Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Maria Kennedy
Are you wondering how to keep your hot sauce fresh and last longer? Well, you are in the right place!
Whether you’re a fan of the scorching heat found in a Carolina Reaper or prefer to keep it mild with garlic and onion flavors, hot sauce is one way many people add an extra kick of flavor to their favorite dishes. But, just like any condiment or spice in your pantry, hot sauce has a shelf life. Although a bit longer compared to a lot of other foods, it can still go bad, and depending on a couple of things, it can go bad fast.
So today we’re going to touch on just a couple of ways that you can keep your hot sauce fresh and last longer!
How Long Does Hot Sauce Last?
So, the big question is, how long does hot sauce last? It’s true that it does last longer than other condiments. However, It may be time to check the expiration date.
Since hot sauce is primarily made up of vinegar, spices, and salt, ingredients that are known for their preservative properties, it’s safe to say that most hot sauces have a lengthy lifespan. But the exact time seems to depend on the specific sauce; some boast expiration dates further down the line than others. The condition in which they are handled once opened can also change how long the hot sauce will last.
According to the USDA Food Keeper App, hot sauce will be fresh for 6 months if kept in the pantry and even longer if refrigerated.
The best way to keep your hot sauce fresh is to store it properly. But storage isn’t the only thing that will keep your hot sauce fresh the longest, below are seven tips to make hot sauce last longer.
1. Keep Hot Sauce In The Fridge
This is probably the most apparent way to keep your hot sauce fresh, but it’s also the most effective. As we just mentioned above, the USDA says that hot sauce will last much longer if it’s stored in the fridge, and it will also retain its flavor and heat better. Just make sure to keep the bottle tightly sealed so that it doesn’t dry out and bacteria doesn’t get inside.
2. Keep Out of Direct Sun Light
Another tip to make your hot sauce last longer is to keep it out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the temperature of the bottle to rise, which will speed up the breakdown of ingredients and ultimately lead to a decrease in quality and even change the color of your sauce.
3. Be Aware of The Ingredients
You’re probably already aware of what ingredients are in your hot sauce, but it’s important to be mindful of the perishable items. If a hot sauce contains any fresh fruits or vegetables, these can easily spoil and cause your sauce to go bad faster. In this case, it’s best to refrigerate the sauce as this can help it last a bit longer even though the ingredients are more perishable.
4. Look At The Instructions
Some hot sauces will come with specific instructions on how to best store them. Pay attention to these and follow the directions to get the longest shelf life. This may seem obvious, but it’s a simple yet effective way to get the longest lifespan out of your hot sauce.
5. Freeze It
Another way to make your hot sauce last longer is to freeze it. This can add on a couple more months of lifespan. HOWEVER, it’s not really needed for the most part. Most commercial hot sauces have enough preservatives in them to avoid the need of freezing them. If you have homemade hot sauce, freezing can help. This does, again, go back to the ingredients of the sauce though.
6. Reduce Contact With Food
When using your hot sauce, make sure to reduce contact with food. This means that you should avoid touching the inside of the bottle or even the lid as much as possible as this can introduce bacteria and cause the sauce to spoil faster.
7. Avoid Humidity
Lastly, a good tip to make your hot sauce last longer is to avoid humidity. Hot sauce should be stored in a cool and dry place so that it won’t spoil due to moisture. Condensation can build up on the bottle, which can cause the sauce to spoil faster.
These are just some of the ways you can keep your hot sauce fresh and last longer!
FAQ
Can You Use Hot Sauce After It Expired
There’s nothing worse than opening your pantry and pulling out a bottle of hot sauce that you forgot about, only to discover it expired a few months ago. You don’t want to throw it away, but you aren’t sure what else you can do with it. Well, believe it or not, there are still plenty of ways to use expired hot sauce that doesn’t involve eating it.
This may sound strange, but hot sauce actually makes an excellent insect repellent. Add 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, a couple of drops of soap, garlic, and about one quart of water. Blend them together and you’re good to go. Avoid soaps that have scents.
The Lifespan of Hot Sauce
We hope this article has given you some useful tips on how to make your hot sauce last longer. Remember, the best way to store your hot sauce is by keeping it in a cool and dry location, preferably in the fridge. Avoid the bottle hitting direct sunlight or around too much humidity. Lastly, consider the ingredients, read the label, and keep the bottle clean.
If you guys have questions about hot sauce or want to learn more about food, make sure to check out the rest of our blogs for more helpful content.
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