Pesto is typically eaten with pasta but it can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or on top of vegetables. One of the things you may run into is whether pesto is bad or not.
Does Pesto Go Bad?
Pesto is a sauce made from basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan, and can last up to three days in the refrigerator.
Pesto can go bad if you let it sit out for too long or if it has been sitting in the hot sun outside. If this happens, you will need to discard it.
The reason for this is the fact that the basil leaves used in pesto contain many different types of bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) which breaks down proteins in food as well as creates toxins called mycotoxins.
How Long Does Pesto Last?
Some say that pesto lasts for three days, while others say it lasts for up to a week.
In general, the shelf life of pesto depends on what you use it in and other things like where you store it.
Pesto has a long shelf life due to its high oil content and low moisture level. If you want to keep your pesto fresh, make sure you use a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid and line it with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pesto will stay fresh at room temperature for about 1-2 days.
Pesto has a shelf life of about two weeks in the refrigerator. However, it may become too bitter after that time which means you should consider making more than one batch each time you plan on using pesto.
If you need to store pesto for longer than 2 weeks, the freezer is the next option. Pesto can be stored in the freezer for 3 to 4 months.
How to Store Pesto
Whether it’s homemade pesto or store-bought, pesto can be stored at room temperature, refrigerator, or a freezer.
Room Temperature Storage
Pesto can be stored at room temperature, but it’s not recommended to do so. Storing them at room temperature will cause the pesto to not last very long.
If you need to store pesto outside of the fridge, keep them sealed in an airtight container. Also, keep the pesto away from direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigerator Storage
It is best to store the pesto in the fridge where it’s the temperature is cool. Store the pesto in an airtight container with a layer of oil at the bottom to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Freezer Storage
The freezer is the third option where to store pesto.
To store the pesto in the freezer, first transfer the pesto into a freeze-safe container. You can also freeze them as ice cubes. This will make it easier for you to remove them from the freezer.
How to Tell If Pesto Is Bad?
If you are trying to decide whether or not to buy a jar of pesto, there are certain signs you can look for to see if it might be bad.
- The expiration date is more than a year from the current date
- There is mold on the lid
- It smells like vinegar or has a musty smell
- The jar contains only a small amount of pesto and it’s in a resealable container that won’t let air in
How To Keep Pesto Fresh Longer
Pesto is a delicious sauce that can be made from a variety of ingredients. It’s easy to make and you can add it to pasta, toss it with some bread, use it as a pizza sauce or just eat it with a spoon.
Pesto is easy to make and everyone likes the flavor. However, once you have made pesto and put it in the refrigerator, there are several things that you need to know how to do in order to keep your pesto tasting fresh for longer.
Here are some tips on how to keep your pesto fresh longer:
– Don’t add salt or heat when storing your pesto because both will kill the flavor of the ingredients.
– Keep your pesto in an airtight container so bacteria won’t get in and ruin the flavor.
– Keeping pesto fresh is by refrigerating them and limiting their exposure to air after it has been made.
– Make a double batch of pesto and store half of it separately in an airtight container with just enough olive oil.
Related Questions
Can expired pesto make you sick?
Expired pesto can make you sick. It is important that you use it up within a few days from its manufacture date.
In general, it is fine to use up an expired jar of pesto as long as the jar is still sealed and there are no signs of mold or decay on the lid. If the top of your jar has been opened, however, or there are signs of spoilage inside, it would be best not to eat the pesto at all so you will avoid possible sicknesses.