Do you know the shelf life of mandarin jam? If not, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware of the shelf life of common foods and beverages, which can be a big issue.
Not knowing the shelf life of your food can lead to food spoilage and even dangerous food poisoning. In this article, we’ll discuss the shelf life of mandarin jam and help you understand when it’s time to throw it out.
How long does Mandarin Jam last? (unopened and opened jar)
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. Generally, a closed jar/can of mandarin jam lasts longer than an open jar.
Let us look at both cases:
Tangerine jam (unopened jar)
- Ambient temperature: 2 years (best quality)
Stored in the right conditions, an unopened jar of mandarin orange jam will generally retain optimum quality for about 2 years at room temperature. If opened and consumed within this time frame, chances are good that all the flavor will be retained.
However, if the jar is not sealed properly and some oxygen/moisture seeps in, it can speed up the spoilage process considerably and cause the jam to go bad within a week. In that case, you should discard it.
To maximize the shelf life of mandarin orange jam, store it in a cool, dry place.
Tangerine jam (open jar)
- Refrigerator: 2 to 3 weeks
The shelf life is affected significantly by storage conditions. An opened jar of mandarin jam in the fridge (not exposed to high temperatures) typically lasts for 2-3 weeks.
Store mandarin orange jam in an airtight container in the fridge to maximize shelf life after opening the jar. If it is stored at room temperature (after opening), bacterial growth or oxidation might cause quality to decline.
How do you know if mandarin orange jam has expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the tangerine jam. If the tangerine jam smells, tastes, or looks abnormal, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
Is an unopened jar of mandarin orange jam safe to eat after the “best before” date on the jar?
Yes, provided it is stored in good conditions and the jar is not damaged. Commercial jars of mandarin orange jam usually bear a “best before” date, but this is not a best-before date; this is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long mandarin orange jam will retain optimum quality.
After this date, the texture, color, or flavor of mandarin orange jam 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.
It is important to note that this information is based on research conducted in controlled conditions and may not reflect the shelf life of mandarin jams sold commercially or in your kitchen pantry.
Storing mandarin jam
If you plan to store the mandarin orange jam for longer than three weeks, first refrigerate it. This will reduce the likelihood of spoilage caused by bacteria or oxidation.
If you do not have access to a refrigerator, store the opened jar in a cool, dry place (not exposed to high temperatures). Also, discard any spoiled or expired mandarin orange jam.
Not only is the shelf life of mandarin jam long-lasting, but it tastes so good that you won’t mind eating it with a spoon.
Try making your mandarin jam and see how delicious it is! If you want to make things easier, simply buy one from the store. Don’t worry though because they are usually quite affordable!
