Last Updated on February 6, 2023
How long does applesauce last? Or how long does applesauce last after opening? Continue reading to find the answers. Keep in mind that an unopened jar of applesauce will last for several years. However, once you open it, you have to know how long it will last. Moreover, know that the brand that you choose is an essential factor in its shelf life.
Bear in mind that store-bought applesauce typically comes with a best-before or best-by date. With that, the date is a sure estimate of how long the product should retain freshness. However, the expiration date does not assure food safety.
Does The Expiration Date Matter? – Why Don’t Let Your Homemade Applesauce Turn Sour?
Homemade applesauce is a delightful and healthy treat that is loved by many people all around the world. It is not only tasty, but it is also high in vitamins and minerals that are vital for our general health and well-being. But, did you know that it is also incredibly important that your homemade applesauce does not go bad?
Let’s start with the obvious – no one wants to eat spoiled food! If your applesauce has gone bad, it might induce food poisoning, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, among other unpleasant symptoms. Not exactly a fun time, right?
However, not all fame is in preventing food poisoning. Many people don’t think about it too often, but the fact is that homemade applesauce is usually made with fresh, whole apples, which are high in antioxidants and other essential elements. As time goes on, and apples begin to rot little by little, the nutrients begin to degrade, which actually causes applesauce to become less nutritious than it should be. Keeping that in mind, if you want to get the most out of your homemade applesauce, make sure it stays fresh and doesn’t go bad.
Another reason why your applesauce must stay fresh is that it takes time and work to make. If you are like most people, you probably only make homemade applesauce once in a while and want to keep it as fresh as possible.
Now that you know why it’s important to always keep it fresh, let’s find out how long does applesauce last, shall we?
Do You Have to Refrigerate Applesauce?
When it comes to applesauce, many questions and doubts need to be resolved, however, one question that often arises above all others is whether it needs to be refrigerated or not. We will presume that you already believe the answer to this question is yes, but we will provide you with additional information that should help you better understand why.
First and foremost, applesauce contains many natural sugars and carbohydrates. When everything is added up and subtracted it is easy to conclude that this combination has the potential to produce a great habitat for bacteria and other potentially hazardous microbes to develop. This is precisely why it would be a smart idea to always opt for the option of storing in the refrigerator since it slows down the growth of bacteria. As a consequence, applesauce will stay fresher for extended lengths of time.
We mustn’t forget to dedicate a few sentences to its flavor and texture as well. If you have ever left a sliced apple on the table, you might have noticed that its look changed within a few minutes. The same holds for flavor and texture. Once left at room temperature, applesauce begins to ferment, causing it to turn sour and lose flavor. So, to avoid your efforts going to waste, put it in the fridge. This is a unique way to prevent this from happening, guaranteeing that your applesauce tastes as good as the day you made it.
Do you remember the aforementioned essential vitamins and minerals that applesauce is full of? If it is not stored properly, these nutrients, which are very important for our overall health and well-being, begin to decay, making the applesauce less nutritious. What is the point then if they are lost? As a result, by storing it in the refrigerator, you can help retain those nutrients, ensuring that you get the most health advantages from your homemade applesauce.
Speaking of which, how long does applesauce last? Let’s find out in the next section.
How Long Does Applesauce Usually Last in The Fridge?
Essentially, it relies significantly on storage conditions. That is why make sure to close it tightly and refrigerate the applesauce at all times. If you continuously refrigerate applesauce, it will last for about one to two weeks after opening.
That is why proper storage is necessary. The main reason is that applesauce may last for the next several months after passing the expiration date. In contrast, there is a high chance that the applesauce may spoil before the expiration date. Remember, it only occurs if you did not store the applesauce well. For instance, you unknowingly put it in a damaged container.
Furthermore, you can lengthen the shelf life of the opened applesauce by freezing it. So with that, ensure to store it in a sealed container and put it in the freezer. After that, make sure to leave a half-inch headspace at the top. The main reason is that it tends to expand when frozen.
In that regard, freezing will allow your applesauce to last for approximately one to two months. However, remember that it will only stay safe beyond that time. Also, know that you should keep it continually at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long Does Homemade Applesauce Last in The Fridge?
As you already know, you have two options when it comes to applesauce, that is, store-bought or homemade. Let’s take a closer look to see what the difference between these two options is and how long they can last in the fridge.
The store-bought option is quick and convenient, and can usually be found in any grocery store. The trick with it is that it is often packed with added sugars, preservatives, and other ingredients, due to which it has a much longer shelf life in the refrigerator.
On the other hand, homemade applesauce is a completely different story! With homemade applesauce, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into it. You can use fresh, whole apples, add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor, and sweeten it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. And, the best part? You know exactly what you are putting into your body, which can be especially important if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.
With so many benefits, surely there must be at least one bad, right? The secret is the lack of preservatives that lengthen the shelf life. So, how long does applesauce last in the refrigerator? It is very simple, if stored correctly, you can enjoy your delicious and healthy creation for about 5 to 7 days. Frankly speaking, that is plenty of time to savor the flavors and reap the benefits of your hard work!
