Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
How long does jarred pesto last once opened?
Opened pesto gets 3 days — a hard stop against the 6 months an unopened jar holds cold, so don’t crack one until the pasta water is on.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 6 months |
|---|---|
| Fridge, opened | 3 days |
| Freezer | 1 month |
Can it sit out?
Jarred pesto 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 jarred pesto has gone bad
- Green turned khaki-brown all the way through, not just on the top film
- A sharp, rancid-nut smell off the oil
- Fuzz sitting on the surface oil
When in doubt, throw it out.
Pour a thin film of olive oil over what’s left after each scoop — pesto browns wherever air touches it, and the freezer takes it for 1 month.
Quick answers
How long does jarred pesto last once opened?
Opened pesto gets 3 days — a hard stop against the 6 months an unopened jar holds cold, so don’t crack one until the pasta water is on.
Can you freeze jarred pesto?
USDA’s freezer window for jarred pesto is 1 month.
How long can jarred pesto sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to jarred pesto. 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).