What is the shelf life of sugar?

Sugar is a long-term product. It is important to observe the storage conditions. Normative documents set its expiration date. Sugar will retain its consumer properties only if they are observed.

Is there a time limit?

Many people consider sugar to be almost an eternal product that has been stored for a very long time. It does retain its properties for a long time. But still GOST has its expiry date.

Sugar after this period should not be used, because then it loses its properties. And that this was not, it is necessary to observe the storage conditions. And this refers to the home and production storage of the product.

How is it determined?

The shelf life of sugar can have different, it all depends on the raw materials. Reed and beetroot products, which account for 99% of the world market, are kept the same period.

Such unusual types of sugar, like palm, sorghum, malt, coconut, grape, maple, are in demand in many countries. Their shelf life is determined by Russian laws, since they have the same active ingredient - sucrose. For the period of storage, the conditions of storage and packaging are affected.

GOST

According to GOST No. 26907-86, the shelf life of sugar refined sugar and the usual product in bags in heated rooms at a temperature of 25 degrees and humidity from 70% is up to 8 years.

If it is in unheated warehouses, this indicator will change. Refined sugar can be kept for up to 5 years. The shelf life of sugar (GOST 21-94) is 1.5-4 years. If it does not have a container, the period will be 2 years.

Storage in warehouses

In production, the shelf life of sugar is the same as at home. Storage of the product in warehouses must be carried out on the basis of the GOST rules:

1. Relative air humidity is up to 70% if the sugar is in the container, and up to 60% if it is in bulk silos. Refined sugar is 75%.
2. Temperature within 20-22 degrees in silos, and from 11 to 25 - for heated warehouses.
3. With long storage, the product is placed on pallets covered with tarpaulin.
4. At a tissue package by weight should be 50 kg.
5. It is not advisable to place the sugar in storage with the rest of the products, because it perceives odors.
6. Sugar in a container is stacked.
7. The walls of the silos on the outside are heat-insulated so that there is no moisture in the products.

Rules of home maintenance

At home, you should also consider the shelf life of sugar. Do not humidify the product, as well as the effects of low temperatures. When the storage rules are fulfilled, the product retains its properties during the stated period and more.

If you plan long-term storage, it is best to choose a fabric bag that protects against moisture. If the product is stored for up to 1 year, then it is desirable to put it in a plastic bag, as long-term storage may cause an unpleasant smell.

For storage, containers from plastic, tin, ceramics, glass and other materials perfectly suit. Refined sugar should be left in a cardboard box.

Storage conditions

The room should be chosen on the basis of the conditions under which the produce is stored in warehouses. The most suitable is a pantry and heated rooms with a low humidity. It is desirable to place a container with rice on top of the bag, since it absorbs moisture.

Do not leave products near heat sources and foreign goods, because consumer properties are so lost. In order not to appear lumps, you need to periodically shake the bag. If the product is stored in polyethylene, then it is desirable to place it in a cabinet where there are no sharp odors.

The shelf life of sugar in accordance with GOST does not change if it is at home. It is necessary to ensure that the humidity is not more than 70-75%, if the temperature is more than 35 degrees. If it reaches 40 degrees, then the products will quickly deteriorate.

How is the refinery stored?

Such a product, like refined, which is stored in a cardboard package, it is desirable to place in a closet in the kitchen. Near it there should not be products with a strong smell, for example, spices, vegetables, fruits.

Refined, bought by weight, you need to put in boxes, airtight containers, rag bags. It is important that the products are in a dry room, where there is no household chemicals.

Using packages

Now polyethylene bags are often used for packing. The weight of the products in such packaging varies, but the best choice will be packaging of 0.5-1 kg. Packages have many advantages, due to which they are considered the best for storing sugar:

• Convenience of storage and transportation;
• Strength and reliability;
• Protection from various factors;
• Beautiful design;
• Different sizes and shapes.

Such a package has a small cost, in addition, it corresponds to sanitary standards. But other materials are used to store the product, for example, paper bags.

On the table, the product is preferably stored in a sugar bowl, as this container protects the sugar from moisture and dust. For this, metal, glass, silver dishes are perfect. Perfect products from porcelain, crystal, ceramics. Tableware should be safe for health, so it is important to consider which firm it manufactured.

It is important that the container is tightly closed. A sugar bowl with a dispenser is excellent for a home. It has a damper due to which foreign smells do not penetrate inside. With its help it will be possible to add as much sugar as required.

How does the product change over time?

Sugar is almost not affected by pests. The dangers include:

• Water;
• Products;
• Absence of ventilation.

If these unpleasant factors are not present, then the sugar can be stored according to the expiration date specified in the GOST.

Overdue

How can I tell if a product is corrupted? The main features include a change in shade, an unpleasant odor, lumps. The deterioration is indicated by the presence of large monolithic pieces. You do not need to use such granulated sugar, but you should not throw it away.

Such sugar is excellent for preserving and preparing fermentation products, since high temperatures and canning help to prevent the negative consequences of spoilage of the product. Sugar sand is practically unpretentious. The main thing is to follow the elementary rules, and then you will not have to worry about its safety.