However; pesto may be purchased, stored and prepared in many different ways using many different ingredients, each of which can result in a different expiration date. Like a lot of other condiments, it usually has a best by date and not an expiration date. Because of this distinction, you may safely use pesto to compliment your favorite meals even after the best by date has lapsed.

How to tell if Pesto is bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

Fresh or packaged pesto will begin to turn brown when exposed to air, starting with the top which is not submerged in olive oil. The olive oil keeps the basil fresh for longer, but once you see the olive oil or the basil leaves changing to a browner color, the flavor is affected and the pesto is not good to eat. The flavor will be off. Dry packaged varieties will also turn a brown color when aged too long, instead of the enticing green color.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Pesto to extend its shelf life?

Unopened pesto should be stored in the same way as it was presented at the grocery (ie. if purchased in the refrigerator section, it should be refrigerated and if purchased from the shelf it should be placed on your shelf). Once opened, all pesto should be placed into an airtight container and placed into the refrigerator. If it is packaged in freezer safe containers it can be frozen and then defrosted by placing the package in a bowl of cold water or in the fridge overnight.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

How long is Pesto good for when prepared in a dish?

How long does pesto last? That depends. How long does pasta last? In general, any food lasts only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in your dish.

What are our shelf life resources?

In determining how long Pesto lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Pesto.

*An important note about expiration dates...

Although the Pesto shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!