How long does Curd / Dahi (homemade) last?
Curd / Dahi (homemade) lasts 3–5 days in the fridge. Spoilage signs to check, storage tips, and cited food-safety sources.
Quick answer
Can I still eat it?
Use this as a conservative screen before you rely on the storage window. If anything seems unsafe, discard it.
Curd / Dahi (homemade) is within the fridge window if it stayed cold/dry as required and shows no discard signs.
Sealed / unopened: N/A
Signs Curd / Dahi (homemade) has gone bad
- Strongly sour, yeasty, or alcoholic smell beyond normal tang.
- Pink, grey, or black mold spots.
- Fizzy or bubbling surface from wild yeast.
Still good if
- A thin layer of watery whey on top — stir it back in or drain it off.
- Slightly more sour than fresh, but clean-smelling with no mold.
Discard immediately if
- Any coloured mold spots
- Fizzy or bubbling texture
- Sharp, acrid, or alcoholic smell
Why guidance varies
Homemade dahi has live cultures and no stabilisers, so its safe window depends on how warm the kitchen was while it set, how fast it was chilled, and fridge temperature. High Indian ambient temperatures cause faster souring and separation.
Get a heads-up before it expires. Search the full database instead.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Curd / Dahi (homemade) last?
In the fridge: 3–5 days. Sealed / unopened: N/A. Refrigerate homemade dahi promptly. Do not leave it out more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Use a clean spoon and keep it covered.
How can you tell if Curd / Dahi (homemade) has gone bad?
Signs that Curd / Dahi (homemade) has gone bad: Strongly sour, yeasty, or alcoholic smell beyond normal tang; Pink, grey, or black mold spots; Fizzy or bubbling surface from wild yeast. Still good if: A thin layer of watery whey on top — stir it back in or drain it off; Slightly more sour than fresh, but clean-smelling with no mold.
What does the date label on Curd / Dahi (homemade) mean?
Curd / Dahi (homemade) usually doesn't carry a printed date label — judge by storage time and the spoilage signs above.
Sources for this answer
- A FoodSafety.gov - Food safety during a power outage — Perishable food should not remain at room temperature more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).