Hello, I'm an expert in the field of food science and preservation. Let's dive into the question of whether peppermints go bad.
Peppermints, like many other candies, do not spoil in the traditional sense, as they have a high sugar content which acts as a preservative. However, they can still degrade over time. The primary factors that can lead to the degradation of peppermints are
exposure to heat,
moisture, and
light. When stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight, peppermints can last for a very long time, often well beyond their expiration or best-by date.
If you notice that your peppermints have changed in
texture,
taste, or
appearance, these are signs that they may have degraded. For instance, they might become sticky, hard, or develop a white film known as sugar bloom, which is a result of sugar crystals forming on the surface due to changes in humidity.
To summarize, while peppermints don't go bad in the sense of becoming unsafe to eat, they can lose their quality over time. It's always best to store them properly to maintain their freshness.
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