Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a fresh Mexican salsa made from chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and chili peppers. It’s quick and easy to prepare, full of bright, fresh flavors, and adds a tasty kick to tacos, burritos, nachos, fajitas, and more. But like any fresh salsa or sauce, it has a limited shelf life.
How Long Does Pico de Gallo Last in the Fridge?
The vegetables and citrus juice in pico de gallo mean it spoils faster thancooked salsas. Here is how long it lasts refrigerated:
| Pico de Gallo Type | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Freshly made | 3 to 5 days |
| Prepared store-bought | 7 to 10 days |
The shelf life of homemade or freshly prepared pico de gallo is shorter because it’s made without any preservatives. Store-bought salsa that has been prepared commercially will keep for about a week longer thanks to added acids and preservatives.
How to Tell if Pico de Gallo is Bad
Here are signs that pico de gallo has gone bad and needs to be discarded:
- Mold growth
- Cloudy or murky brine
- Strong sour smell
- Slimy texture
- Soft or mushy vegetables
If you see any fuzz or mold, that’s a sure sign the salsa has spoiled. The vegetables may also become translucent, slimy, or mushy as the pectin breaks down. Off odors, a cloudy appearance, or a very sour smell also indicates the salsa is past its prime.
How to Store Pico de Gallo
To get the full fridge life out of fresh pico de gallo, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:
- Store in an airtight container. Air exposure speeds up spoilage.
- Press plastic wrap directly on the surface. This prevents oxygen exposure.
- Store in the vegetable crisper drawer. The low humidity helps preserve freshness.
- Keep near the back of the fridge where it’s coldest.
- Never leave it out at room temperature more than 2 hours.
An airtight container or jar is ideal for storing pico de gallo. Make sure to refrigerate it promptly after making or opening. The cold temperature of the refrigerator will drastically slow down spoilage.
Can You Freeze Pico de Gallo?
You can freeze pico de gallo to extend its shelf life, but be aware that freezing will compromise the salsa’s texture. Here are some freezing tips:
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace to allow for expansion.
- Label with date and contents.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Use within 2 months for best quality.
The texture of the salsa won’t be quite as crisp after thawing. The vegetables may be somewhat mushy or watery. But the flavor will remain intact. Frozen pico de gallo is best used for cooking in dishes rather than eating raw with chips.
How to Make Pico de Gallo Last Longer
If you want your fresh pico de gallo to stay tasty as long as possible, here are some tips to extend its fridge life:
- Use the freshest ingredients possible.
- Cut back on the onion, which can speed spoilage.
- Add an acidic ingredient like more lime juice or a little vinegar.
- Stir in some fresh cilantro toward the end.
- Store in a tightly sealed container.
Ingredients that are already close to spoiling will reduce the salsa’s lifespan. Onions contain compounds that hasten spoilage, so use a little less if you want your pico de gallo to keep longer. Extra lime juice or a splash of vinegar provides acidity that helps prevent bacterial growth. Fresh herbs like cilantro have antimicrobial properties. And minimizing air exposure retains freshness.
How Long Does Jarred or Canned Pico de Gallo Last?
Commercially prepared pico de gallo sold in jars, cans, or pouches will keep significantly longer than fresh homemade salsa. Here are the shelf lives:
| Pico de Gallo Type | Pantry/Cupboard Life Unopened | Refrigerator Life Once Opened |
|---|---|---|
| Canned | 12-18 months | 1 month |
| Glass jar | 10-12 months | 6-8 weeks |
| Pouch | 9-12 months | 3-4 weeks |
Unopened canned, jarred, or pouched pico de gallo will easily last about a year at room temperature. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 1 month or less for peak flavor and texture.
How Long Does Pico de Gallo Last After Opening?
Once you open a container of pico de gallo, the countdown to spoilage begins. Here’s how long it will last refrigerated after opening:
- Fresh homemade: 3-5 days
- Prepared store-bought: 7-10 days
- Canned: 1 month
- Jarred: 6-8 weeks
- Pouched: 3-4 weeks
Sealing, labeling, and refrigerating an opened container of pico de gallo is important for preserving its freshness and maximizing its shelf life. Discard any leftovers once it exceeds the timeframes above.
Signs Your Opened Pico de Gallo Has Gone Bad
Check your opened pico de gallo for the following signs it has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Mold growth
- Strong sour or unpleasant smells
- Fizzy or bubbly texture
- Extremely soft, mushy vegetables
- Cloudy brine with debris
- Shriveled, dried out appearance
Mold or yeast growth is one of the most obvious indicators your opened salsa has spoiled. Foul odors, carbonation, very mushy produce, and cloudiness or debris are also red flags. If the salsa seems dried out or shriveled, it’s well past its prime.
Tips for Serving Pico de Gallo
To safely enjoy pico de gallo at peak freshness, follow these serving tips:
- Make only what you will use up quickly.
- Keep chilled until ready to serve.
- When serving, use clean utensils to scoop.
- Don’t let it sit out more than 2 hours.
- Store leftovers promptly in the fridge.
Avoid making an overly large batch that might lead to waste. Keep the salsa refrigerated until right before serving. Always use clean tongs or spoons to scoop the salsa, avoiding contamination. Don’t let the salsa linger out at room temperature, where bacteria multiply quickly. And refrigerate promptly after mealtime.
Enjoy Pico de Gallo Safely
While raw salsas like pico de gallo add fresh flavor to meals, they do carry a small risk of transmitting foodborne illness. Here are some safe handling guidelines:
- Wash produce thoroughly before cutting.
- Use clean utensils and cutting boards.
- Keep chilled until ready to eat.
- Avoid cross-contaminating other foods.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Be sure to rinse off all produce before preparing the salsa. Only use clean equipment and thoroughly wash hands, counters, and cutting boards after handling the raw ingredients. Refrigerating controls bacterial growth. And never reuse salsa that has set out too long.
Conclusion
Fresh pico de gallo has a limited lifespan in the fridge but follows some simple storage guidelines can extend its shelf life. Keep homemade pico de gallo 3 to 5 days refrigerated. Store-bought lasts 7 to 10 days after opening. Canned, jarred, or pouched salsa keeps for over a year unopened. Once opened, promptly refrigerate and use within 1 month. Practice proper food safety when preparing and serving pico de gallo to enjoy its bright flavor without the risk of food poisoning.