How long is applesauce good for once opened
Applesauce is a tasty and nutritious snack, perfect for children and adults. If it’s a staple in your household, you might be curious about how long a jar will last once opened. Although the precise shelf life can vary depending on all sorts of factors, most applesauce will remain safe for consumption for up to 10 days after opening the container. However, the opened container should be stored in the refrigerator.
The lifespan of unopened applesauce is generally much longer. Additionally, most brands do not require refrigeration until opened. If you have a sealed jar and it is stored in the right conditions, that is, in a cool, dry place, protected from high temperatures and humidity, it could last two years or more. Always check the expiration or use-by dates on the jar for guidance, as shelf life may vary depending on the brand of store-bought applesauce you have at home. As for opened containers, proper storage measures are essential to getting the most out of this healthy treat.
Read more: 13 Canned Foods You Should Avoid at the Grocery Store
How to store applesauce after opening
Cold storage is essential for opened containers of applesauce, although it is generally not necessary until the container is opened. If you have a jar of applesauce with a tight-fitting lid, you can simply place it in the refrigerator and enjoy it however you like. If the lid does not create a tight seal or you are dealing with a sachet or cup, you should take the remaining applesauce and place it in a suitable airtight container before transferring it to the refrigerator. A sealed container is essential to prevent air from getting inside, which can increase the risk of mold or bacterial problems.
You can also freeze applesauce, which will extend its shelf life by about eight months to a year. Again, the choice of container is crucial to avoid exposure to air and to keep the applesauce safe for consumption. Since applesauce can expand a bit once frozen, try to leave a little room in the container you choose to ensure the lid stays securely closed. Additionally, it’s a good idea to note the date on the container to ensure the applesauce doesn’t sit in the freezer for too long, which could lead to freezer burn.
Signs that applesauce has gone bad
Consuming spoiled applesauce can lead to particularly nasty food poisoning, but it’s usually easy to know when it’s time to throw out a jar. In many cases, bad applesauce will provide visual cues that are hard to miss. Visible mold growth indicates that the food is no longer good and should be thrown out. The texture of mold is often fuzzy, while colors can vary from black to white to green in some cases. Even if the food doesn’t contain mold, any discoloration indicates something is wrong with your sauce.
As for the smell, bad odors are often a sign of bacterial proliferation. Applesauce should only smell sweet, so an off-putting smell usually means the food is no longer safe to eat. You might even be able to tell the applesauce has gone bad without opening the jar. Rust on the lid is a major problem, as is damage to the pot itself. Leaks are also bad news for applesauce, and it’s usually best to throw away jars that are oozing or look visibly damaged.
Read the original article on Daily Meal.
