stable Grits?<\/strong><\/h2>\nNow, let’s learn if you can store these in the fridge or pantry.<\/p>\n
![\"freezer\"](\"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/freezer-1-1.jpg\")
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Instant Grits<\/strong><\/h3>\nThis version of grits is a processed one that is pre-cooked and dehydrated. You can choose to keep them in the pantry or freezer. It depends on your storage area and preference.<\/p>\n
Ideally, a cool and dry cupboard is suitable for the grit to reserve their consistency and flavor. Take a plastic bag or container and place the grit after it has been cooled so that they do not release steam.<\/p>\n
If they do so, then it will increase the chance of mold formation and ultimately spoil the grit. Ensure that the cabinet is not near an external heat source like a stove or fridge since its exposure can create moisture to develop within the packet. <\/strong><\/p>\nIf you want your grits to last upto 5 years, you have to freeze them.<\/p>\n
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![\"grits\"](\"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/grits.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"vaccum-sealer\"](\"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/vaccum-sealer.jpg\")
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