What is the shelf life of compote? 

Compotes are delicious desserts made from fruit cooked down with sugar until thickened. They’re great as dessert toppings, but also make awesome additions to salads and sandwiches.

In this article, we’ll look at how long homemade and store-bought/industrial compotes last. We’ll also talk about some tips for extending their lifespan.

What’s in a Compote?

A compote is simply a sweet mixture of fruit or vegetables that has been cooked down into a thick sauce. It can be served hot or cold.

The most common fruits used in compotes include apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, gooseberries, currants, oranges, lemons, limes, kiwis, mangoes, melons, and pineapple. Vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms are also commonly added.

How long does compote last?

The shelf life of a compote depends to a large extent on the type of fruit used and the storage conditions. Whether the compote is homemade or store bought also makes a difference.

Let us now look at the shelf life of homemade and store-bought compotes.

Homemade compote 

• Refrigerator: 3 to 7 days depending on the fruit
• Freezer: 2 to 3 months (best quality)

Refrigerate homemade compote within 2 hours of completing the recipe. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Once stored in the fridge, homemade compote will last for up to a week. It is best served chilled and can be used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, a filling for pies and tarts, or added to smoothies.

Does fruit compote need to be refrigerated?

Homemade fruit compotes should always be stored in the refrigerator. They contain no preservatives so they must be kept cold at all times.

To ensure that your compote stays safe, store it in an airtight and sterile clean container or glass jar and keep it sealed tight. Refrigerating preserves the flavor and texture of your compotes.

How do you store homemade compote?

Freeze homemade compote in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, pushing out as much air as possible. 

How long does fruit compote last in the freezer?

When frozen, fruit compotes can be stored for up to 6 months.

Canned industrial/Store bought compote (sold unrefrigerated, unopened box) 

• Room temperature: 12 to 18 months (best quality) 

What is the shelf life of an unopened can of industrial compote? 

The precise answer to the question largely depends on the storage conditions. An unopened can of industrial compote sold unrefrigerated, generally retains optimum quality for about 12 to 18 months at room temperature, but is generally safe to eat after this time. 

 To maximize the shelf life of the compote, store the can in a cool, dark place. If you plan to keep it longer than that, refrigerate it.

Is an unopened can of industrial compote safe to consume after the “best before” date indicated on the packaging? 

Yes, provided it is stored in good conditions and the box is undamaged. Cans of industrial compote generally bear a “best before” date. This is not a use-by date, but an estimate by the manufacturer of how long the compote will maintain optimal quality. 

After this date, the color or taste of the compote may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to eat if it has been stored correctly, the box is undamaged and it is not there are no signs of deterioration. 

How do you know if a can of industrial compote has expired? 

If the compote develops an abnormal smell, taste, or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded. Discard cans of compote that are leaking, rusting, bulging, or heavily dented. 

Canned industrial/store-bought compote (sold unrefrigerated, open can) 

• Refrigerator: 1 to 2 weeks
• Freezer: 1 to 2 months (best quality)

What is the shelf life of industrial compote after opening the can? 

The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. Industrial compote lasts for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer.

Once a can of store-bought compote has been opened, It should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 2 days. If you do not use it within that time frame, it will spoil.

If you wish to keep your homemade compote fresh for longer than 2 days, then you must refrigerate it. You may also freeze your compote if you want to preserve it for several months.

How long does the industrial compote keep in the refrigerator after opening the can? 

Industrial compote is generally kept for about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator after opening the can. 

To further prolong the shelf life of the compote after opening the box, you can freeze it in an airtight container, leaving a free space of at least 2 centimeters at the top, because the compote expands under the effect of the cold. 

How long will industrial compote keep in the freezer after opening the can? 

Stored in good conditions, the industrial compote retains optimal quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer after opening the box but remains suitable for consumption beyond this period. 

How long does industrial compote keep after being frozen and thawed? 

Industrial compote that has been thawed in the refrigerator can be stored for an additional 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator before consumption. Industrial compote that has been thawed in the microwave or cold water should be consumed immediately. 

How do you know if a can of industrial compote has expired? 

If the compote develops an abnormal smell, taste, or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded. Discard cans of compote that are leaking, rusting, bulging, or heavily dented. 

Can you keep compote out of the fridge?

You can keep the unopened compote in a cool place, but it will last longer if you refrigerate it. The sugar in the fruit softens when exposed to air, so that’s why it is best not to open it until just before serving.