Storing Bacon Jam | College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (2024)

From the recent conversation about bacon jam, we understood that the prepared product was stored at room temperature. Please do not store bacon jam at room temperature. Storing bacon jam at room temperature poses the risk of botulism, a serious foodborne illness caused by the nerve toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a spore forming bacteria. How could this happen?

Our search identified several bacon jam recipes. For example, see:

All bacon jam recipes included bacon, onions, garlic, sugar and an acid source (cider or sherry vinegar). Some recipes contained spices.

  • Bacon contains salt and sodium nitrite; these preservatives in combination with refrigeration are at levels designed to prevent growth of Clostridium botulinum.
  • Onions and garlic are grown in the soil where Clostridium botulinum spores are found and are low acid foods. Garlic-in-oil stored at room temperature has caused outbreaks of foodborne botulism.
  • Although acid is added, the pH of the final product is unknown. A pH below 4.6 is necessary to limit growth of Clostridium botulinum and formation of the botulism-causing toxin.
  • Although the bacon jam is cooked during preparation, there is no final heat process to destroy contaminating yeasts and molds after the jam is added to jars. Growth of molds and yeasts in acid products can raise the pH (reduce the acidity) and make a favorable environment for Clostridium botulinum to germinate, grow and produce toxin.

Some bacon jam recipes indicate that the prepared jam is to be refrigerated or frozen. Some give no directions for storage. For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage.

Why is botulism such a big deal? Botulism is as serious as food poisoning gets. It can result in respiratory failure and death. Even when patients survive, they may be hospitalized, they may be on a ventilator for months, and they may suffer permanent nerve damage.

Storing Bacon Jam | College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (2024)

FAQs

Storing Bacon Jam | College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences? ›

For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage. Why is botulism such a big deal? Botulism is as serious as food poisoning gets. It can result in respiratory failure and death.

How do you store bacon jam? ›

Bacon jam can be safely refrigerated for two to four weeks. Any amount that you keep in the fridge will need to be used within that length of time. You can store bacon jam in any refrigerator-safe container. Many bacon jam enthusiasts choose to use mason jars for aesthetic reasons.

Is it safe to can bacon jam? ›

Summary: There are no safe recipes for home canning bacon jam. If you want to make it, refrigerate it and use up in a short period of time (or freeze it.)

How to reheat bacon jam? ›

Store and reheat if needed

Use immediately, or spoon it into an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to four weeks. Serve warm. To reheat, zap it in the microwave for about 45 seconds or warm it in a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

How do you store jam for a long time? ›

Uncooked jams must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. They'll last for several weeks in the refrigerator and up to a year in the freezer. Once you open the container, keep refrigerated and use the jam within 2-3 weeks. If you keep them at room temperature, they will mold or ferment in a short time.

Should jam be kept in a fridge? ›

Sealed jars of homemade preserves can also be stored at room temperature. Once the jam or jelly is opened, however, it is best to refrigerate them. Richard explains that this prevents mold and yeast from growing. If not refrigerated, opened jams and jellies are likely to spoil quicker.

How do you preserve jam without a canner? ›

Ladle jam into clean jars. Close jars and let jam cool to room temperature. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 1 year.

What temperature is jam safe? ›

Temperature Test – Take the temperature of the jelly with a candy or jelly thermometer. When done, the temperature of the jelly should be 220°F, 8°F above the boiling point of water, if you are at sea level.

What is uncured bacon jam used for? ›

Pairs perfectly with breakfast, lunch, or dinner items and can even be blended to create bacon-flavored toppings, dips, or coatings.

What is the shelf life of bacon jam? ›

For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage.

Why is my bacon jam not thickening? ›

To achieve a thick texture, all of the liquids need time to reduce. Make sure you're cooking your bacon jam without a lid over your Dutch oven, so your bacon jam can evaporate. If it's still not thick enough, it just needs more time.

What do you do with hot pepper bacon jam? ›

Here are some ideas:
  1. Deviled eggs.
  2. Use on crostini with… Bousrin and quince paste. Brie. Brie and caramelized onion. Pimento cheese.
  3. Top baked potatoes.
  4. Mix into mashed potatoes.
  5. Burgers (on top or mix in)
  6. Grilled cheese (use a few white cheeses or brie)
  7. Spread on bread for BLT or other sandwich.
  8. Bloody mary.
Aug 18, 2017

Where did bacon jam come from? ›

The Bacon Jams, a gourmet food producer in the Philadelphia area, which sells at festivals and nationwide online. Martin and Suzie Cowley, who run a fine food business in Rhondda, South Wales, introduced a variant of bacon jam containing Jack Daniel's in 2015.

What is the pink stuff on bacon? ›

Salt prevents bacterial growth either by directly inhibiting it or by its drying effect. Most bacteria require substantial amounts of moisture to live and grow. Sodium nitrite produces the pink color (nitrosohemoglobin) in cured bacon.

What is Carls Jr bacon jam? ›

The jam combines bacon pieces, balsamic vinegar, caramelized onions and molasses, and according to Brad Haley, the chief marketing officer for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, the bacon jam is the true winner of the new burger.

Do you refrigerate bacon jam after opening? ›

Some bacon jam recipes indicate that the prepared jam is to be refrigerated or frozen. Some give no directions for storage. For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage.

Should homemade jam be kept in the fridge or cupboard? ›

Jams and Jellies

Jellies and jams do not need to go in the fridge because they have a water activity of around 0.80, and their pH is usually around 3. So they don't have enough moisture to support bacteria and are too acidic for them as well. Conclusion: Keep your jams and jellies wherever you want to.

How do you store jam after cooking? ›

Jam-making, after all, is a controlled evaporation of water, so if you accidentally take too much out, you can always add a little back in. If you don't have jars or other glass containers, allow the jam to cool in the pot, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

Does candied bacon need to be refrigerated? ›

The best practice for storing candied bacon is to keep it in the refrigerator. Before storing, let the caramelized bacon cool to room temperature. This helps keep condensation at bay when the meat is stored in the fridge, ensuring your delectable bacon stays crisp and delicious.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nicola Considine CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5836

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nicola Considine CPA

Birthday: 1993-02-26

Address: 3809 Clinton Inlet, East Aleisha, UT 46318-2392

Phone: +2681424145499

Job: Government Technician

Hobby: Calligraphy, Lego building, Worldbuilding, Shooting, Bird watching, Shopping, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.