Salsa is a popular condiment that is frequently used as a dip. It’s also popular in Mexican cooking. Salsa’s usage is broad, as it can be used as a seasoning, marinade, or in stews.
However, if salsa is not adequately stored, whether homemade or store-bought, it can cause severe food poisoning. To avoid this, we shall go over how to store salsa and the recommended length of time.
The Best Way to Store Salsa
Storage guidelines are different for different types of salsa. They include store-bought salsa, sold un-refrigerated, commercially bottled salsa, which is already refrigerated, and homemade salsas such as barbecue sauce.
Store-bought salsa that is stored un-refrigerated can be kept in the pantry if it’s not opened. This should be in a cool, dark place away from sunlight or heat sources such as microwaves and ovens.
When opened, it should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container. Salsa has high water content, and air exposure can cause it to spoil easily.
For commercially bought salsa that has already been refrigerated in the supermarket, it should remain refrigerated, following the temperature guidelines on the can.
Homemade salsa should also be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. You’re, however, advised not to freeze your salsa since it affects its texture after thawing.
Proper hygiene should be maintained when handling pasta at home, especially dips. If you are not going to consume all the salsa in one sitting, you are supposed to scoop off your salsa rather than dip it to avoid a bacterial transfer. Contaminants in the salsa will speed up the deterioration process.
How Long Will Salsa Last?
Salsa’s shelf life is influenced by the salsa’s ingredient makeup and marketing strategy. Salsa won’t keep for very long after being opened since it contains a number of perishable components.
If it is not opened, store-bought non-refrigerated salsa can be kept for 12 to 18 months beyond the “best before” date as long as it is kept in a cold, dark location. It will only keep in the fridge for a short time after being opened.
Salsa purchased in a refrigerator can remain unopened for five days beyond its best-before date. Make sure to utilize it within 5-7 days if you do open it.
Depending on the components, homemade salsa has a varying shelf life. Salsas will expire at different times. But if you store it correctly, it may keep for up to five days in the refrigerator. Salsas created from scratch lack preservatives, making them susceptible to spoilage. It’s generally advised that you consume the salsa all at once.
How to Recognize When Salsa is Bad?
The methods listed below can help you identify bad salsa. If you’re unsure about the spoilage signs, discard the salsa.
- Smell – it should be fresh. So, if the smell changes and the salsa produces a rotten odor or a foul smell, it is best to throw the salsa away. If you also smell a different kind of smell other than the original one, dispose of it. It is not worth the risk.
- How it looks – if your salsa has significant discoloration and the color has started to change to dark maroon, discard it.
- Consistency – it changes to be thicker than the usual thickness of the salsa.
- Mold – just like you see mold in all other spoilt foods, if you see mold growth on the container’s cap or the surface of the cap, that’s a clear indication that your salsa is spoilt. Mold on salsa can look different. You will notice either white or black mold or a greenish-blue mold color. Mold can be identified by a powdery-looking residue on the salsa’s surface.
- Taste – it will be different than how it usually is. If it tastes somewhat sour or bitter, discard it.
In conclusion, readily available salsa comes in handy. That is if you frequently snack or would like to quickly fix a meal. Salsa can be very delicate as well if not well stored. The above information will prove helpful in determining how to correctly preserve this food to avoid spoilage.