Meat Sauce

Firstly, if your meat sauce is store-bought and unopened, it can often have a shelf life of up to 12-18 months past the 'best by' date written on the can or jar. So don't worry too much if that date has recently passed! However, once the meat sauce is opened, it needs to be used within 5-7 days when stored in the refrigerator. If you've made your own meat sauce using fresh ingredients, it's generally safe to consume within 3-4 days when stored in the fridge. And if you've got excess and decide to freeze your meat sauce, it retains quality up to 4-6 months. As for defrosting, leave it in the fridge for a day or two before you plan to use it.

It's vital to ensure your meat sauce hasn't turned bad, to avoid foodborne illnesses. Look for changes in color. If what was once red or brown sauce has turned into a shade of green, gray, or black, toss it out. Mold, which can appear fluffy or fuzzy and in different colors, is also a sure sign of spoilage. It's safer to dispose of the entire container of sauce if you spot any mold, as it could have unseen roots reaching deep into the sauce. Also, do a quick sniff test. If the meat sauce smells off, sour or unpleasantly pungent, it's time to say goodbye. Finally, if you've had it in the fridge for longer than the recommended time (7 days for opened store-bought sauce or 4 days for homemade) - it's best to err on the side of caution and chuck it out.

• Always use a clean spoon when serving the sauce to avoid introducing bacteria. • Transfer store-bought sauce into a clean, airtight container after opening, as this can help prolong its shelf life. • Don't leave your sauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you’ve had it sitting out during dinner, it's best to discard leftovers. • Consider freezing extra portions in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag for individual, ready-to-use portions. These smaller portions defrost faster too! • If freezing, leave some headroom in your containers, as sauces tend to expand when frozen.