Does Applesauce Need to Be Refrigerated?

Applesauce is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed as a snack, a dessert, or a baking ingredient. It can be made at home with fresh apples and spices, or bought from the store in jars or pouches. But does applesauce need to be refrigerated? And how long does it last in the fridge or pantry? Here’s what you need to know.

The answer to whether applesauce needs to be refrigerated depends on whether it is homemade or store-bought, and whether it is opened or unopened.

• Homemade applesauce (not canned) should always be refrigerated after it is cooked and cooled. It can last for about 4 to 6 days in the fridge, or up to 6 months in the freezer.
• Store-bought or canned applesauce does not need to be refrigerated before opening, as long as it is stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It can last for up to 2 years in the pantry, or past the best-by date on the label.
• Opened applesauce, whether homemade or store-bought, should always be refrigerated as soon as possible after opening. It can last for about 7 to 10 days in the fridge, or up to 30 days for some brands. Check the label for specific instructions.

How to Tell if Applesauce Has Gone Bad

Applesauce can go bad if it is not stored properly, or if it is exposed to bacteria, mold, or yeast. Some signs of spoilage include:

• Change in color: Applesauce that has turned brown, gray, green, or any other unnatural color should be discarded. This could indicate oxidation, mold growth, or contamination.
• Change in texture: Applesauce that has become watery, lumpy, slimy, or fizzy should be thrown away. This could indicate separation, fermentation, or bacterial growth.
• Change in smell: Applesauce that has developed a sour, musty, or unpleasant odor should be tossed. This could indicate spoilage or rancidity.
• Change in taste: Applesauce that has lost its sweetness, become bitter, acidic, or metallic should be avoided. This could indicate spoilage or chemical reactions.
• Mold: Applesauce that has visible mold on the surface or inside the container should be discarded. Mold can produce toxins that are harmful to your health.

If you are not sure if your applesauce is still good, it is better to be safe than sorry and throw it out. Do not taste or smell spoiled applesauce, as it could make you sick.

How to Store Applesauce Properly

To prevent your applesauce from going bad and extend its shelf life, you should follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerate homemade applesauce after it is cooked and cooled. Transfer it to an airtight container and leave some headspace for expansion. Label and date the container and use it within 4 to 6 days.
• Freeze homemade applesauce if you want to keep it longer. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace for expansion. Label and date the container and use it within 6 months.
• Store unopened store-bought or canned applesauce in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store it near strong-smelling foods or chemicals that could affect its flavor or quality.
• Refrigerate opened store-bought or canned applesauce as soon as possible after opening. Transfer it to an airtight container and use it within 7 to 10 days, or up to 30 days for some brands. Check the label for specific instructions.
• Do not leave applesauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this could allow bacteria to grow and spoil the food.
• Do not use metal utensils or containers for applesauce, as this could cause oxidation or corrosion and affect the taste and quality of the food.

Conclusion

Applesauce is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed as a snack, a dessert, or a baking ingredient. It can be made at home with fresh apples and spices, or bought from the store in jars or pouches. But does applesauce need to be refrigerated? The answer depends on whether it is homemade or store-bought, and whether it is opened or unopened.

Homemade applesauce (not canned) should always be refrigerated after it is cooked and cooled. It can last for about 4 to 6 days in the fridge, or up to 6 months in the freezer.

Store-bought or canned applesauce does not need to be refrigerated before opening, as long as it is stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It can last for up to 2 years in the pantry, or past the best-by date on the label.

Opened applesauce, whether homemade or store-bought, should always be refrigerated as soon as possible after opening. It can last for about 7 to 10 days in the fridge, or up to 30 days for some brands. Check the label for specific instructions.

To prevent your applesauce from going bad and extend its shelf life, you should follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerate homemade applesauce after it is cooked and cooled. Transfer it to an airtight container and leave some headspace for expansion. Label and date the container and use it within 4 to 6 days.
• Freeze homemade applesauce if you want to keep it longer. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace for expansion. Label and date the container and use it within 6 months.
• Store unopened store-bought or canned applesauce in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store it near strong-smelling foods or chemicals that could affect its flavor or quality.
• Refrigerate opened store-bought or canned applesauce as soon as possible after opening. Transfer it to an airtight container and use it within 7 to 10 days, or up to 30 days for some brands. Check the label for specific instructions.
• Do not leave applesauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this could allow bacteria to grow and spoil the food.
• Do not use metal utensils or containers for applesauce, as this could cause oxidation or corrosion and affect the taste and quality of the food.