Can Pesto Go Bad?: Are you making pesto at home or buying from the nearest store? If yes, then stay on this page. Here we are giving useful information about whether can pesto go bad, pesto shelf life, spoilage signs, and storage tips.
Also, know if the refrigerator increases the shelf life of store-bought pesto, does freezing pesto is recommended, how long is jarred pesto good for after expiration date, how long does unopened pesto last, and so on from the following sections.
- Does Pesto Go Bad?
- How To Tell If Pesto Is Bad?
- How Long Does Pesto Last In The Fridge?
- Does Pesto Need To Be Refrigerated? – How To Store Pesto?
- Can You Freeze Pesto?
- Surprising Facts About Pesto
- How long does pesto keep in the fridge?
- Can expired pesto make you sick?
- Does unopened pesto go bad?
- How long does homemade pesto last in the freezer?
- How long is pesto good for after opening or unopened?
Does Pesto Go Bad?
Yes, pesto can go bad as it is prepared from fresh and perishable products. Store-bought pesto has preservatives which are helpful in extending the shelf life for a couple of days after opening.
Homemade pesto doesn’t have such kinds of artificial preservatives and it has many health benefits. So, it lasts fewer days than store-bought pesto.
How To Tell If Pesto Is Bad? – How To Know If Pesto Is Bad?
If you find any signs of spoilage of pesto, then just discard it as soon as possible. The things you have to observe are color, mold, smell, taste, and others. If your pesto jar is stored for more days either in the pantry or fridge, check for the following signs in the jar.
When you notice your pesto is brown in color, then it is spoiled. The fresh pesto is in green color. Check the smell and taste of the pesto, when it tastes bitter or harsh or chemical smell, then discard the bottle. If you notice any mold growth or fuzzy action on the surface, then it has turned bad.
How Long Does Pesto Last Once Opened?
Store-bought pesto lasts for 2 weeks to 3 months based on how they are stored. Homemade pesto’s shelf life is 4 days when it is placed in the refrigerator. The unopened and refrigerated pesto will have a higher shelf life than unrefrigerated and opened bottles.
Store-bought and unrefrigerated pesto bottles come with a best-by date on the label. You can use the sauce with the best quality before that date. But it will stay good for a couple of weeks after the use-by date.
Unrefrigerated Commercial Pesto Shelf Life
Pesto sold unrefrigerated stays good for about 8 to 12 months or more. Once the sauce bottle is opened, it will last for 3 days to 2 weeks. These vast differences may be caused by different quantities and types of preservatives added by different brands while making the sauce. So you can read the use-by-date on the label to get an idea.
Pesto Sold Refrigerated Lifespan
Pesto is also sold in the refrigerated section, and it has a shorter shelf life. Like others, it also keeps fresh beyond the best-by date. The opened jar is kept for 4 to 7 days.
Homemade pesto lasts for only 4 days in the fridge. If you want to store it for more days, then choose to freeze it. It is free from artificial preservatives which is the reason for the smaller shelf life.
| Counter | Fridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Pesto, sold unrefrigerated, unopened | Best-by + 2 – 3 months | 1 week |
| Pesto, sold unrefrigerated, opened | 4 days to 2 weeks | |
| Pesto, sold refrigerated, unopened | Use-by + 1 – 2 weeks | |
| Pesto, sold refrigerated, opened | 4 – 7 days | |
| Homemade pesto | 4 days |
Does Pesto Need To Be Refrigerated? – How To Store Pesto?
Yes, all open pesto sauce jars should be placed in the refrigerator to maintain their quality for a longer period. When you buy commercially made pesto that wasn’t refrigerated in the market does not need refrigeration. Even homemade pesto has to be refrigerated.
To place the opened pesto in the fridge, transfer the sauce into a small airtight container and seal tightly.
Unrefrigerated Pesto Storage Tips
Pesto should always be placed in a cool and dry area that is away from direct sunlight or heat source. Store the unrefrigerated pesto bottles at room temperature. It has preservatives that can extend the sauce’s shelf life. Once the pesto bottle is opened, seal it tightly after use.
Also, Refer
Can You Freeze Pesto?
Yes, you can freeze pesto to increase its shelf life for both store-bought and homemade pesto. The only item you need is the plastic container. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and leave a few inches of the space before sealing it. Write the storage date and place it in the freezer.
Surprising Facts About Pesto
The interesting facts about pesto are here:
- Pesto is a kind of sauce that originated in Italy.
- This uncooked sauce is made of basil which is crushed.
- Other ingredients required to make pesto are salt, garlic, pine nuts, and a few types of cheese.
- Pesto is always a great option for your pasta.
FAQs on Can Pesto Go Bad
1. How long does pesto keep in the fridge?
Unopened and canned pesto can last for 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator. And homemade pesto will stay good for 5 to 7 days.
2. Can expired pesto make you sick?
No, expired pesto can’t make you sick.
3. Does unopened pesto go bad?
Yes, unopened pesto can go bad. It will retain quality for 5 to 7 days after the expiration date.
4. How long does homemade pesto last in the freezer?
The homemade pesto lasts for 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
5. How long is pesto good for?
Want to know how long can pesto last in the fridge and in other storage conditions? Let’s see the below table:
| Type of Pesto | Opened | Unopened |
|---|---|---|
| Store-bought, refrigerated | 7 to 14 days | 1-3 weeks |
| Store-bought, canned | 5 to 7 days | 4-6 weeks |
| Store-bought, powdered | 7-14 days | 6 weeks (pantry) |
| Homemade | < 3 days | NA |
Summary
We believe that the information given here about can pesto go bad helped you clear your doubts. You can easily access the data like pesto shelf life, storage conditions, and signs of spoilage. If you need relevant information about other dips and spreads, stay tuned to our site canfoodgobad.com.