Q.: My jar of mayonnaise separated. It was refrigerated and we don’t use it often. What would cause that and is it still good to eat?
— M.T., Akron
A.: Your jar of mayonnaise likely has spent too much time in the coldest part of your refrigerator and probably got frozen at some point. This often happens when the jar gets pushed to the back of the refrigerator and forgotten. Freezing will cause mayonnaise to separate.
Separated mayonnaise isn’t harmful to eat, but it’s not too pleasant either. You can try to stir it up again, but if it won’t mix, you are better off tossing the jar and getting a fresh one.
Got a food question? Lisa Abraham has the answer. Call 330-996-3737; email her at labraham@thebeaconjournal.com with “Ask Lisa” in the subject line; or write to her at 44 E. Exchange St., P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640. Please include your name (initials will be printed on request), hometown and phone number.
