Can cooking wine that has been stored for many years still be consumed?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

Generally, cooking wine that has been stored for many years is not suitable for consumption. When purchasing cooking wine, check the expiration date and buy according to your needs to avoid excessive stockpiling. After opening, tightly close the bottle cap and store it in a cool, dry place away from high temperatures and direct sunlight to slow down ingredient degradation. Clean the bottle mouth after each use to prevent residual liquid from contaminating the cooking wine inside.

Under normal circumstances, cooking wine that has been stored for many years is not suitable for consumption. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Cooking wine primarily consists of alcohol, water, and grain extracts. After prolonged storage, the alcohol gradually evaporates, significantly reducing its antibacterial properties and making it prone to bacterial and mold growth. Meanwhile, the grain components may undergo oxidation and spoilage, producing rancid or other unpleasant odors. This not only diminishes its effectiveness in removing fishy smells and enhancing flavor during cooking but may also generate substances harmful to health. Even if there are no obvious changes in appearance, the internal composition has become unstable, and consuming it may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, cooking wine stored for many years should not be used.

When purchasing cooking wine, always check the expiration date and buy according to actual needs to avoid excessive stockpiling. After opening, promptly tighten the bottle cap and store it in a cool, dry place away from high temperatures and direct sunlight to slow down ingredient degradation. Clean the bottle mouth after each use to prevent residual liquid from contaminating the remaining cooking wine. Regularly organize kitchen seasonings and promptly replace any cooking wine nearing its expiration date or stored for too long. Using fresh cooking wine ensures both better dish flavor and food safety.

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