If you're anything like me, you have a love for pesto and always have a jar or two in your fridge; but ever since the pandemic started, it feels like our supplies don't last as long anymore.
Despite being more careful with portion control, I'm still left with one question - how long does pesto actually last?
Does it go bad after a certain period of time or can it hang out in the refrigerator indefinitely until we need its delicious flavor again?
To help provide some clarity on this perplexing matter, today I'm diving into everything you need to know about storing and using pesto safely!
What's Pesto?
Pesto is a sauce that is traditionally made with basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
It can be used as a condiment on meats or vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches.
Pesto can also be added to pasta or rice dishes for extra flavor.
Store-bought pesto usually comes in a jar and can be found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
Homemade pesto can be made by blending all of the ingredients together in a food processor.
Pesto will last for about a week when stored in the fridge.
After that, it will start to turn brown and lose its flavor.
If you want to extend the shelf life of pesto, you can freeze it in an airtight container.
Frozen pesto will last for several months.
Pesto Storage Time in Refrigerator
Pesto is a sauce that is traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
It is a popular condiment in Italy and is often used on pasta dishes.
Pesto can last in the fridge for up to 7 days if it is stored in an airtight container.
How Can You Tell If Pesto Has Gone Bad?
The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem.
There are a few different ways to tell if pesto has gone bad, and the method you use will depend on the type of pesto you have.
If you have store-bought pesto, the best way to tell if it has gone bad is to check the expiration date.
If the pesto is past its expiration date, it is likely that it has gone bad and should not be consumed.
If you have homemade pesto, the best way to tell if it has gone bad is to smell it.
If the pesto smells sour or off, it is probably bad and should not be eaten.
Another way to tell if homemade pesto has gone bad is to check the color.
If the green color of the pesto has changed or faded, it is likely that the pesto has lost its freshness and flavor and should be discarded.
What are Some Tips For Storing Pesto?
Pesto is a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes.
While it is relatively easy to make, it can be tricky to store.
Here are a few tips for storing pesto so that it stays fresh and delicious:
- Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to place it in an airtight container so that it does not dry out or develop mold.
- Pesto can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Place it in an airtight freezer-safe container and it will keep for up to six months. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it out in the refrigerator overnight.
- If you find that your pesto has become too thick after being stored, simply stir in a little bit of olive oil or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can You Freeze Pesto? How Long Does Frozen Pesto Last?
Most people think that pesto can only be enjoyed fresh, but did you know that you can actually freeze pesto? Freezing pesto is a great way to preserve it so that you can enjoy it all year round.
And the best part is, frozen pesto will last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
To freeze pesto, simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer.
When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then give it a good stir before using.
You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
This is a great way to portion out your pesto so that you can thaw only what you need.
Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in so many different dishes.
From pasta to chicken to vegetables, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with pesto.
So next time you make a batch of this delicious sauce, be sure to freeze some so that you can enjoy it long after summer has ended.
Keeping Pesto Fresh Longer
Pesto can last in the fridge for up to 1 week.
You can tell if pesto has gone bad if it has changed color or smell.
Some tips for storing pesto are to keep it in an airtight container and to not add extra olive oil.
You can freeze pesto for up to 6 months.
Ingredients
Method
- Store your product in an labelled container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
- If your food is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Make sure to look for signs that your food has gone bad before eating it.
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The Complete Food Storage Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
See all food storage guides →The shelf life of Pesto depends on storage conditions - properly refrigerated, it stays fresh for [timeframe]. Always check for signs of spoilage before use.
Spoiled Pesto typically shows visual changes like mold or color shifts, develops an unpleasant or sour odor, or changes in texture. Trust your senses - don't taste-test something you suspect is off.
Some types can sit at room temperature for short periods - typically up to two hours safely. Beyond that, refrigeration is necessary to prevent bacterial growth.
Refreezing after thawing is generally not recommended, as it affects texture and increases the risk of bacteria growth. If thawed in the fridge and not yet cooked, refreezing once is usually safe.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
