All About Mole sauce
Your complete guide to mole sauce - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Mole sauce Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for mole sauce in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
opened mole paste/powder (fridge)3-6 months (paste), 6-12 months (powder, if kept very dry).
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth on the surface or edges (white, green, or black fuzzy spots), sour, rancid, or distinctly fermented smell, significant change in color (e.g., unusual darkening or greenish tint), hardened texture that's difficult to reconstitute even with heat, or excessive oil separation with rancid odor.
How to Check
Visual inspection for mold. Sniff test for off-odors – a sour or rancid smell indicates spoilage. Check texture – if it's too hard to scrape or mix, or feels slimy, it might be too dry or starting to spoil.
Storage Tips
Always use clean, dry utensils to scoop out the paste/powder to prevent contamination. Keep tightly sealed in its original container or an airtight container to minimize exposure to air and moisture. Refrigeration is crucial once opened.
prepared mole sauce (freezer)4-6 months for best quality, safe indefinitely if kept frozen solid at 0°F (-18°C).
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches on the surface), strong off-flavors or blandness after thawing (though often safe to eat, quality is compromised), presence of large ice crystals indicating temperature fluctuations.
How to Check
Visual inspection for freezer burn. While safe, freezer-burned mole may have a less desirable texture and flavor. After thawing, perform a sniff test and visual check for any signs of spoilage that may have occurred before freezing or during thawing.
Storage Tips
Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some headspace for expansion if freezing in rigid containers. Label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting on a microwave. For best quality and safety, do not refreeze thawed mole sauce.
unopened mole paste/powder (pantry)Up to 1-2 years beyond printed best-by date if stored properly, or until best-by date for optimal quality.
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth (very rare), rancid or distinctly off-smell, extreme hardening or drying out that prevents rehydration, signs of pest infestation or damaged packaging.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date on the packaging. Visually inspect the packaging for any damage, leaks, or signs of pests. If opened briefly for inspection, sniff for any off-odors (though unlikely if sealed).
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. High quality mole paste can last well beyond its best-by date if sealed, but quality may slowly degrade over time.
prepared mole sauce (fridge)5-7 days.
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black spots), sour or distinctly off-smell (fermented, pungent, yeasty), bubbling or frothing on the surface, significant discoloration (e.g., greenish tint, unnatural darkening), slimy or unusually thick texture beyond normal settling, or a 'fizzy' sensation on the tongue if inadvertently tasted.
How to Check
Visual inspection for mold or discoloration. Sniff test – if it smells sour, fermented, or otherwise unpleasant, it's spoiled. Do not taste test if any other spoilage signs are present. If in doubt, throw it out.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container immediately after cooling to room temperature (within 2 hours). Ensure container is clean and tightly sealed to prevent absorption of other fridge odors and inhibit bacterial growth. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) before serving.