Having a nachos night? Chips and dip?
Or if you just fancy a quick snack, you can’t go wrong with a delicious, zingy tomato salsa! Whether it is store-bought or homemade, there’s always room for it on the party table, but it is important to know, does salsa go bad?
The quick answer is yes, salsa is made from fresh ingredients, so it is definitely perishable.
If you buy it from the store, you can usually find two types of salsa. One you will find in the refrigerated section.
This usually means that there are only natural preservatives in it, like vinegar or citric juice. The other kind you can find on a non-refrigerated shelf in a sealed jar. This tends to mean that there are more preservatives in it, so it will last a bit longer.
Read on to find out how you can prolong the life of your salsa and how to know when it has gone bad.
How To Tell If Your Salsa Has Gone Bad
Much like other fresh foods, it is pretty obvious when it is no longer good to eat. There will be a funky smell, and white and green mold will start growing on the surface. But what if you are suspicious about the new jar you’ve just got home?
Well, it is always a good idea to examine the packaging before you open your salsa. Check for broken seals, leaks, and bulges. If you come across any of these, then it is possible that harmful bacteria have made their way into your salsa, so it is best to be safe and toss it in the trash.
If your salsa smells particularly strong or the jar has formed mold around the edge or on the surface of the salsa, then it has definitely gone bad, and it’s time to crack open a new jar.
If you are not sure if the smell is normal or not, taste a little bit of it. If it tastes super sour, then it has gone bad.
If you can’t determine the above signs of spoilage, but you are still a bit suspicious, it is always best to be on the safe side as rotten vegetables can really upset your stomach.
How To Store Salsa
If not stored properly, salsa can go bad very quickly, so it’s best to read the storage instructions on the packaging to ensure you get the most out of your salsa!
As we said earlier, there are two types of salsa that you can buy from the store. If you have gone for the shelf-stable salsa and the packaging is all intact, go ahead and stick it in a cool, dry place like your pantry or any kitchen cabinet that is away from light, heat, and moisture. It should last in here, unopened, for several months to a year. Just be sure to check the expiry date!
Once opened, it is important that you keep your jar refrigerated. It will then last in the refrigerator for around 1-2 weeks. Be sure to keep an eye out for the spoilage signs such as mold or a sour taste!
If you have bought the fresh salsa from the refrigerated section of the store, then it needs to go straight into the refrigerator once you get it home. It does last a little longer than homemade salsa as it usually includes some preservatives such as vinegar or citric acid. Check the expiry date, and once you have opened the salsa, it should stay fresh for 7-10 days if kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
As with all food, it is important to practice proper hygiene if you want it to last as long as possible. So, do not ‘double dip’, always use a clean utensil, and tightly secure the lid when you’re not using it. By following these steps, your salsa will stay fresh for a lot longer!
The Round-Up On Salsa
So, some top tips to take away from this are:
- Salsa does go bad as it is made with fresh ingredients, so it is important to store it properly and look out for mold, a sour smell, and broken packaging.
- Move your shelf-stable jar of salsa into the refrigerator once it has been opened. It will last for 1-2 weeks.
- Fresh salsa must be kept refrigerated at all times and will usually last for 7-10 days.
- Homemade salsa is best enjoyed as soon as you make it! But can last in the refrigerator for 5-7 days in an airtight container.
- Stay hygienic and don’t double-dip, or bacteria will also be enjoying your salsa.
If you follow these rules and simple steps, you will be able to enjoy nacho nights without the worry of an upset stomach!
