AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question How long can maple syrup in a can be safe after it's opened? It is now is a plastic container but was left in an open can for about 1 week.
Answer Hi Astrid,
According to the Vermont Maple Syrup Association, once opened maple syrup must be refrigerated. For long term storage pure maple syrup retains its flavor best when kept in the freezer. Maple syrup will not freeze solid and can be poured into smaller containers for use. If you purchased syrup in tin containers, it is recommended, after opening, that you pour it into clean, odor-free plastic or glass jars (like canning jars) and then put those into the refrigerator or freezer.
Once opened maple syrup is prone to supporting the growth of mold and refrigerating slows down this growth. In the past mold on syrup and jelly was simply skimmed off and the product was still used. Today, because some molds can produce carcinogenic microscopic hair-like projections which can work their way down into soft food, the recommendation now is to discard mold on soft foods.
