How Long Do Canned Chili Peppers Last Once Opened?

Shelf Life Tips

• How long does a can of chili peppers last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened chili peppers refrigerated and tightly covered.
• To maximize the shelf life of canned chili peppers after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
• How long do opened canned chili peppers last in the refrigerator? Canned chili peppers that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 1 to 2 months.
• Are canned chili peppers safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided they have been stored properly, the can or package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially canned chili peppers 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 chili peppers will remain at peak quality.
• To further extend the shelf life of opened canned chili peppers, freeze them: to freeze canned chili peppers, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The texture of canned chili peppers will be softer after freezing and thawing; the thawed chili peppers will be best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups and casseroles.
• How long do canned chili peppers last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
• The freezer time shown is for best quality only - chili peppers that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
• How long do canned chili peppers last after being frozen and thawed? Chili peppers that have been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; chili peppers that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
• How can you tell if opened canned chili peppers are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the chili peppers: if the chili peppers develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
• Discard all chili peppers from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.

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