Shelf Life Tips
- How long does a can of chipotle peppers last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened chipotle peppers refrigerated and tightly covered.
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To maximize the shelf life of canned chipotle peppers after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
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How long do opened canned chipotle peppers last in the refrigerator? Canned chipotle peppers that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 1 to 2 months.
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Are canned chipotle 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 chipotle 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 chipotle peppers will remain at peak quality.
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To further extend the shelf life of opened canned chipotle peppers, freeze them: to freeze canned chipotle peppers, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long do canned chipotle peppers last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - chipotle peppers that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long do canned chipotle peppers last after being frozen and thawed? Chipotle peppers that have been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; chipotle peppers 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 chipotle peppers are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the chipotle peppers: if the chipotle peppers develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
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Discard all chipotle peppers 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
