Expiration & Storage Tips
When does strawberry jelly expire?
Unopened commercial strawberry jelly has quite a long shelf life and should remain good for about 1 to 2 years past its printed date, when stored correctly. Once opened, strawberry jelly should stay fresh for 6 months to one year in the refrigerator. Homemade strawberry jelly, while delicious, will typically have a shorter shelf-life due to the lack of preservatives. Freshly made jelly can last about one month in the fridge if stored properly. For extended storage, you can freeze your jelly for up to a year; after freezing, the consistency may change slightly upon thawing but the flavor will remain intact.
How do you tell if strawberry jelly is bad?
Strawberry Jelly that has gone bad typically has a deeper color, a strong or off smell, and may have visible mold growing on or in it. Check both on the surface of the jelly and inside the jar. Any sign of mold means it's time to throw it out. The jelly might also start to darken and lose its bright red color. Finally, if the jelly has a rancid or off taste, it's time to discard it.
Tips for storing strawberry jelly to extend shelf life
• Always store your strawberry jelly in the refrigerator after opening, this will extend its shelf life and help maintain its quality.
• Act quickly when serving your jelly: Use a clean knife or spoon when scooping out jelly and always return the jar to the fridge as soon as you've taken what you need.
• For homemade jelly, consider freezing rather than pulling it in the fridge if you've made a large batch that you won't consume promptly.
• Make sure your lids and jar rims are clean before storing your jelly, this will help prevent mold and bacteria growth.
• Never consume jelly from jars with rusted, bulging, or damaged lids, as this can be a sign of dangerous bacteria growth.