Shelf Stable Foods
How long do jarred sun-dried tomatoes last once opened?
An opened jar of sun-dried tomatoes runs 3–6 months, pantry or fridge — USDA gives both the same window, so pick whichever keeps the oil pourable for you.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, from purchase | 1 year |
|---|---|
| Pantry, opened | 3–6 months |
| Fridge, opened | 3–6 months |
Can it sit out?
Unopened, jarred sun-dried tomatoes is shelf-stable. Once opened, treat it as 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 sun-dried tomatoes has gone bad
- Fuzz on any tomato standing proud of the oil
- Oil that smells sharp and rancid rather than herby
- Tomatoes gone slimy instead of chewy and dense
- A fizz or yeasty smell when the lid comes off
When in doubt, throw it out.
Cold oil goes cloudy and half-solid in the jar — that’s the olive oil setting, not spoilage; ten minutes on the counter clears it.
Quick answers
How long do jarred sun-dried tomatoes last once opened?
An opened jar of sun-dried tomatoes runs 3–6 months, pantry or fridge — USDA gives both the same window, so pick whichever keeps the oil pourable for you.
How long can jarred sun-dried tomatoes sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened jarred sun-dried tomatoes — once opened, 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).