How long does Ragu last after opening?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “How long does Ragu last after opening?”, and tell you how to store it. We will also mention how to spot spoiled Ragu and if you can use Ragu after its expiry date.
How long does Ragu last after opening?
Ragu lasts for about 3-5 days after opening only if it was stored properly in the fridge.
- Ragu cheese based pasta sauce lasts for 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Ragu tomato based pasta sauce lasts for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
How to store Ragu?
When unopened, Ragu can be kept in the pantry for a couple of days. It should be placed in a cool, dry place where there is less humidity. It should also be kept away from light. It has preservatives added to it so it does not go bad at room temperature.
Once opened, Ragu should be refrigerated to avoid spoilage. It should be tightly sealed and then placed in the fridge. You can also transfer it into an airtight jar for storage.
Does Ragu go bad?
Yes, Ragu goes bad once opened. Mold is the actual enemy of Ragu. It is not recommended to eat cheese based Ragu after 3 days and tomato based Ragu after 5 days of refrigeration.
How to spot spoiled Ragu?
You can tell if Ragu is spoiled by looking at some features listed below. Most often, you will be able to tell that Ragu has spoiled just by looking at it. Other times, it may not be as easy to tell if food has spoiled because some bacteria do not change the way how food looks or tastes but it in fact is present.
Let us look at some signs of spoiled Ragu.
Smell
You can tell if Ragu has gone bad if it smells off and rancid. The smell may be so strong that you get a strong whiff of it as soon as you open the refrigerator or the container that it was in. The smell of food should be the same as it was when you cooked it or before you put it in the refrigerator.
Color
Spoiled Ragu will have some discoloration on it such as black or bluish black or even brown. Now it could be because of some chemical reactions like in the case of apples or simply because of bacteria and its toxins.
Mold
Mold is almost always visible on Ragu when it has spoiled. This type of spoiled Ragu should be discarded immediately.
Texture
Changes in texture also indicate Ragu spoilage. If you notice any slimy, gooey or soggy textures, throw the food out.
Taste
If all else looks fine visually, take a taste test. Test to see if it tastes the same or has the taste altered. Altered taste usually means spoiled food.
For example cream and yogurt taste sour when they go bad. So does the milk.
Frost
Frost on top of frozen food indicates freezer burn. Freezer burn alters the texture and taste of food. So frost is a sign that the food has gone bad.
Gas Bubbles:
Gas bubbles spotted at the bottom of jarred or canned food that travel upwards is also a sign of spoilage.
Can you use an unopened jar of Ragu after its expiry date?
The ‘best before’, ‘sell by’, ‘use by’ dates are just provided by the manufacturer to give you an idea about the amount of time that a certain product will remain in its optimum condition.
After this time, the food may lose its texture or alter the taste but it necessarily does not get spoiled.
The food generally lasts longer if you store it properly and in the fridge. Lower temperatures arrest the growth of pathogens making the food safe to consume for longer periods of time.
Processed foods have preservatives added to them so they have a longer shelf life. They are even safe to consume weeks after their use by dates.
Be careful with perishable items. For example eggs and dairy products like milk tend to go bad quickly and can cause food poisoning so it is better to throw these things out after their expiry date.
Learn more about expiry dates here.
Other FAQs about Sauces that you may be interested in.
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Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does Ragu last after opening?”, and told you how to store it. We also mentioned how to spot spoiled Ragu and if you can use Ragu after its expiry date.
Citations
http://www.eatbydate.com/vegetables/fresh-vegetables/spaghetti-sauce-shelf-life-expiration-date/
