Unlike other types of wine, cooking sherry has a long shelf life due to its high salt content and fortification process. This means that even if it's been open for a while, it won't spoil as quickly as other types of wine. However, this doesn't mean it will last forever - eventually, the flavor and quality will start to degrade.
But what exactly happens when cooking sherry goes bad? Well, it's not like it will turn into a toxic substance or anything, but it will start to lose its flavor and aroma. The oxidation process can cause the sherry to become dull and flat, making it less effective as a cooking ingredient.
So, how can you tell if your cooking sherry has gone bad? One way to check is to give it a sniff test - if it smells vinegar-like or off, it's probably time to toss it. You can also check the color and clarity - if it's become cloudy or discolored, it's likely gone bad.
Does Cooking Sherry Go Bad? - The U.S Kitchen