Does your fridge have a jar filled with applesauce, and you are not sure whether to use it or toss it away? Are you also confused about the question, “How long does applesauce last?” Well, here is a blog post that clears all your doubts regarding the shelf life of applesauce.
When it comes to homemade applesauce, it can last up to 1 to 2 months in the freezer and outside. Unopened applesauce can stay in use till the best-by date in the pantry and refrigerator. Opened applesauce can last up to 10 to 14 days in the fridge and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
Applesauce is a perfect combo of sweetness and tartness. It is widely used in the preparation of cakes and pies. You can also enjoy it with oatmeal, waffles, and many more. Applesauce just elevates the whole flavors of the food items.
Here is a blog post to provide you with all the necessary information regarding the shelf life, storage, and signs of spoilage. Let’s dive right in.
How Long Does Applesauce Last?
Before going further, let’s get an idea of the shelf life of applesauce through this table.
| Conditions Of Applesauce | At The Room Temperature | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opened Applesauce | – | 10 to 14 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Unopened Applesauce | Best by date | Best by date | – |
| Homemade Applesauce | 1 to 2 months (sealed) | 7 to 10 days | 1 to 2 months |
How Long Does Applesauce Last At The Room Temperature?
When it comes to homemade applesauce, it can last up to 1 to 2 months at room temperature. If the box is properly sealed, it can stay in use for up to a year.
But don’t forget to check if it is bad or not. An unopened box of store-bought applesauce can be stored in the pantry till its expiration date.
Moreover, it can even last longer than this, but its quality and flavors might get affected. Don’t forget to place it in dry and cool areas.
When we talk about an opened applesauce, it must not be kept in the pantry. Instead, it must be stored in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Applesauce Last In The Refrigerator?
Let’s now talk about the shelf life of applesauce when kept in the refrigerator. Open jar of homemade applesauce can last up to 7 to 10 days.
Keeping it in the fridge may slow down its decay process. Store-bought applesauce can stay in the fridge for up to 10 to 14 days. You must consume it quickly as it is likely to get spoiled easily.
Well, keep in mind that if you keep the applesauce at room temperature for more than an hour, it may not last long. Thus, you are left with two options, whether to consume it immediately or toss it away.
How Long Does Applesauce Last In The Freezer?
I suggest you not keep the unopened jar of applesauce in the freezer. There is a chance of the jar splitting up and ruining the applesauce. So do not freeze the unopened jar of applesauce in the freezer.
When it comes to the opened applesauce and store-bought ones, it will last up to 1 to 2 months in the freezer. It can retain its quality for up to 1 to 2 months.
Storing it in the freezer may help extend its shelf life, but its quality might get affected. This case is similar to homemade applesauce.
Once thawed, frozen applesauce is good for use for up to 5 to 7 days. You must be done thawing in the refrigerator. If you thaw it in the microwave, you must consume it immediately.
Is applesauce safe to use after the expiration date?
Well, you can consume an unopened applesauce after it passes its expiration date. But it is important to check whether it is affected by the molds or not.
You can use an unopened applesauce for 1 week after it surpasses its expiration date. But before consuming, check out for the signs of spoilage.
Does Applesauce Go Bad Or Spoil Easily?
Yes, applesauce does go bad. With the passage of time, it changes its color from light brown to dark. Spoiled applesauce has a bitter taste with an unpleasant smell.
If not stored properly, there is a high chance of it getting spoiled by the bacterial attack. The presence of mold is a clear indication of spoiled applesauce.
So, if you notice any molds or bacterial growth, it is time to say goodbye and start with a fresh batch of applesauce.
How To Tell If Applesauce Has Gone Bad Or Spoiled?
Here I am listing the signs of spoilage, and if you find any of these, you must not use applesauce for further use and discard it as soon as possible.
1. Unpleasant smell
The most common way to find out whether the applesauce is good or gets spoiled is to check its smell. Remove the lid and notice its smell. It is good to go if it has a sweet and pleasant aroma.
This is the best way to determine the freshness of applesauce. If you find anything off, you must toss it away immediately.
2. Check for appearance
What else is better to check the spoilage of applesauce other than its appearance? If you notice a change in the color of the apple sauce and it is much darker in appearance than its original color. It’s the right time to say goodbye as it is unfit for consumption.
