Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened jar of mustard pickles last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions -to maximize the shelf life of mustard pickles store in a cool, dry area.
- How long does an unopened jar of mustard pickles last at room temperature? Properly stored, an unopened jar of mustard pickles will generally stay at best quality for about 2 years.
- Are unopened mustard pickles safe to use after the "expiration date" on the jar? Yes, provided they are properly stored and the jar is undamaged - commercially packaged mustard pickles 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 mustard pickles will remain at peak quality.
- Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the mustard pickles' texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the jar is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
- How can you tell if mustard pickles are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the pickles: if mustard pickles develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
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