How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last? Does it Go Bad?

It’s the season of pumpkin spice and everything nice, but when it comes to canned pumpkin puree, how long does its shelf life stretch?

Ever since you bought that can of puree at the grocery store – out of curiosity over a delicious-sounding recipe found on Pinterest – you’ve been wondering if it goes bad.

After all, food poisoning is not what anyone wants in their lives year-round!

Let me put your worries to rest with one answer: No, pumpkin puree does not go bad quickly – or ever for that matter – as long as you store it properly.

In this blog post I’ll cover exactly how long canned pumpkin puree lasts before it needs to be chucked (spoiler alert: never!), storage methods, telltale signs that indicate an expired item should be thrown away and much more.

So read on if you want a comprehensive guide to properly storing and using canned pumpkin puree now and for years down the road!

What’s Pumpkin Puree?

Pumpkin puree is a thick, smooth substance that’s made by cooking down pumpkin flesh until it’s soft and then pureeing it.

It’s commonly used in recipes like pies, breads, soups, and even some cocktails.

Pumpkin puree is very easy to make at home and can be done with either fresh or canned pumpkins.

If you’re using a fresh pumpkin, simply cut it into quarters, remove the seeds and strings, and then roast it in the oven until it’s fork-tender.

Once it’s cooled, scoop out the flesh and puree it in a food processor or blender.

If you’re using canned pumpkin, there’s no need to cook it beforehand – just open the can and puree the contents.

How to Store Pumpkin Puree?

Storing pumpkin puree is a great way to make sure you always have some on hand for when you need it.

To store pumpkin puree, boil or steam the whole pumpkins until they become soft and easy to scoop out.

Then scoop out the flesh and mash it into a puree using a blender or food processor.

Once blended, transfer the puree into airtight containers and then place them in either the fridge or freezer depending on what you plan to do with it.

To keep your pumpkin puree fresh in the fridge, consume it within 2-3 days, or if you plan on storing the pumpkin longer, freeze the containers and use within 4 months.

How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last?

Pumpkin puree is a great ingredient to have on hand during the fall season.

It can be used in sweet or savory dishes, and it has a long shelf life.

But how long does pumpkin puree last, exactly?

Pumpkin puree will last for about 3-5 days in the fridge and up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

This is assuming, of course, that you have stored it properly.

Once opened, pumpkin puree should be stored in an airtight container.

If you are freezing it, be sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag.

To extend the shelf life of pumpkin puree even further, you can add a bit of lemon juice to it before storing it.

The acidity will help to preserve the puree and prevent it from going bad too quickly.

Simply add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice per cup of pumpkin puree, mix well, and store as usual.

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Puree?

Pumpkin puree can be frozen, but it will change the texture once thawed.

When freezing pumpkin puree, make sure to use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace at the top to allow for expansion.

It’s also best to use within six months for optimal quality.

If you’ve ever had a frozen food that’s been thawed and then refrozen, you know that the texture changes and it’s never quite the same.

The same goes for pumpkin puree. Once thawed, the puree will be watery and not as thick as it was before.

For this reason, it’s best to use frozen pumpkin puree within six months for optimal quality.

How to Tell If Pumpkin Puree Is Bad?

It’s easy to tell if pumpkin puree has gone bad. The first thing you’ll notice is the color.

If the puree is starting to turn brown, it’s time to throw it out.

The second thing you’ll notice is the smell.

If the puree smells sour or rancid, it’s definitely time to get rid of it.

Finally, if the texture of the puree is lumpy or slimy, it’s no longer safe to eat.

If you’re not sure whether or not your pumpkin puree has gone bad, the best course of action is to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.

Pumpkin puree can last up to six months in the fridge, but after that, it’s time to say goodbye.

Conclusion

Assuming it is stored correctly, pumpkin puree should last in the fridge for up to a week.

However, if you notice any signs of spoilage, it is best to discard the puree.

To extend the shelf life of pumpkin puree, you can freeze it for up to six months.

When thawing, make sure to do so in the fridge overnight to prevent bacteria growth.

Overall, pumpkin puree is a versatile and shelf-stable ingredient that can be used in sweet or savory dishes.

With proper storage, it can last for several weeks in the fridge or up to six months in the freezer.