3. The appearance of molds
Well, this is the most obvious sign to throw the applesauce away. If you find molds or any kind of bacterial growth, then it is not good for your health. You must discard it away as soon as possible.
4. Change In Taste
If you can’t find any of the above-mentioned signs, you must check its taste. Just take a small quantity of applesauce on a spoon and taste it.
It is good to use if it has a sweet and tart taste, but if it is bitter and gets rancid, it is time to discard it.
How To Store Applesauce To Extend Its Shelf Life?
Want to know how to extend the shelf life of applesauce? You must remember and follow some points to slow down the spoilage effect.
1. Keep it in the refrigerator
One of the best ways to store applesauce for longer is to refrigerate it. Make sure you secure it with a proper lid and store it in the refrigerator. Placing it in the refrigerator ensures that applesauce keeps away from heat and light.
2. Keep it away from the door
Make sure you keep the applesauce away from the refrigerator door. This area is quite exposed to the external environment.
Moreover, we all frequently open the fridge door. Make sure that you keep it in the back area inside the refrigerator. This will prevent it from getting spoiled.
3. Use mason jars
Another way to store the applesauce and extend its shelf life is by using mason jars. If applesauce is placed in a plastic container, you must transfer it to the glass jars such as mason jars. This will surely be going to extend the life span of the applesauce.
4. Store it in dry and cool areas
The next way to store applesauce is to place it in dry and cool places. This area kept the applesauce away from moisture and heat.
5. Away from moisture
Keep applesauce away from the apple sauce. If kept in a moisture-prone area, then it will speed up the decay process. Moisture leads to the formation of molds, thus, making it unfit for consumption.
6. Keep it away from heat and direct sunlight
Heat is not meant for applesauce. Keep it away from the reach of direct sunlight or heat. Exposure to heat and direct sunlight speed up the spoiling process.
7. Avoid cross-contamination
Make sure you use clean and dry utensils for storing applesauce. Use clean spoons to scoop out the apple sauce.
This will surely prevent it from getting spoiled. Do not use spoons that are already placed in other dishes. If you do so, then it would be an open invitation to bacterial attack.
Tips To Extend The Shelf Life Of The Applesauce
Now, you get familiar with the signs of spoilage and how to store applesauce, here are some tips you must keep in mind while dealing with applesauce.
- Keep the applesauce in the refrigerator.
- Try to place it away from sunlight.
- Avoid using used utensils, and always use clean spoons to scoop out.
- Keep it away from the heat and stoves.
- Store applesauce in glass containers such as mason jars.
- Avoid storing applesauce at the fridge door.
Conclusion
Okay now! This is all about how long applesauce lasts. I hope you got all your answers and now you know what to do with the leftover applesauce.
Place it properly in the fridge and store it in airtight containers. Enjoy applesauce’s tarty and sweet flavors with pieces of bread, cakes, and pies.
If you want to know about the shelf life of other ingredients, check our website. Till then, take care!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is applesauce safe to use after the expiration date?
Well, you can consume an unopened applesauce after it passes its expiration date. But it is important to check whether it is affected by the molds or not.
You can use an unopened applesauce for 1 week after it surpasses its expiration date. But before consuming, check out for the signs of spoilage.
Does Applesauce Go Bad Or Spoil Easily?
Yes, applesauce does go bad. With the passage of time, it changes its color from light brown to dark. Spoiled applesauce has a bitter taste with an unpleasant smell.
How To Tell If Applesauce Has Gone Bad Or Spoiled?
If you notice molds, bacterial growth, unpleasant taste, or discoloration, it is time to say goodbye and start with a fresh batch of applesauce.
How To Store Applesauce To Extend Its Shelf Life?
Keep applesauce away from sunlight and heat, store it in the refrigerator, keep it in a glass container, use clean utensils, and store it in cool and dry areas.
How long does applesauce last?
When it comes to homemade applesauce, it can last up to 1 to 2 months, kept outside and in the freezer. Unopened applesauce can stay best till best by date in the pantry and refrigerator. Opened applesauce can last up to 10 to 14 days in the fridge and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
Does applesauce expire?
Yes, applesauce does expire after a certain period. If you are dealing with store-bought applesauce, you must check its best-by-date.
