The shelf life of mooncakes usually ranges from 20 to 90 days, primarily depending on the type of filling and packaging method. For instance, mooncakes with fruit fillings have a shorter shelf life, about one month; whereas mooncakes with sweet fillings such as red bean paste or jujube can be stored for a slightly longer period. It is worth noting that snow skin mooncakes have the shortest shelf life, lasting only about 15 to 20 days and must be refrigerated.
Once the packaging of a mooncake is opened, the storage conditions become more stringent. At room temperature, opened mooncakes can only maintain their freshness for a few hours, and can only be stored in the refrigerator for about two days, so it is advisable to consume them as soon as possible after opening.
There are two main ways to store mooncakes:
First, storage at room temperature. Given the complex ingredients of mooncakes, which include flour, rock sugar, walnuts, sesame, as well as cream, fruits, and vegetables, it is essential to place them in a cool, ventilated, light-avoidant, and dry environment. To prevent rapid spoilage, it is best to keep different types of mooncakes separated.
Second, refrigerated storage. Some mooncakes, such as snow skin mooncakes and fresh meat mooncakes, are not suitable for room temperature storage and need to be kept in the refrigerator. Wrapping mooncakes with cling film can effectively isolate moisture, and it is important to monitor the refrigerator temperature to avoid it being too low, as low temperatures can cause the starch in mooncakes to age rapidly, affecting their texture.
Additionally, considering that the sweet aroma of mooncakes can easily attract cockroaches and mice, it is recommended to adopt isolation storage measures. Placing tangerine peels or pepper alongside the stored mooncakes can serve as a natural deterrent against pests, ensuring the mooncakes remain undamaged and uncontaminated.
