Shelf Life Tips
- How long do apricot preserves last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of opened apricot preserves, keep refrigerated and tightly covered.
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How long do opened apricot preserves last in the refrigerator? Apricot preserves that have been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 1 year.
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Are opened apricot preserves safe to use after the "expiration date" on the jar? Yes, provided they have been stored properly, the jar is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially jarred apricot preserves will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the apricot preserves will remain at peak quality.
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The storage time shown for opened apricot preserves are for best quality only - after that, the preserves' texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if it has been kept continuously refrigerated, the jar is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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How can you tell if opened apricot preserves are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the apricot preserves: if the preserves develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
