we have a jar of 'woh hup' *black bean paste* (mild).

Here in London u.k., we invariably have information on the jar's label about
when the contents must be *consumed by*, once opened. That's as well as the
usual *best before* date stamped on the lid, (that's for before its opened).

This bean paste is imported from Singapore and does not have any 'consume
by' information on the label. It only says refrigerate after opening. The
contents are listed as: black beans, vegetable oil, salt, chili, yeast
extract, and sugar, sesame oil, and natural spices.

My son takes this to mean there is no 'consume by' date applicable and it's
still in the fridge for many months 'after' being opened. Do you think
this is safe to use? I know some things last forever, i.e. fermented Soya
bean paste (miso) and pickled salt plums and the proprietor of our local
Indian shops says his jars of pickles would last forever and is annoyed food
regulations force him to put a 'best before' date on his pickles.

Maybe the 'original market' Chinese would automatically know if it should be
used more or less straight-away, but here in London we don't have a clue,
and feel uneasy with my son's optimism about this paste. Grateful for
advice on how long we can safely keep it please.

john d hamilton > wrote:

> This bean paste is imported from Singapore and does not have any 'consume
> by' information on the label. It only says refrigerate after opening. The
> contents are listed as: black beans, vegetable oil, salt, chili, yeast
> extract, and sugar, sesame oil, and natural spices.

Bean pastes last up to 12 months in the fridge. Often longer. Mine
last 6 months before they're used up and they've been fine in that
period. I suspect they could go for at least twice that long.

-sw

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> john d hamilton > wrote:
>
>> This bean paste is imported from Singapore and does not have any 'consume
>> by' information on the label. It only says refrigerate after opening. The
>> contents are listed as: black beans, vegetable oil, salt, chili, yeast
>> extract, and sugar, sesame oil, and natural spices.
>
> Bean pastes last up to 12 months in the fridge. Often longer. Mine
> last 6 months before they're used up and they've been fine in that
> period. I suspect they could go for at least twice that long.
> -sw

many thanks. I'm surprised it lasts that long because if i cook beans they
seem to go 'off' pretty quickly soon after even in the fridge. Would it be
the salt and chili that preserves the beans in this case, i wonder?

john d hamilton wrote:
> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
> ...
>> john d hamilton > wrote:
>>
>>> This bean paste is imported from Singapore and does not have any 'consume
>>> by' information on the label. It only says refrigerate after opening. The
>>> contents are listed as: black beans, vegetable oil, salt, chili, yeast
>>> extract, and sugar, sesame oil, and natural spices.
>> Bean pastes last up to 12 months in the fridge. Often longer. Mine
>> last 6 months before they're used up and they've been fine in that
>> period. I suspect they could go for at least twice that long.
>> -sw
>
> many thanks. I'm surprised it lasts that long because if i cook beans they
> seem to go 'off' pretty quickly soon after even in the fridge. Would it be
> the salt and chili that preserves the beans in this case, i wonder?

Exactly! I've had some that I'm certain was years old, and couldn't
tell it from "fresh" (whatever that is!)

Dave

john d hamilton > wrote:

> many thanks. I'm surprised it lasts that long because if i cook beans they
> seem to go 'off' pretty quickly soon after even in the fridge. Would it be
> the salt and chili that preserves the beans in this case, i wonder?

Fresh/canned beans always go bad quickly.

But Chinese black beans have already spoiled under controlled
conditions. The additives make them even more stable.

-sw

john d hamilton > wrote:

> we have a jar of 'woh hup' *black bean paste* (mild).
>
> Here in London u.k., we invariably have information on the jar's label about
> when the contents must be *consumed by*, once opened. That's as well as the
> usual *best before* date stamped on the lid, (that's for before its opened).
>
> This bean paste is imported from Singapore and does not have any 'consume
> by' information on the label. It only says refrigerate after opening.

Maybe ask the manufacturers at
<http://www.wohhupfood.com/contactus.html>?

Victor

john d hamilton wrote:
>
> we have a jar of 'woh hup' *black bean paste* (mild).
>
> Here in London u.k., we invariably have information on the jar's label about
> when the contents must be *consumed by*, once opened. That's as well as the
> usual *best before* date stamped on the lid, (that's for before its opened).
>
> This bean paste is imported from Singapore and does not have any 'consume
> by' information on the label. It only says refrigerate after opening. The
> contents are listed as: black beans, vegetable oil, salt, chili, yeast
> extract, and sugar, sesame oil, and natural spices.
>
> My son takes this to mean there is no 'consume by' date applicable and it's
> still in the fridge for many months 'after' being opened. Do you think
> this is safe to use? I know some things last forever, i.e. fermented Soya
> bean paste (miso) and pickled salt plums and the proprietor of our local
> Indian shops says his jars of pickles would last forever and is annoyed food
> regulations force him to put a 'best before' date on his pickles.
>
> Maybe the 'original market' Chinese would automatically know if it should be
> used more or less straight-away, but here in London we don't have a clue,
> and feel uneasy with my son's optimism about this paste. Grateful for
> advice on how long we can safely keep it please.


Bean pastes keep forever in the fridge. They are fermented and salted
for the most part. If there is concern, dole it out and freeze it. Works
a treat.

Andy suggests:

Get a cat. Feed some of the stuff to the cat...

If the cat doesn't die, it's probably OK to eat...

This ain't rocket surgery...


Andy in Eureka, Texas

On Sun, 9 Nov 2008 09:21:15 -0800 (PST), AndyS >
wrote:

> If the cat doesn't die, it's probably OK to eat...

Do not try at home...I have seen cats eating maggotty dead rats too.
When in doubt...throw it out!

u probably have to throw it away..
what for u want to kept it??
u can get a new one..
health is more important more than everything..

xoxo,
aineecumi

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