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Old 02-16-2008, 04:13 PM   #17
redforever
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barnes View Post
Salsa lasts forever. There's hardly ever an expiration date on the jars. With so many tomatoes and preservatives it's probably good for at least a year.

Sometimes I think expiration dates are there to make you consume more. Does Italian dressing really go bad? What could possibly turn? The oil? The vinegar?
NO NO NO, it does not last forever. Sure it has tomatoes, but tomatoes without either being processed and vacuum sealed spoil readily.

On products like salsa, pickles, anything canned in a jar, there is a long period of time for safe keeping........

UNTIL that jar is opened. Then you break the vacuum seal and regular room air gets in, with all the contaminants associated with same. And from that point on it has a very short shelf life. It will of course keep longer in the fridge once opened rather than at room temperature.

Pickles, olives, things along that line, once opened, will keep quite a long time, if refrigerated of course. Why? two reasons, high salt content and high vinegar content, both good natural preservatives.

On the other hand, preserves like jams, jellies will also keep a long time, even once opened, provided they are refrigerated. Why? Because they have a high sugar and pectin content. Jams and jellies will last longer than salsa once opened.

That salsa does not contain much salt, vinegar or sugar, certainly not enough to keep for a year.... so once opened, I would consume that salsa within a couple of weeks.

Suggestions:

1. Buy smaller quantities, then you have a higher chance of using it within a safe period of time. If you do insist on buying a large quantity because it is cheaper that way, take out a portion that you think you can consume in a short period of time, freeze the rest in usable portions for next use. Salsa is already pre-cooked, you will not change its texture and taste by freezing it. When it is thawed, it might have a bit of water on the top, simply stir together and then use as before.

2. Store it in a place in your fridge where it is easily seen, not in some isolated corner where it becomes hidden and forgotten and then spoils.
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