To put it simply, balsamic vinegar doesn't go bad. While the condiment is at the peak of it's life within the first three years (as long as the cap is securely tightened), the bottle can be passed down from generation to generation and still remain safe to consume.

How can I tell if my balsamic vinegar has gone bad?

Sniff the contents – If you open a bottle of balsamic vinegar and it smells rancid, throw it out. Taste it before using – the flavor should be a little acidic with a hint of sweetness. Any harsh taste may indicate it's spoiled and will no longer be suitable for use in your cooking.

How long does an open bottle of balsamic vinegar last?

If you're using them for sauces, marinades, and reductions, store them in a cupboard. The shelf life of balsamic vinegar should be between 3-5 years.

Why does balsamic vinegar go lumpy?

What it is: They may look gross, but these little blobs of goop are what's known as “mother of vinegar”—essentially, they're clumps of the bacteria and yeast combo that turns alcohol into vinegar.

Do you have to refrigerate balsamic vinegar after opening?

Does Balsamic Vinegar Need to Be Refrigerated? You don't need to refrigerate balsamic vinegar – leaving it at room temperature is good enough. There's no need to transfer it into the fridge after you first open the bottle, either.

What is the sediment in balsamic vinegar?

Once opened and exposed to air, however, harmless “vinegar bacteria” may start to grow. … This bacteria causes the formation of a cloudy sediment that is nothing more than harmless cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that does not affect the quality of the vinegar or its flavor.

Can you use old balsamic vinegar?

Is balsamic vinegar safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? … Yes: over time, balsamic vinegar may become cloudy — this is not harmful; the vinegar will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly.

What are the chunks in my balsamic vinegar?

When you find a bit of stringy sediment, large or small, in a bottle of vinegar don't fret. In fact — congratulations — you have a mother. A vinegar mother, that is. Yes, it looks rather grungy and scary, floating on the top of the vinegar like that, but this spongy mass of bacteria is completely harmless.