The Shelf Life of Jam | FAUCHON Paris (2024)

FAQs

The Shelf Life of Jam | FAUCHON Paris? ›

THE PRESERVATION OF JAM DEPENDS ON ITS SUGAR CONTENT

An opened jar of jam or jelly will last for about six months in the refrigerator, per the USDA. But it's still a good idea to eat it as soon as possible, says Lee.

The act of canning doesn't preserve food forever. But you can often get 18 months to two years out of your higher sugar products like jams and fruit canned in syrup. As long as the seal is good and the lid seems properly concave, your product should be just fine.

Look for the use-by date on the bottle. It is generally imprinted on the side of the lid, but could be anywhere from the lid top to the bottom of the jar. A year or so past the expiration date may not matter too much for a sugary jam product. Pop the lid off and give it a sniff test to see if it meets muster.

- Unpleasant or off smell. - Changes in texture, such as becoming runnier or forming lumps. - Altered taste, which may be sour or fermented. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the jam and not consume it.

Expired jam does not necessarily mean it is unsafe to eat. If the jam shows no signs of mold, discoloration, or off odors and has been stored properly, it may still be safe for consumption.

The ideal storage time for unopened jams, jellies and preserves is 12 months in the pantry. After opening, refrigerate for 6 months.

The high sugar content makes jam keep for exceedingly long times before unsealing the packaging, and for a long time at room temperature after opening, as fruit preserves are typically of low water activity.

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.

Once opened, Smucker's jam requires refrigeration to preserve its taste and prevent spoilage. Under refrigerated conditions, opened traditional and low sugar varieties of Smucker's jams can last for about 12 months, whereas varieties such as Simply Fruit or Sugar-free may last for 9 months.

Can you eat 20 year old jam? ›

Jams and Jellies

You've got 6 to 18 months in the pantry unopened or 6 to 12 months in the fridge. Typically, you'll see the sugar crystallize if it's been in your fridge for some time, but it's still okay to eat.

According to the National Peanut Board, unopened, commercially processed peanut butter lasts for up to 9 months in the pantry, while opened conventional peanut butter lasts up to 3 months in the pantry and up to 9 months in the refrigerator.

Can Jam Be Frozen? Yes, both homemade jam and store bought jam can be frozen for longer storage time. Jam can be frozen for a year, but after that you'd better start making PB&Js.

Unofficially, they often last much longer. Store in a dark, cool place for maximum longevity. As long as the button on top of the lid is concave and not popped, you should be fine. Seriously, we've taste-tested jam that was more than 5 years old, unopened, and it tasted fine.

Note: For safe eating practices, store your opened jar of jam or jelly in the refrigerator until consumed, and examine it frequently for signs of spoilage (like mold or yeast growth, or off-odors, including “fermented,” “alcohol” or “yeasty” odors). Discard the product immediately if any signs of spoilage are detected.

Some are wondering if it's OK to still eat jam or jelly, whether high-end or homemade, as long as you scrape off any visible mold. However, jam and jelly can host toxin-producing mold species that can be hazardous to your health, according to microbiologists, so you should discard any moldy jam immediately.

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.

Most of our fruit spreads and ice cream toppings have a shelf life of 24 months from the date of production. However, in order to obtain best color and flavour of our products, we do recommend consuming them within one year of the purchase date.