Cranberry sauce is a staple condiment for many during the holiday season. Homemade cranberry sauce has a delicious fresh flavor that can’t be replicated by store-bought varieties. However, there is some uncertainty around how long homemade canned cranberry sauce can be stored safely. This article will provide detailed information on how to determine if your homemade canned cranberry sauce is still good to eat.
Does Canned Cranberry Sauce Expire?
Canned cranberry sauce does not technically expire, but it does have a limited shelf life. The shelf life depends on several factors:
- Ingredients used – Whole cranberries, sugar, water, and citrus juice are common.
- Acid content – Cranberries are naturally acidic with a pH around 2.3 to 2.5.
- Processing method – Water bath canning or pressure canning.
- Storage conditions – Cool, dark place versus fluctuating temperatures.
With optimal ingredients, processing, and storage, homemade canned cranberry sauce can last 12 months or longer. However, quality will start to decline over time. Signs your canned cranberry sauce is past its prime include changes in color, texture, smell or flavor.
How to Tell if Canned Cranberry Sauce Has Gone Bad
Here are the signs to look for when checking your canned cranberry sauce:
Appearance
- Discoloration – Fading from bright red to brownish pink hues.
- Mushy texture – Sauce appears thinner or loses shape when spooned out.
- Mold – Check carefully along the edges and bottom of the jar for fuzzy mold spots.
Smell
- Vinegar smell – A slightly fermented odor.
- Rotten odor – An unpleasant sulfurous smell.
- Off smells – Any strange or chemical smells.
Flavor
- Vinegar taste – An acidic, tangy flavor.
- Bitter flavor – Loss of sweetness.
- Metallic taste – A tinny flavor.
How to Store Canned Cranberry Sauce
Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life of your homemade canned cranberry sauce. Follow these tips:
- Allow to cool completely before storing.
- Check jar seals are air tight before storing.
- Store in a cool, dark place between 50°F to 70°F.
- Avoid storing in cabinets near hot appliances.
- Store jars with space between to allow air circulation.
- Clean lid rims thoroughly before resealing used jars.
- Refrigerate after opening.
Here is a table summarizing optimal storage conditions:
| Storage Location | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Pantry | 50°F to 70°F |
| Basement or Root Cellar | 40°F to 60°F |
| Refrigerator | 34°F to 40°F |
How Long Does Canned Cranberry Sauce Last in the Fridge?
Once opened, homemade canned cranberry sauce will stay good for about 3 to 4 weeks refrigerated. Keep the cranberry sauce stored in a covered glass or plastic container. Make sure to dispose of cranberry sauce if you see any mold growth.
Here is a table with guidelines for how long cranberry sauce lasts refrigerated:
| Type | Refrigerator (34°F – 40°F) |
|---|---|
| Unopened | 12 months |
| Opened | 3 to 4 weeks |
How to Freeze Cranberry Sauce
Freezing is a great option for storing extra homemade cranberry sauce. Use freezer-safe containers and allow space at the top for expansion. Properly frozen cranberry sauce will maintain quality for 8 to 12 months.
Here are some freezing tips:
- Cool cranberry sauce completely before freezing.
- Divide into smaller portions to allow single use thawing.
- Ensure air tight seals on freezer containers.
- Lay flat in freezer to freeze quickly.
- Prevent freezer burn by using freezer wrap if storing over 2 months.
Once thawed, frozen cranberry sauce is safe to use but quality may decline after about 1 month. Discard any cranberry sauce that smells or looks bad after thawing.
How Long Does Thawed Cranberry Sauce Last in the Fridge?
Thawed cranberry sauce can be stored refrigerated for 3 to 5 days. Make sure thawed cranberry sauce is kept at 40°F or below. Use within this time for best quality.
Here are guidelines for how long thawed cranberry sauce will last:
| Thawed at Room Temperature | Refrigerated after Thawing |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 days | 3 to 5 days |
Only refreeze cranberry sauce that was thawed in the refrigerator and has been kept at 40°F or below. Refrozen cranberry sauce may lose some texture quality.
How to Can Cranberry Sauce
Properly canned, homemade cranberry sauce can have an extended shelf life of 12 months or more. Here are some tips for safe canning:
Ingredients
- Use fresh cranberries, washed thoroughly.
- Lemons or oranges add extra acidity for safe canning.
- White granulated sugar helps maintain texture.
- Spices like cinnamon, cloves, or allspice enhance flavor.
Equipment
- Canning jars with new lids and bands.
- Jar lifter, lid lifter, funnel.
- Canning pot with rack.
- Bubble removal tool.
- Clean towels.
Processing
Cranberry sauce can be processed in a water bath canner or pressure canner.
Water Bath Canning:
- Fill jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles.
- Wipe rims clean.
- Center lids and tightly screw bands.
- Submerge jars in canner with 2 inches water over jars.
- Boil for 15 minutes (add 1 minute for altitudes over 1000 feet).
Pressure Canning:
- Fill jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles.
- Wipe rims clean.
- Center lids and loosely screw bands.
- Follow canner instructions for processing time at specific pressure.
After canning, allow jars to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check all jar seals are concave. Wash and label sealed jars before storing.
Conclusion
Home canned cranberry sauce can have an excellent shelf life of 12 months or longer when stored properly. Use sight, smell and taste to determine if opened cranberry sauce is still safe and high quality. Freezing also prolongs the shelf life for 8 to 12 months. Follow safe canning methods to preserve delicious homemade cranberry sauce this holiday season. With proper storage and preparation, enjoy your canned cranberry sauce for months to come.