In the olden days, fermentation of hot sauces was the only way forward to make hot sauces. Therefore, the fermentation of hot sauces has many advantages over the food since it makes the hot sauce last and adds on its flavors. So the question of how long-fermented hot sauce lasts is a more extended period since fermentation increases the shell life of the hot sauce.
How sauce makers primarily ferment their products for three months before getting them ready for sale. At this point, they renamed it aged hot sauce as it has stayed for a long time during the fermentation process. The fermentation of hot sauce makes the food accumulate more flavors that increase the taste of the hot sauce.
Well, you can be worried if the fermentation helps the hot sauce and whether it makes it last for long or not? Worry not, as I will provide all the information about hot sauce and provide an answer to your question. There will be frequently asked questions in the article and a conclusion at last.
How long does fermented hot sauce last?
Just like the typical foods, fermented foods also get bad that they have their expiry date. It is only that the fermented foods, in this case, the hot sauce, can last longer than the manufactured foods. The likely life span is a year and above, such that the more you keep following the measures of handling the hot sauce, the more it stays with you without getting impaired.
The only thing to do to preserve it is to let the batch ferment for a long time to lower the acid level within it so that you can control the acidity by checking the pH value using a pH scale. Check Amazon for the best pH scales.
Choose to add vinegar to increase the life cycle that increases the acidity and shell life. If you follow simple steps of regularly checking the fermented hot sauce and adding the needed products, the hot sauce will easily last and still be fresh. Consider keeping it at room temperature to ensure the hot sauce is still fresh. There are some ways of extending the life cycle, which are described below.
Ways of increasing the hot sauce shelf life
| Method | Function | Essential product |
| Culture the hot sauce | To change the color of pepper | |
| Add vinegar to the hot sauce. | To lower the pH level of the hot sauce | Check Amazon for the best pH scales, vinegar |
| Add the salt to the correct water ratio | Prevents growth of harmful bacteria |
- Culture the hot sauce
The first thing you need to do is culture the hot sauce at room temperature until the color of pepper changes and becomes dull; you will need to wait for this for like a week or so. Remember the fermentation process is active during the first weeks, but you can choose to keep it longer so long the sauce achieves the flavor you want.
- Add vinegar to the hot sauce
The next thing you need to do is add vinegar to the hot sauce during fermentation since vinegar lowers the pH, can stop fermentation, and preserves the hot sauce for a more extended period. Some other foods can even last for five years so long you add vinegar in the right way and at the right time. Vinegar also helps thin the hot sauce if you have a thick one, and water can do this.
- Use the suitable salt to water ratio
Using the suitable salt to water ratio will prevent the harmful bacteria from causing the hot sauce to spoil. The methods above are the best to use to make the hot sauce last for long.
Does fermented hot sauce go bad?
If you follow the right ways of making the hot sauce stay for long, you can have it for long. However, even though you try your best, the hot sauce will go wrong in the end. Remember, the hot sauce has an ingredient that makes the food perishable and valuable for some time only. Therefore, knowing the signs of sour, hot sauce is good, not unknowingly consuming it. Below are some of the symptoms of bad hot sauce.
Ways of testing sour hot sauce
There are only two ways of testing if the hot sauce is terrible or still suitable for use. Below are ways to use:
- Using a pH scale
PH scale is suitable for testing the pH of the fermented sauce to check if it still has an acid or not. If it has an acid, it shows it is still suitable for use. Using the pH scale, check if the reading is above 3.5 that you need to throw away the hot sauce; if it is lower than that, you can still use it.
- Secondary testing
Secondary testing involves checking the appearance, smell, and taste that you can notice by yourself and throwing the hot sauce since it can cause food poisoning if you use it:
# Appearance. The appearance refers to the outer structure of the hot sauce that if you stayed with it for long and you note the appearance has changed such that it has spots, then you need to throw it away. Sometimes the hot sauce can change its color and texture due to oxygen that gets in contact. With the appearance, you can not see the growth of some things like mold, which shows it is time to throw away the hot sauce.
# Smell. It is a common sign that you can notice a sour or rotten smell with the food; then, you know the hot sauce is beyond use. But if you register it still has a good smell, then choose to continue using it.
# Taste. The last thing to check on is the taste, you can only taste food that you think is bad after checking the appearance and smell, and you are still unsure. Consider tasting a small amount that if it feels slimy or tastes a different way, you know it is not good. You cannot even swallow something wrong after tasting it.
What is the process of hot sauce fermentation?
As we all know, the process of fermentation is all about good bacteria and probiotics that break down into some molecules that, when you consume the fermented food, it is healthy.
The fermentation process increases the rates of lactic acid development, which helps improve the acid and preserve the hot sauce during fermentation. The sound and healthy bacteria do not die with fermentation unless you cook at high temperatures or pasteurize it at high heat. You will have destroyed the primary purpose of the fermented foods since the bacteria is
a significant idea.
There is a bacteria called lactobacillus with fermented foods, which is the significant bacteria for fermentation that is important for digestion in the human body. Check on the bubbles on the fermented food to know if the process has started or to taste it to identify the sour flavor.
You might be interested to read also our another comprehensive article of; How to Thicken Fermented Hot Sauce
Conclusion
The article above shows how to increase the shelf life of the fermented hot sauce and answers the question of how long does fermented hot sauce last. The fermented hot sauce can last for more than one year, depending on how you handle it and increase the life cycle. Follow the article as it provides you with ways of adding shell life to hot sauce.
If you follow the directions carefully, the hot sauce will last for a very long time. Ensure the jar containing the hot sauce is air-tight by using a seal to prevent the evaporation of water and oxygen during fermentation.