Expiration & Storage Tips
When does picante sauce expire?
Unopened picante sauce generally stays good through the printed 'best by' date on the jar, and often months beyond that time. Once opened, picante sauce typically lasts for about one month when stored in the refrigerator. If you freeze picante sauce, properly packaged, you can expect it to keep for about four to six months. Thaw frozen picante sauce in the refrigerator for 24 hours before use for the best results.
How do you tell if picante sauce is bad?
Sight, smell, and taste remain the best indicators of spoilage for picante sauce. If you notice mold, discoloration, or separation of ingredients, the sauce has likely gone bad. A sour or putrid smell is a strong sign of spoilage. Finally, if the taste is off, discard the sauce.
Tips for storing picante sauce to extend shelf life
• Store unopened picante sauce in a cool, dark pantry away from heat and light.
• Once opened, always store picante sauce in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep the lid tightly closed when not in use.
• To extend the longevity of picante sauce, you can freeze it. Pour into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and store in the freezer.
• Use a clean spoon every time you scoop sauce out of the jar to prevent contamination.