Expiration & Storage Tips
When does adobo sauce expire?
Unopened, a store-bought jar of adobo sauce can last up to 2 years past the printed date, provided it's stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 1-2 months for the best flavor. If you make your own adobo sauce and keep it in an air-tight container in the fridge, it will usually stay fresh for about a week. Freezing isn't recommended due to risk of texture changes.
How do you tell if adobo sauce is bad?
To determine if your adobo sauce has gone bad, take note of the following signs: a noticeable change in smell, either becoming overpoweringly pungent or smelling sour; a drastic color change, like darkening or developing a greenish hue; or mold growth, which will often start at the top and make its way down. If you notice anything suspicious, it's best to err on the side of safety and discard the sauce.
Tips for storing adobo sauce to extend shelf life
• Store unopened adobo sauce in a cool, dry place like a pantry or kitchen cupboard.
• After opening, ensure you tightly seal the lid before refrigeration to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Avoid consuming directly from the jar as this can introduce bacteria leading to a shorter shelf life.
• Consider transferring homemade sauce to a glass jar with an air-tight seal to maintain peak freshness.
• Where possible, use clean utensils every time you scoop out sauce.
• Do not freeze adobo sauce. Although this might seem like a convenient means of lengthening its shelf life, freezing could alter the consistency and affect the flavor.