Shelf Life Tips
- How long does beef gravy last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened beef gravy refrigerated and tightly covered.
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To maximize the shelf life of canned or bottled beef gravy after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
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How long does opened beef gravy last in the refrigerator? Beef gravy that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 5 days.
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Is beef gravy safe to use after the expiration date on the package? Yes, provided it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged beef gravy 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 beef gravy will remain at peak quality.
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To further extend the shelf life of opened beef gravy, freeze it: to freeze beef gravy, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long does beef gravy last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - beef gravy that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does beef gravy last after being frozen and thawed? Beef gravy that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; beef gravy that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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How can you tell if opened beef gravy is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the beef gravy: if the beef gravy develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
