Where is the expiration date on Ragu sauce?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “Where is the expiration date on Ragu sauce?”, tell you how to properly store it and list down ways in which you can spot spoiled Ragu. We will also list down some uses of Ragu sauce.
Where is the expiration date on Ragu sauce?
The expiration date is printed on the top of the Ragu jar.
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.
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.
How to use Ragu sauce in cooking?
You can use Ragu sauce to make a variety of things. You can use it to make lasagna. It makes a great alternative for when you do not feel like making the meat sauce from scratch. You can also make spaghetti and pasta with it.
You can also pour it on top of chicken parmesan. It can be a great alternative to marinara. You can also use it to stuff capsicums and then bake them.
Another great way to use Ragu sauce is to make a pie with it. Use it as a filling topped with puff pastry. It can also be used as a topping for hot dogs.
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.
Find out what you can do with leftover Ragu sauce here.
Other FAQs about Sauces that you may be interested in.
Where is the expiration date on Frank’s Red Hot Sauce?
Where is the expiration date on Prego sauce?
What can I use Instead of Franks Hot Sauce
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Where is the expiration date on Ragu sauce?”, told you how to properly store it and listed down ways in which you can spot spoiled Ragu. We also listed down some uses of Ragu sauce.
