Guava jelly has been a popular food item in the Philippines for centuries. It’s made from fresh guavas and is a fruit jelly that is often served as a dessert or as a part of a meal.
However, many consumers are uncertain about the shelf life of guava jelly, and whether or not it should be kept in the refrigerator. Here are some facts about guava jelly that might help clear up any confusion.
How long does guava jelly last?
The shelf life of guava jelly depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. In general, an unopened jar of guava jelly will last longer if stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, the jelly should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it safe and edible.
Guava jelly (unopened jar)
- Ambient temperature: 2 years (best quality)
Stored in the right conditions, an unopened jar of guava jelly typically maintains optimum quality for about 2 years at room temperature. To maximize the shelf life of guava jelly, store the jar in a cool, dry place.
Guava jelly (open jar)
- Refrigerator: 2 to 3 weeks
Guava jelly will usually keep for about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator after opening the jar. To maximize the shelf life of guava jelly after opening the jar, store it in the refrigerator with the lid tightly closed.
Is an unopened jar of guava jelly safe to consume after the “best before” date on the jar?
Yes, provided it is stored in good condition and the jar is not damaged. Jars of guava 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 guava jelly retains optimum quality.
After this date, the texture, color, or flavor of guava 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 guava jelly is expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the guava jelly. If the guava jelly smells, tastes, or looks abnormal, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
Storing guava jelly
To ensure safety, it’s always best to store raspberry jelly in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. If there are any signs of spoilage such as mold or an off smell, then it should be disposed of.
Once opened, guava jelly should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 2-3 weeks.
