Shelf Life Tips
- How long does a can of pears last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened canned pears refrigerated and tightly covered.
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To maximize the shelf life of canned or packaged pears after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
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How long do opened canned pears last in the refrigerator? Pears that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 5 to 7 days.
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Are canned pears 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 pears 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 pears will remain at peak quality.
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To further extend the shelf life of opened canned pears, freeze them: to freeze pears, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long do canned pears last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - pears that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long do canned pears last after being frozen and thawed? Pears that have been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; pears that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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How can you tell if opened canned pears are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the pears: if the pears develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
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Discard all pears from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
