Black treacle - best before date

shetitasatic

When clearing out my pantry as per FEB IS USE -UP MONTH thread I found a part used tin of black treacle (from christmas cake/puddings) Great I thought - I'll make gingerbread, BUT when I looked at the lid it said "best before Dec 2005, Dispose of on expiry". The contents haven't crystalized or anything and look perfectly OK. Anyone know why there is this warning? Would you use it or bin it?

thriftlady_2

I am absolutely not an expert,but I would use it.Treacles and syrups last for ages.Sugar is about the only food that doesn't have a shelf life,look on a bag and try and find the sell by date.It just doesn't go off.I know treacle is a bit more than pure sugar but I'd definitely use it.

ariba10

We would eat it no problem.

foreverskint

Apparently, black treacle can build up pressure during storage, so the warning is there for safety? and I assume the mess that could be created itf the lid blew.


But if it looks fine and hasn't exploded all over the kitchen:eek: then use it. I have been known to use treacle a year past it's date.

Swan_2

I'd use it, it'll be fine

nearlyrich

Treacle and syrup never used to have expiry dates did they, mind you they never hung about long in our house. I would use it no worries....mmmm treacle sponge (don't get me started)

sproggi

As a general rule of thumb, 'Best Before' means that the product can be used after the date but may start to degrade. 'Use By' means that the product is not safe to consume after the date.

Must admit that the 'Dispose of on Expiry' stumped us (DD1 studied hospitality but hadn't heard of it), but foreverskint's explination would answer that.

Sproggi

mrbadexample

I have used lots of stuff after the BBE date (as some posters will know) and I'm not dead yet. I'm convinced that it's all cobblers - treacle should be fine.

When I can find someone who can tell me how pickled (i.e. preserved!) goods go off, I'll stop eating them. Onions improve, tomato sauce is indestructible etc. Apparently, flour is ok too.

<Disclaimer>: Don't blame me if you die.

Mr_Proctalgia

I believe that they actually found Black Treacle in the Pyramids and it was almost at its best, Howard Carter actualy made some rich Flap Jacks out of it so I guess it should be OK still . (But seriously firms are overly cautious nowadays)

wishingonastar_3

my treacle exp in nov 2005, and it was fine in yummy treacle pudding on sunday, hope this reassures you,

thriftlady_2

mrbadexample wrote:

When I can find someone who can tell me how pickled (i.e. preserved!) goods go off, I'll stop eating them.

This has always puzzled me too,after all preserving and pickling were a way of storing foods through the winter before refrigeration so why do we need to store them inthe fridge?

Sugar is a preservative and lasts for ever hence Howard carter's flapjacks !