Do you have a jar of apple butter sitting in your cupboard, but you’re not sure how long it will last? If so, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize the shelf life of apple butter and end up throwing it out before it’s even expired.
In this article, we will explore the shelf life of apple butter, and tell you when you should start worrying about it going bad. We will also share some tips on how to store apple butter properly so that it will last as long as possible.
How long does apple butter last?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. Let us look at the shelf life of both unopened and opened apple butter.
Apple butter (unopened jar)
- Ambient temperature: 2 years (best quality)
Stored in the right conditions, an unopened jar of apple butter typically retains optimum quality for about 2 years at room temperature. To maximize the shelf life of apple butter, store the jar in a cool, dry place.
Apple butter (open jar)
- Refrigerator: 1 year (best quality)
Apple butter generally retains optimum quality for about 1 year in the refrigerator after opening the jar.
After this time, the texture, color, or flavor of the apple butter may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to eat if it has been stored continuously in the refrigerator if the jar is not damaged and there are no signs of tampering. To maximize the shelf life of apple butter after opening the jar, store it in the refrigerator.
Is an unopened jar of apple butter safe to eat after the “best before” date on the package?
Yes, provided it is stored in good condition and the jar is not damaged. Tubs of apple butter are usually marked with a “best before” date, but this is not a best-before date; this is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long apple butter will maintain optimum quality.
After this date, the texture, color, or taste of apple butter may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to eat if stored in the correct conditions, if the jar is not undamaged and shows no signs of deterioration.
How do you know if apple butter is expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the apple butter. If the apple butter develops an abnormal smell, taste, or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
Storing apple butter
Store in apple butter in a cool dry place for up to 2 years. Refrigeration is not necessary but it can extend the shelf life.
