Currant jelly is one of those classic British dishes that everyone should try at least once. It’s a simple mixture of fruit, sugar, and spices that is easy to make and always a hit with guests.
But what is the shelf life of currant jelly? And how long will it last after you open the jar? In this article, we answer these questions and more, so you can be sure your currant jelly will be perfect every time!
How long does currant jelly last?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. Let us look at the shelf life of unopened and opened jars of currant jelly.
Sealed currant jelly (unopened jar)
- Ambient temperature: 2 years (best quality)
Stored in the right conditions, an unopened jar of gooseberry jelly typically maintains optimum quality for about 2 years at room temperature. To maximize the shelf life of red currant jelly, store the jar in a cool, dry place.
Open currant jelly (open jar)
- Refrigerator: 2 to 3 weeks
Currant jelly will usually keep for about 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator after opening the jar. To maximize the shelf life of red currant jelly after opening the jar, store it in the refrigerator with the lid tightly closed.
Is an unopened jar of currant jelly safe to eat after the “best before” date on the jar?
Yes, provided it is stored in good condition and the jar is not damaged. Jars of gooseberry jelly 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 the currant jelly retains optimum quality.
After this date, the texture, color, or flavor of red currant jelly may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to eat if stored in the correct conditions, if the jar is not damaged and if it shows no signs of tampering.
How do you know if red currant jelly has expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the currant jelly. If the currant jelly smells, tastes, or looks abnormal, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
Storing currant jelly
To help preserve the quality of red currant jelly, store it in a cool, dry place. Once opened, store red currant jelly in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks.
