How Long Does Salsa Actually Last After Opening?

We have all been there. You reach into the back of the fridge and pull out that jar of store-bought salsa. You unscrew the lid and peek inside, attempting to remember exactly when you opened it and wondering if the detritus clinging tightly to the lid is jalapeños or mold. If this describes you, then you may be surprised at how long that opened jar of salsa lasts. If stored properly, an unopened jar of store-bought salsa can last 12 to 18 months. After it's opened, however, you will have about two to four weeks to use it.

Salsa is great for chips and dip, tacos, and is even perfect to add to your fried eggs, so taking some necessary precautions will help ensure that it doesn't go bad before you get the chance to dive in. Never pour unused salsa back into the jar after a party, especially since you don't know who may have been double-dipping, leading to stray bacteria being inadvertently added to the contents. If your salsa has been sitting out for more than a few hours or it becomes room temperature, it should be discarded. After all, giving your guests food poisoning is a great way to ruin your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

The guidelines for homemade salsa are a bit different. If you make a batch for Taco Tuesday, you will want to discard it before the next Tuesday rolls around. The same goes for any fresh salsa purchased from the refrigerator case at the grocery store. The good news is that all types of salsa can be kept in the freezer for months, so you can continue to enjoy it for a while longer.

You may wonder why salsa lasts so long, especially when you consider the short life of the avocado you were planning on using to make guacamole (and no, storing guacamole with an avocado pit doesn't work). Some of the components that so often make up salsa — tomatoes, lime juice, and vinegar — are all acidic, creating an environment that helps to ward off bacterial growth. This way, you hopefully won't accidentally eat mold. Those acidic foods, especially when combined, act as natural preservatives to extend the life of your dip.

To keep track of when that bottle of salsa was opened or made, write the date on the lid with a permanent marker. If the expiration date is quickly approaching, make sure you have lots of chips for dipping and dig in.