Shelf Life Tips
- How long do anchovies last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened anchovies refrigerated and tightly covered.
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To maximize the shelf life of canned or bottled anchovies after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
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How long do opened anchovies last in the refrigerator? Anchovies that have been continuously refrigerated will generally keep well for about 1 to 2 months.
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Are anchovies safe to use after the expiration date on the package? Yes, provided they have been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged anchovies 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 anchovies will remain at peak quality.
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To further extend the shelf life of opened anchovies, freeze them: to freeze anchovies, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long do anchovies last in the freezer? Properly stored, they 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 - anchovies that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long do anchovies last after being frozen and thawed? Anchovies that have been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; anchovies that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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How can you tell if opened anchovies are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the anchovies: if the anchovies 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
