Does unopened canned pumpkin go bad?
As autumn approaches once more, it's the perfect opportunity to dive into your stash of pumpkin recipes. But how long has that can of pumpkin purée been tucked away in the back of your pantry? A year or more? Thankfully, unopened canned pumpkin has a long shelf life when stored correctly. For practical purposes, check the date on the can; the USDA suggests it can remain good for two to five years.
The primary purpose of canning is to extend the shelf life of food, ensuring that in a post-apocalyptic scenario, we can battle over the last can of tuna. However, there are important considerations regarding a can's ability to preserve items like pumpkin purée. It's crucial to inspect the can for any dents that could compromise its contents, watch for signs of corrosion or rust, and discard any cans that are bulging, as this may indicate botulism. Additionally, cans should be kept in a cool, dry environment; extreme temperatures can be detrimental, so avoid storing them above the stove. Lastly, while the food inside may technically remain safe to eat for an extended period, the natural acids in vegetables like squash can interact with the metal can, potentially altering both the flavor and nutritional quality of the contents.
How long canned pumpkin can be stored in the fridge
After whipping up a batch of pumpkin pancakes, you find yourself with half a can of pumpkin purée remaining. What can you do with it? Luckily, canned pumpkin can be stored in the refrigerator for about four days to a week. It's best to keep it covered, but transferring it to an airtight container, like this lidded, leakproof option from Pyrex, is ideal. While the can itself is acceptable for storage, the USDA advises transferring canned food to a sealed glass or plastic container to maintain its quality.
Keep in mind that this is the expected shelf life, so it's important to check for freshness. Before using opened canned pumpkin that has been refrigerated for a few days, ensure it doesn’t have a sour smell and is free from mold. If you prefer making your own pumpkin purée instead of using canned, any leftovers (as pumpkins often yield varying amounts of purée for pies and other dishes) can be stored in the same manner.
How long canned pumpkin is good for when frozen
Whether you're using canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin purée, you can save any leftovers in the freezer for later use—much later, in fact. Freezing pumpkin purée can extend its shelf life for several months, but it will taste best within the first three to four months of freezing. This means that freezing leftover canned pumpkin after Thanksgiving and using it for Christmas is perfectly safe.
If you plan to freeze pumpkin purée, be sure to transfer it out of the can first. If you have a substantial amount, consider placing it in a freezer bag and flattening it for quicker freezing and thawing, while also maximizing storage space. Alternatively, if you prefer to portion your purée, use a muffin tin (silicone, like Caketime's pan, is ideal). Fill each muffin cup with half a cup of purée, then cover it with cling wrap and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, you can easily pop the purée pucks out of the tin and transfer them into a large freezer bag, allowing you to conveniently grab the exact amount you need whenever you want.
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