Do you ever wonder if you can still eat salsa from an open jar after it’s been in the fridge for awhile? I know I certainly do! Let me show you how easy it is to tell if your salsa is still good after opening. You’ll learn how long your salsa is good for and when you need to replace it.
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I am somewhat of a salsa nut, I have to admit.
One of the first recipes I ever posted on SeasonalCookbook.com was for a light, Pico de Gallo type salsa that I called Mom’s Homemade Salsa and it seemed to go over well. It’s a fresh, homemade, salsa with a lot of flavor.
Since that time, I’ve also shared my 9 Ways to Make Mild Salsa Spicier for those who share their lives with someone who prefers a blander salsa, but maybe they prefer a spicier blend!
And I’ve created recipes that are excellent to eat with salsa, such as my Superbowl Nachos Supreme, that is a perfect game-time snack whether it is the Superbowl you’re watching or the U.S. World Cup!
In this post, we’ll look at the different types of salsa and discuss how long salsa is good for after opening so you never get caught wondering…
“Can I…EAT that?”
What Are The Different Types Of Salsa?
When you and I think of the different types of salsa, we may think of Mild, Medium, Hot, Queso, but these are really the different blends of salsa.
You’ll recall that I mentioned Pico de Gallo above when talking about the type of salsa that inspired my Mom’s Homemade Salsa recipe.
Pico de Gallo is a light, tomato-based salsa that combines tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime juice and is a type of salsa.
I couldn’t possibly explain all the different types of salsa in this article, since there are quite a few!
And you came here wondering how long your salsa is good for after being opened, anyway, didn’t you?
But if you are interested in all of the different types of salsa, please check out this excellent article FAQ: The Different Types of Salsa to get a real rundown on just how many different types of salsa there really are, as well as what ingredients are used in each type!
But for this discussion, we’ll just consider two broad categories of salsa: Fresh Salsa (e.g. Homemade) and Jarred Salsa (e.g. Store-Bought).
Most of us probably eat jarred salsa, which is salsa that came in a jar that we bought from the store.
Even if you bought this amazing salsa online (one of my favorites) – if it comes in a JAR, it falls under the category of Jarred Salsa.
How Long Is Jarred Salsa Good For After Opening?
Jarred Salsa is typically good for up to 14 days after opening if refrigerated, it is not left out for too long, and the lid is put back on tightly.
According to the website, DoesItGoBad.com, their excellent article How Long Does Salsa Last? states that, after opening, “…shelf-stable jarred salsa lasts for 10 to 14 days…“
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Be Safe – Use the 14-Day Rule!
I am pretty confident that you can eat refrigerated, jarred salsa, for up to 14 days after it has been opened as long as you follow the advice above and replace the lid tightly and keep the salsa refrigerated when not being used.
I’ve probably pushed it a few days past that 14 day limit myself at times!
I survived.
How To Tell If An Open Jar Of Salsa Is Still Good?
Start by doing a visual test – and checking for the following:
- Has the color changed?
- Are there any visual signs of mold (e.g. strange growth, odd coloration)?
- Does the salsa have white spots?
- Does it have blue or green spots?
Your nose, knows:
- Is there a musty odor to the salsa?
- Does it smell rancid?
If you notice ANY of the things above, discard it because it is likely that the salsa has started to turn and is no longer safe to eat!
I wouldn’t even attempt to taste it if you notice any of those important signs that your salsa has gone bad.
How To Tell If Fresh Salsa Is Still Good After Being In The Fridge?
Fresh salsa is a different story, however. Unlike jarred salsa, fresh salsa does not come in a jar with an air-tight lid.
Fresh salsa also does NOT contain the preservatives that store-bought salsa contains, so it’s shelf-life is much shorter.
An open container of fresh (homemade) salsa only lasts for 3-4 days.
So, before you incorporate that salsa into your next favorite Mexican recipe, make sure you consider the time frames above.
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How Long Does An Unopened Jar Of Salsa Last?
I know you came here wondering how long your jar of salsa is still good for after opening, but I didn’t think this article would be complete if we didn’t also answer how long that unopened, store-bought jar of salsa lasts.
Let’s start with the Expiration Date!
Where The Heck Is The Expiration Date On A Jar Of Salsa, Anyway?
Each jar of salsa that is sold, commercially, has an expiration date printed on it somewhere.
But, I have to admit, the expiration date on most salsas is NOT easy to find!
Please look closely at the photo above.
You see where it says ‘Best By 11 08 24’? Just below the lid and above the label (and above the long string of numbers)?
That’s the expiration date, followed by the product number and some specifics about where the salsa was manufactured etc.
I almost missed it, too! And if you don’t have the best eyesight – like me – it can be even more of a challenge to find the expiration date on a jar of salsa.
I purchased this jar of salsa you see in the photo above on ’07/07/23′, so the expiration date of ’11 08 24′ is, actually, November 08, 2024 – about seventeen months from now!
An UNopened jar of store bought salsa can last anywhere from 18 – 24 months if it is stored in a cool, dark, place such as in your kitchen cupboard
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How Long Does A Jar Of Tostitos Salsa Last After Opening?
I know we all have our favorite brands of salsa and may want to know how long they last in the fridge?
In addition to my favorite jarred salsa mentioned at the beginning of this article, Tostitos is also one of the brands I like.
It’s the salsa pictured at the top of this post and in the photo below. It’s what we eat at home when we can’t find this one.
Tostitos Chunky Salsa is one of the most popular brands of commercially sold, shelf-stable jarred salsas in the U.S.
As such, an unopened jar of Tostitos Salsa lasts the same amount of time as other unopened, jarred salsas – 18 to 24 months, if stored in a cool, dim, dry space.
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If so, please join my mailing list by clicking the big green button below. I’ll even send you a FREE COPY of my Seasonal Mediterranean Diet Ingredients List printable PDF.
I don’t spam my subscribers and you’ll only hear from me occasionally when I have something new to share with you.
Let Me Know What You Think!
Do you have any tips about how long salsa lasts?
What about any suggestions for anything I missed or even something you think I may have gotten wrong?
Please let me know in the COMMENTS SECTION below.
