Short Answer: If you accidentally eat bad hummus, you may get sick from food poisoning with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Hummus is a popular dip or paste made with chickpeas, sesame seeds or tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, lemon and garlic.
It originated from the Middle East but is readily found in supermarkets and shops, often with different twists on the classic recipe such as caramelised onion hummus, Moroccan hummus or roasted pepper hummus.
If you accidentally eat bad hummus, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
You may also experience abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating.
This is because it may contain harmful bacteria or mold that can cause food poisoning.
Hummus is usually made with cooked garbanzo beans which are then mashed together with tahini and other ingredients including garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
The mixture is often spiced up with cumin, lemon juice, or vinegar.
Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.
They can help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and support digestive health.
Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds, which are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and calcium.
They can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health.
Garlic, olive oil, lemon, and spices are also beneficial for the immune system, the heart, and the metabolism.
However, these ingredients can also spoil easily if not stored properly.
Hummus should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a week of opening.
If hummus is stored at a high ambient temperature for an extended period of time, it might induce food poisoning.
Hummus that has gone bad has a sour smell and taste. It may also develop mold or change color.
It is quite uncommon to eat bad hummus due to its distinctive flavor and appearance.
Most people can tell if hummus is spoiled by smelling or tasting it.
However, some people may not notice the signs of spoilage or may eat hummus that has been contaminated by other sources, such as utensils, containers, or cross-contamination.
You can prevent food poisoning from hummus by following some simple steps.
First, check the expiration date and the best-by date of the hummus before buying or eating it.
Second, store hummus in the refrigerator and use a clean spoon or knife to scoop it out.
Third, avoid leaving hummus out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Fourth, discard any hummus that has an off smell, taste, or appearance.
Fifth, if you have any doubts about the freshness of hummus, throw it away.
To avoid accidental eating of bad hummus, you can also make your own hummus at home.
It is easy and quick to make, and you can control the ingredients and the quality.
All you need is a can of chickpeas, a quarter cup of tahini, garlic to taste, two tablespoons of olive oil, and the juice of half a lemon.
You can also add salt, pepper, cumin, or other spices as you like.
Just blend everything together in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
You can store homemade hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
Finally, remember, hummus is a delicious and nutritious dip that can be enjoyed with various foods.
However, it can also go bad and cause food poisoning if not handled properly.
Therefore, always check the quality of hummus before eating it and follow the storage and consumption guidelines.
If you eat bad hummus, seek medical attention immediately.