How Long Does Opened, Store-Bought Pesto Last In The Fridge? (2024)
Simone Gerber
·2-min read
If marinara sauce is the top dog in the world of Italian sauces and condiments, then bright and fresh pesto is certainly the runner up. This delicious mix of pine nuts, basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and garlic is irresistibly savory, salty, and herbaceous with a luscious texture that goes just as well slathered on a breakfast sandwich as it does spooned over a plate of pasta. With all of this potential in mind, you'll probably want to keep a jar of the sauce in your kitchen year-round. If you choose to do so, though, make sure you have a few containers for backup, as even store-bought pesto has a startlingly short shelf life after it has been opened.
Before it is opened, store-bought pesto can last quite a while. Much like other jarred foods, it's able to last on a pantry shelf for up to three months past its "best by" date. Once you remove the lid, however, the sauce starts to expire quickly. In fact, it's possible for store-bought pesto to go bad after just three days, and it is guaranteed that it won't be any good once it gets past the two week mark. Keep in mind, as well, that these estimates are only for pesto that is stored correctly — that is to say, kept in a sealed container in the fridge.
Given the rate at which pesto tends to expire, it's important to keep an eye out for signs of spoilage in order to prevent yourself from consuming harmful pathogens like mold or bacteria. Use your eyes and nose to detect evidence that your pesto is no longer good. If you see a dramatic change in color, such as the sauce getting much darker, or if you smell a rancid or funky odor, then you can assume the product has spoiled. In these cases, it's best to discard the pesto and open a new jar instead of eating it.
ADVERTIsem*nT
If you find you need to stretch the shelf life of your store-bought pesto, there are several tricks you can try. One is to add a squeeze of lemon juice into the sauce, which will help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and keep the pesto good for a few extra days. Note that this will alter the flavor of the pesto slightly. Another option is to place the pesto into an airtight container and move it to the freezer, where it can last for up to eight months.
Once you remove the lid, however, the sauce starts to expire quickly. In fact, it's possible for store-bought pesto to go bad after just three days, and it is guaranteed that it won't be any good once it gets past the two week mark.
A sealed jar of pesto will typically last between four and six weeks in your pantry, with the exact "best by" date depending on the brand and type of pesto. But once you crack open a jar of the store-bought sauce, it's best to only keep it around for up to five days in the fridge.
Use your eyes and nose to detect evidence that your pesto is no longer good. If you see a dramatic change in color, such as the sauce getting much darker, or if you smell a rancid or funky odor, then you can assume the product has spoiled.
1-3 weeks is the recommendation. But it will actually last untill the oil goes rancid or grows mold on top. I can tell you I have far exceeded the 3 weeks, and the pesto was fine.. So I'm not crazy!
TO STORE: Refrigerate pesto pasta in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. TO FREEZE: Freeze pasta in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.
Does pesto go bad? Unfortunately, yes. Since it's made from fresh and perishable ingredients such as basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts, it will only last for a short period of time in the fridge. But with proper storage, pesto can last in the fridge for up to two weeks.
You can also freeze pesto in small jars or plastic containers. I like to freeze most of mine in these 4 oz. mason jars. They hold 1/2 cup of pesto--just the right amount to use for pizza sauce and many other recipes.
Almost all the jarred pestos you find in the supermarket will have been pasteurised to not only ensure that they can last a long time unopened, but so they are perfectly safe to eat straight from the jar. There is no need to heat pesto, although too many people do.
Homemade basil pesto sauce freezes incredibly well. Simply make the recipe as instructed, then seal the pesto in an airtight container or freezer bag. Alternately, spoon the homemade pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once hardened, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag.
This fresh and fragrant pasta sauce is served uncooked, so choose a pasta shape that won't overwhelm it. Similar to oil-based sauces, pesto is served best with longer cuts of pasta, like the corkscrew shape of Fusilli. Pesto works best with Bucatini, Capellini, thinner Spaghettini, and Fettuccine.
If, on the other hand, the jar has been opened and left in a fridge for a day or two, it's most likely that the change in colour is simply a result of oxidation.
Because its ingredients include olive oil, nuts, and cheese, pesto can be high in calories and fat. However, the fat is primarily unsaturated and may have heart health benefits. Pesto is also full of antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
Frequently Asked Questions. How long do other jarred sauces stay fresh in the refrigerator? While pasta sauce stays fresh for about five to six days after opening, sauces that contain dairy, such as Alfredo, are best used within three or four days.
Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271
Phone: +9663362133320
Job: District Sales Analyst
Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing
Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
