Produce
How long does kimchi last in the fridge?
Kimchi keeps 6–12 months in the fridge and sours the whole way through — the old jar is stew and fried-rice material, not a fresh side dish.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 6–12 months |
|---|
Can it sit out?
Kimchi is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if kimchi has gone bad
- Fuzzy mold on the surface or around the jar rim
- A yeasty, solvent smell instead of a clean sour tang
- Cabbage gone grey and mushy rather than crunchy
- Brine turned ropey or slimy when you stir it
When in doubt, throw it out.
Press the cabbage back under the brine and use a clean fork every time — what sits above the liquid molds first.
Quick answers
How long does kimchi last in the fridge?
Kimchi keeps 6–12 months in the fridge and sours the whole way through — the old jar is stew and fried-rice material, not a fresh side dish.
How long can kimchi sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to kimchi. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).