Falafels are a delicious and popular Middle Eastern food that is enjoyed by many people around the world. Made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, falafels are often shaped into small balls or patties and then deep-fried to create a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
While falafels can be stored for later consumption, many people wonder if they can go bad over time. In this blog post, we’ll explore the shelf life of falafels and provide some tips on how to properly store them to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
Falafels can ultimately go bad, regardless of whether they are made at home or bought in a supermarket. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how long it will stay good. Falafels’ shelf life is influenced by a number of variables, including how they were made and how they were stored. It can last up to a week if it is prepared with fresh ingredients, including how they were made and how they were stored. It can last up to a week if it is prepared with fresh ingredients and kept in the refrigerator as directed.
Falafel may spoil sooner if it is not properly preserved or if it contains outdated ingredients. Before eating the food, it’s crucial to look for indicators of decomposition including a strong smell, fungus, or discoloration.
What will happen if you ate a falafel that went bad?
Eating properly preserved expired falafel that hasn’t gone bad is unlikely to cause serious illness. However, if the expired falafel has not been stored correctly or has shown any signs of spoilage, consuming it can be a potential cause of food poisoning.
Bacteria and other microbes have the ability to proliferate and reproduce as a product age, which could result in food-borne illnesses. Also, eating falafel that has gone bad might give you stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
It’s also crucial to remember that if the falafel has an off flavor, color, or texture, it should be thrown away even if it hasn’t yet passed its expiration date. The ideal method is to always examine the product’s flavor, appearance, and smell before consuming it.
How strict is falafel’s expiration date?
Falafels typically have a shelf life of 3 to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator. However, the expiration date may vary depending on several factors such as the ingredients used, the cooking method, and the storage conditions. If falafels are not stored properly or if they are left at room temperature for an extended period, they can go bad much faster. When falafels go bad, they may develop a sour smell, a slimy texture, or mold.
It’s worth noting that homemade falafels may have a shorter shelf life than store-bought ones due to the lack of preservatives. Additionally, freezing falafels can extend their shelf life by several weeks or even months, but the texture may be slightly compromised upon reheating.
Homemade vs store-bought falafel?
The shelf life of homemade falafel is typically shorter than that of store-bought falafel due to the lack of preservatives. Homemade falafel usually lasts for 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator, while store-bought falafel can last up to a week or longer depending on the packaging and preservatives used.
When making homemade falafel, it’s important to ensure that all ingredients are fresh and that the falafels are cooked thoroughly before storage. It’s also recommended to store homemade falafels in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
Store-bought falafels often have preservatives added to extend their shelf life, and they are typically packaged in airtight containers or sealed bags. This packaging helps to prevent moisture and bacteria from entering, which can help to extend the shelf life of the falafels.
It’s important to note that freezing falafels can also extend their shelf life, whether they are homemade or store-bought. Frozen falafels can last up to several months, but the texture may be slightly compromised.
The impact of the ingredients on the shelf-life?
The ingredients used to make falafels can have a significant impact on their shelf life. Here are some ingredients commonly used in falafels and how they can affect shelf life:
- Chickpeas or Fava Beans: These are the primary ingredient in falafels and are responsible for the texture and flavor. If using canned chickpeas or fava beans, it’s important to drain them well and dry them thoroughly before blending. The moisture content of the chickpeas or fava beans can affect the shelf life of falafels. If there is too much moisture, the falafels can spoil faster.
- Spices: Spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic are often used to flavor falafels. These spices can help to extend the shelf life of falafels as they have antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of bacteria.
- Baking Powder or Baking Soda: Baking powder or baking soda is added to falafels to help them rise and become light and fluffy. These ingredients do not have a significant impact on the shelf life of falafels.
- Onion and Parsley: These ingredients are often used in falafels to add flavor and texture. They can affect the shelf life of falafels as they can contain moisture, which can lead to spoilage if not properly dried and stored.
- Salt: Salt is used to enhance the flavor of falafels and can also help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, which can extend the shelf life of falafels.
In summary, the moisture content of the ingredients used in falafels can have a significant impact on their shelf life. It’s important to properly dry and store ingredients like chickpeas, onion, and parsley to prevent excess moisture from causing spoilage.
How to tell if your falafel has gone bad?
There are a few signs that can indicate that your falafel has gone bad:
- Smell: If your falafel has a sour or rancid smell, it’s a sign that it has started to spoil.
- Texture: If your falafel feels slimy or has a mushy texture, it’s an indication that it has gone bad.
- Appearance: If your falafel looks discolored, darkened, or has mold growing on it, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.
- Taste: If your falafel tastes off or has a strange flavor, it’s a sign that it has gone bad and should not be consumed.
It is recommended to be safe and discard the falafel if you detect any of these symptoms.
Should falafel be refrigerated?
Yes, falafel should be refrigerated if you are not going to eat it right away. Falafel is made from ground chickpeas and other ingredients, and it can spoil if left out at room temperature for too long.
To store falafel properly, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator. Falafel can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
If you have leftover falafel that you won’t be able to eat within five days, you can freeze it instead. Place the falafel in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat frozen falafel, simply place it in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through.
How long will falafel remain fresh in the fridge?
Falafel can typically remain fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored properly in an airtight container. After 5 days, the falafel may still be safe to eat but its quality and taste may have started to degrade, and it’s generally not recommended to consume it beyond that time. If you’re not planning to consume the falafel within 5 days, you can freeze it instead for later consumption. When properly stored in the freezer, falafel can last for up to 3 months.
Can you reheat a falafel?
Yes, you can reheat falafel. Falafel is traditionally made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, formed into balls or patties, and then deep-fried. If you have leftover falafel that you want to reheat, here are a few ways to do it:
- Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Toaster oven method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave method: Place the falafel on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
It’s important to note that reheating falafel may cause it to lose some of its crispy texture, but it should still be tasty and enjoyable.
How to keep your falafel fresh for weeks?
While falafel is best enjoyed fresh, there are a few ways to extend its shelf life and keep it fresh for weeks. Here are some tips:
- Freeze your falafel: Falafel freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. After cooking your falafel, let it cool to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Label and date the container or bag and store it in the freezer.
- Vacuum-seal your falafel: If you have a vacuum sealer, you can use it to seal your falafel and extend its shelf life. Simply place the falafel in a vacuum-seal bag, seal the bag, and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Store your falafel in the refrigerator: If you plan to eat your falafel within a week, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool the falafel to room temperature before storing it, and separate the falafel from any sauces or condiments to prevent sogginess.
- Reheat your falafel before serving: To enjoy your falafel at its best, reheat it in the oven or a toaster oven before serving. This will help to restore its crispness and freshness.
Symptoms if you ate spoiled falafel?
If you ate spoiled falafel, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Nausea: This is a common symptom that occurs when you eat spoiled food. You may feel queasy and uncomfortable in your stomach.
- Vomiting: If your body is unable to tolerate the toxins in the spoiled falafel, you may experience vomiting. This is your body’s way of trying to rid itself of harmful substances.
- Diarrhea: Spoiled food can upset your digestive system and cause diarrhea. You may experience frequent bowel movements and loose stools.
- Abdominal pain: Eating spoiled food can cause abdominal pain and cramping. You may feel discomfort and bloating in your stomach.
- Headache: In some cases, eating spoiled food can cause headaches. This is usually due to the toxins in the food that your body is trying to eliminate.
- Fever: If the food you ate was contaminated with harmful bacteria, you may develop a fever. This is your body’s natural response to infection.
If you experience any of these symptoms after eating falafel or any other food, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. In severe cases, food poisoning can be life-threatening.
