Mooncakes are a seasonal delicacy with a short shelf life, typically lasting only about two weeks to a month. Handmade mooncakes have even shorter freshness and can last only 7–10 days. They are also usually sweet and rich, so consuming large quantities at once can be overwhelming.
It is common for people to receive mooncakes as gifts during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and they often end up with more mooncakes than they can consume. Throwing them away feels wasteful, but keeping them poses a challenge as they can quickly become stale or spoil. Moreover, eating too many mooncakes can lead to weight gain. As a result, many people feel pressured to finish their mooncakes before they go bad, which can lead to overindulgence and rapid weight gain after the festival. In some cases, elderly individuals with underlying health conditions such as gout, diabetes, or cardiovascular issues may experience health complications if they consume too many mooncakes.
Therefore, proper storage of mooncakes to extend their freshness is a concern for many.
Mooncakes Have a Short Shelf Life
Due to their perishable nature, mooncakes can easily become moldy if not stored properly. This can be caused by inadequate sealing, stale ingredients, unhygienic utensils, or low sugar content in the mooncakes.
Tips for Storing Mooncakes:
Note: Mooncakes should be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid keeping them on altars for extended periods, as the heat from burning incense and the elevated position can affect their quality.
If you have already cut into a mooncake and wish to store it for a few days, place it in an airtight bag and keep it in the fridge. Retain the original moisture-absorbing packet that came with the mooncake and include it in the bag. If the mooncake becomes hard, let it sit at room temperature to soften, or use a microwave or oven to restore its texture and freshness.
Properly Wrap Mooncakes for Storage
To store mooncakes for a longer period, up to several months, seal them in specialized bags and keep them in the freezer. The extreme cold may cause the dough to harden, but both baked and sticky rice mooncakes can be “revived” using a microwave or oven after thawing.
Tips to Maintain Flavor:
For unopened mooncakes, leave the original plastic wrapping intact and remove only the outer paper box. If the mooncake has been opened, rewrap it in plastic wrap, preferably using a vacuum sealer to prevent flavor loss.
For freezer storage, add an extra layer of protection by wrapping the mooncake in foil. This helps preserve the flavor. When ready to consume, thaw and bake or steam the mooncake as desired.
To prevent cross-contamination, store mooncakes in airtight containers, ziplock bags, or vacuum-sealed bags, separate from other foods in the fridge or freezer.
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