Marshmallows are a natural sweet. It is allowed to eat for children and even those who are on a diet. Marshmallows are a healthy treat.
The fact is that there is no fat in this dessert. The composition of the product includes only carbohydrates, dietary fiber and a small amount of protein. Carbohydrates have a positive effect on mental activity, and dietary fiber has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.
Many people ask the question: "What is the shelf life of marshmallows?" In the article we will discuss the following issues:
- What are the ingredients of marshmallows?
- GOST marshmallows.
- Shelf life of marshmallows.
- Dates of safe use of marshmallows.
- How to store marshmallows at home?
- How to identify fresh marshmallows?
- How to determine whether a natural product?
- What happens to marshmallows over time?
- Is it possible to eat marshmallows that have expired?
- Dates of safe use of the product.
Marshmallow Composition
In its composition, marshmallows are similar to marshmallows. The shelf life of home-made marshmallows and desserts made under industrial conditions is influenced by numerous factors. First of all, it is the raw material that is used to make the product.
Homemade marshmallows are made from whipped fruit puree, egg protein, thoroughly beaten with a mixer along with sugar. For making a dessert, apple puree is most often taken, but dessert can be made on the basis of another fruit. Dyes and other additives can be added to industrial marshmallows, which, in turn, can affect the shelf life.
The shape of the marshmallow is set using additives such as agar-agar, gelatin or pectin.
Shelf life of marshmallows and GOST
The shelf life of the finished product is influenced by many factors:
- Compliance of the finished product with the quality standard.
- Technologies with which marshmallows were made.
- The presence of preservatives and various flavors in the product (they increase the shelf life by 20-40%).
- The integrity of the packaging of the finished product and its availability.
- Kind of marshmallows. For example, the characteristics of glazed marshmallows differ significantly from the classic product.
Storage rules and the shelf life of the finished dessert is regulated by the standard "Pastry pastry" (GOST 6441-2014).
The standard gives dessert producers the right to independently set expiration dates. Also, GOST states that each manufacturer must determine the storage criteria of the confectionery product.
Safe Use Dates
Do not forget about cases when marshmallows are made at home. The shelf life of home-made marshmallows on agar cannot be adjusted using a state standard.
Homemade marshmallows are a natural product. It should be noted that the shelf life of the product depends entirely on its naturalness. If you notice that the marshmallow has a long shelf life, then you can safely conclude - a large number of different preservatives were added to the product.
Let's find out the shelf life of each type of marshmallow:
- Classic weighted marshmallows. Opened containers are stored for no more than two weeks, and sometimes less. In a closed container, the dessert remains fresh for a month. The shelf life of marshmallows can be extended if, after opening the box with the dessert, place it in a vacuum package.
- Marshmallows cooked at home. In a tightly closed container, it is stored in the refrigerator for about a week. In the freezer, homemade dessert can be stored for three months. The shelf life of marshmallows at room temperature does not exceed three days.
- Glazed Marshmallows. It can be stored for about three months.
- Souffle with a marshmallow. This product is usually added to cocoa, coffee or hot chocolate. From the moment of production, the dessert is usable for six months.
- Marshmallows in chocolate. The shelf life of marshmallows in chocolate does not exceed three months from the date of production.
- Marshmallow candies. They are usable for 15 months.
How to determine the freshness and naturalness of a product?
When buying a product, pay attention to its appearance and properties.
- A quality dessert has a smooth surface, if there are ribs, then they must be clearly expressed. If you notice cracks on the product, then you have a marshmallow of poor quality.
- A good marshmallow is distinguished by its softness and elasticity. The dessert should not be viscous - this property means that the marshmallows were stored incorrectly, and it began to deteriorate.
- The shade of marshmallows can vary from yellow to white. The color of the product depends on the amount of egg powder that was added to the dessert.
- The gray color of marshmallows symbolizes the fact that manufacturers violated the recipe. This color is a clear sign that frozen egg white or soda was added to the marshmallows.
- Green, red, orange and other colors indicate that food coloring has been added to dessert. These supplements are of no benefit.
- When buying marshmallows in chocolate, you need to know what properties chocolate glaze has. A high quality product should shine in the sun. If you notice the opposite, then the product is not fresh or of dubious quality.
Marshmallow storage at home
Some environmental conditions directly affect the quality of marshmallows and the preservation of the beneficial properties of dessert. Observe the following storage conditions for treats:
- Air temperature should not exceed 25 degrees.
- The product will deteriorate quickly if the air humidity exceeds 75%.
- In a place where direct sunlight does not fall, marshmallows will remain fresh.
- Marshmallows perfectly absorb odors. Avoid foods such as fish, oil, and various spices next to delicacies.
- Store marshmallows exclusively in their original packaging.
- Store marshmallows in a tied bag or in a plastic container. Avoid prolonged contact of the dessert with air.
- It is acceptable to store a treat in the refrigerator on the side shelf. Before putting the marshmallows in the refrigerator, put the dessert in a bag.
- Marshmallows can also be stored in the freezer. But keep in mind that this way marshmallows may lose some taste.
What happens to dessert over time?
Over time, the dessert loses moisture and begins to harden. Marshmallows become stiff not so fast if you put a few slices of white bread in a bag to it. Next, let's talk about how to visually determine the expired shelf life of marshmallows. Customer reviews indicate that expired dessert has the following qualities:
- sticky and dry surface;
- product color changes;
- the presence of an unpleasant odor;
- loss of original form;
- sand crunch on the teeth when using the product;
- presence of traces of mold.
Having noticed at least one of these signs, make a conclusion - the product is spoiled.
Is it possible to eat expired marshmallows?
If the dessert has no obvious signs of expiration, then you can safely eat a treat. It is only worth noting that a product whose shelf life is coming to an end contains much less nutrients than fresh marshmallows.
It is dangerous and unhealthy to consume marshmallows with obvious signs of expired shelf life (for example, marshmallows with mold). By eating such sweetness, you are putting yourself at risk. You may develop food poisoning or an allergic reaction.
Experts do not advise to use expired marshmallows - this will help to avoid health problems.
Finally
Marshmallows - a delicious and healthy treat. This product should bring only benefit and pleasure. Do not store marshmallows for longer than indicated on the manufacturer's packaging.
Do not eat expired sweets - you can harm yourself. By the way, if you have purchased an expired product, you can safely return it to the store, you must return the money.