How long should honey dates be stored and not eaten

Jujubes should not be consumed when stored at room temperature for more than 3 months or when they become moldy or have an unpleasant odor. The shelf life of honey dates is affected by storage conditions, packaging methods, processing techniques, preservative content, environmental humidity, and other factors. Jujubes contain high sugar and water content, and if stored improperly, they are prone to mold growth or fermentation deterioration. Unopened vacuum packaged honey dates can be stored in a cool and dry place for 6-12 months. After opening, they should be sealed and refrigerated, and consumed within 1 month. Loose honey dates are recommended to be consumed within 2 weeks due to their high probability of exposure to air. The high temperature and humid environment in summer can accelerate the analysis and mold growth of honey jujube, and even before the expiration date, it may spoil prematurely. If white mold spots, filamentous hyphae, or a sour smell appear on the surface of honey dates, it indicates that microbial contamination has occurred. Rotten jujube can produce harmful substances such as aflatoxin, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea after consumption. Some honey dates may have excessive sulfur dioxide residue after expiration due to the addition of sulfite preservatives. Patients with diabetes should pay special attention to avoid eating expired dates to prevent abnormal fluctuations in blood sugar.

It is recommended to store honey dates in a sealed container and place them in the refrigeration layer of the refrigerator. Regularly check for moisture and clumping. When purchasing, choose pre packaged products produced by reputable manufacturers and pay attention to checking the production date and shelf life. Before consumption, observe whether the color of the jujube is uniform and whether the squeezing sensation maintains elasticity, to avoid purchasing too many at once and storing them for too long. If the texture of the honey jujube becomes hard or sticky, even if it has not expired, it should be stopped from consumption.