We assume that for most of you, 5-7 days might seem like a short amount of time considering the effort involved, but don’t let that discourage you from making homemade applesauce. Because the process is quite straightforward, we mustn’t omit to mention the satisfaction of knowing exactly what you’re putting into your body, which is always a good thing!
How Long is Applesauce Good For When Frozen and Thawed?
Bear in mind that if you have defrosted the applesauce in the refrigerator. You can keep it for an additional three to five days in there before using it. In addition to that, you should use it immediately when you thawed in cold water or the microwave.
Also, it would be best to begin freezing in small portions. For that reason, you ensure to test thawed applesauce in your recipe. Doing this is indeed helpful. The main reason is that if things go wrong, it will not be a huge disaster. Keep in mind that partially thawed applesauce will somewhat taste like a slushy.
How Long Does Unsweetened Applesauce Last in The Fridge?
Ahh, unsweetened applesauce! This tasty and versatile treat can add a touch of natural sweetness to your favorite dishes, or be a healthy snack on its own. But, the question on everyone’s mind is, how long does applesauce last when not a single crumb of sugar is involved in its preparation?
Unsweetened applesauce may be kept in the refrigerator for about 2-3 weeks if properly stored. This is due to the absence of sugar and preservatives, which delays the rotting process. Accordingly, no matter how good and healthy the option is, you must keep an eye on its freshness, and, remember, if it starts to smell funky, it’s time to retire it to the compost bin. Happy snacking!
How Do You Tell If Applesauce is Bad?
Remember if you find that your applesauce is developing an unpleasant flavor and odor. Likewise, if its appearance changed, and if you see molds on it, please throw it away immediately.
Moreover, it would help if you threw out all applesauce from packages or bottles leaking. In addition to that, if you notice dents and rust. Also, do not worry too much about a thin layer of discolored applesauce on top. The reason is that it usually occurs through a process called browning. Because of this, you can scoop it out or swirl it if it bothers you.
Furthermore, it is a general guideline to at least try to taste a little amount of it. In this regard, if the flavor is fine, you are free to use it. On the other hand, if you are indeed uncertain about the applesauce’s condition, never take a risk to your health. Because of that, it is time to open a new pack.
Tips For Storing Applesauce in The Fridge
For the most part, you should sit unopened applesauce in a dark and cool location. In addition to that, it should be away from any light. That is why the pantry is the most suitable option. Likewise, you can store it in a cupboard in the kitchen.
Bear in mind that manufacturers seal and pasteurize applesauce to prevent microbial contamination. For this reason, it is unnecessary to store it in the refrigerator.
Airtight Food Storage Container Set – Set of 6
So, what to do with leftover applesauce? Before anything else, put the leftover in an airtight jar or container. Most of the time, the applesauce container is resealable. Because of that, it is incredibly convenient.
About food hygiene, it is essential to utilize clean spoons, especially when handling applesauce. That is why it is extremely unacceptable to double-dip spoons from different ingredients. With that, make sure to use separate spoons. Not doing this would result in molds on the surface of your applesauce within a few days.
Ways to Store Homemade Applesauce in The Fridge
When apples are abundant in stock during the season, making homemade applesauce is a different approach to conserving them. Though applesauce is generally available in various stores, you can always create your version of it at home.
Additionally, there are about three approaches to storing homemade applesauce. Likewise, ways to extend its shelf life. The first method is to refrigerate it in an airproof container safely. Before doing this, you should wait till the applesauce entirely cools down.
The second way is to preserve the applesauce through canning. Because of this, ensure to sterilize the jars before you fill in the sauce. Though, you can repeat the sterilization process to eliminate the remaining microorganisms. Keep in mind that this process is getting famous.
Afterward, make sure to cool the jars entirely. Then, you can proceed to store the jars in the cupboard or kitchen pantry. So with that, ensure that the place is dry, cool, and away from direct sunlight and heat.
Finally, you can freeze it in a resealable freezer bag, ice cube tray, or freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
That’s it, now you know how long applesauce lasts. Take note that applesauce is indeed a tasty treat for both adults and kids. With that, you can eat it as a healthy pudding. Likewise, you can use it to make numerous desserts. Moreover, it ranks as among the most cost-effective food products.
Remember, when checking food items, make sure to observe their appearance, smell, and taste. As a result, your senses are always helpful in knowing if the food has gone bad.
Read more about What To Do With Mealy Apples
Zarah is an experienced pastry chef whose creations have delighted countless customers. With a passion for baking, Zarah has developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern flavors. Her desserts are consistently crafted with the finest ingredients, and her attention to detail is evident in the stunning and delectable results. Zarah has a wealth of experience in the pastry kitchen, and loves to share her knowledge with others. Whether it is teaching a class or creating a custom cake for a special occasion, Zarah is committed to making sure every customer is satisfied.
