Pico de gallo is a fresh Mexican salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, chilies, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. It has a bright, tangy flavor but its fresh ingredients also mean it has a pretty short shelf life. So how long does an opened container of pico de gallo last in the fridge before it goes bad?
Quick Answer
An opened container of pico de gallo will generally last 3-5 days in the refrigerator before it goes bad. The tomatoes and lime juice will cause it to spoil more quickly than some other salsas. Keeping it tightly covered in the fridge will help extend its shelf life.
How Can You Tell if Pico De Gallo Has Gone Bad?
Here are some signs that your pico de gallo has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Appearance changes: Watery liquid pooling, mushy texture, dull or faded color
- Unpleasant sour odor
- Mold growth
- Strange flavors like bitterness, sourness, extreme saltiness
The texture of pico de gallo will deteriorate as it sits and the fresh flavors will start to fade. Trust your senses – if it smells, looks or tastes off, it’s best to throw it out.
How to Store Pico De Gallo
Proper storage is important for maximizing the shelf life of pico de gallo. Here are some tips:
- Keep it refrigerated at 40°F or below
- Store in an airtight container to prevent oxygen exposure
- Make sure prep surfaces and containers are clean before use
- Keep the salsa submerged under liquid to minimize air contact
- Avoid cross-contaminating it with raw meat juices
Acidic ingredients like lime juice help inhibit bacterial growth. The refrigeration slows spoilage causing reactions. Minimizing air exposure prevents oxidation and mold growth.
Does Pico De Gallo Go Bad Faster After Opening?
Yes, pico de gallo will spoil faster after opening the container. Unopened, it can last around 7-10 days refrigerated. But once exposed to air, the shelf life drops to just 3-5 days.
When the sealed container is opened, oxygen can interact with the ingredients. This accelerates spoilage reactions. The refrigeration temperature remains the same, but the air exposure impacts shelf life.
How Long Does Homemade Pico De Gallo Last?
Fresh homemade pico de gallo will last 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. The shelf life countdown starts as soon as the ingredients are chopped and mixed together.
To maximize freshness, make pico de gallo in small batches to use up within a couple days. Don’t make huge batches that sit in the fridge for a week.
Does Pico De Gallo Go Bad if Not Refrigerated?
Yes, leaving pico de gallo out at room temperature will make it go bad much faster. The shelf life shortens to just 2-4 hours if left out unrefrigerated.
Bacteria grow rapidly on perishable foods when left out in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F. Refrigerating below 40°F dramatically slows this bacterial growth and enzymatic spoilage of the fresh ingredients.
Can You Freeze Pico De Gallo?
Pico de gallo can be frozen, but this will compromise the fresh texture. Freezing makes the cell walls rupture, causing a mushier consistency once thawed.
To freeze, spread pico de gallo in a thin layer on a sheet pan and freeze solid. Then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. It will last 4-6 months frozen.
Thaw in the fridge before using. The salsa may need drained if liquid separates during thawing.
Can You Eat Pico De Gallo After It Expires?
It’s not recommended to eat pico de gallo past its expiration date, even if it’s been refrigerated the whole time. The salsa can be heavily contaminated with bacteria like salmonella, listeria or E. coli if left too long after the expiration.
Many people get away with eating expired foods without getting sick. But pico de gallo is perishable and risky to eat past its prime.
How Long Does Pico De Gallo Last Once Opened?
Here is a table summarizing how long pico de gallo lasts when stored in the refrigerator after opening:
| Storage Condition | Refrigerator (40°F or below) |
|---|---|
| Pico de gallo shelf life after opening | 3-5 days |
The shelf life is shortened from up to 10 days for an unopened container down to just 3-5 days after exposure to air. Keep the salsa tightly covered and use within this timeframe after opening.
How Long Does Pico De Gallo Last at Room Temperature?
Here is how long pico de gallo lasts at room temperature after being prepared:
| Storage Condition | Room Temperature (68°F-77°F) |
|---|---|
| Pico de gallo shelf life | 2-4 hours |
Leaving prepared pico de gallo out at room temperature will drastically reduce its shelf life down to just a couple hours. It’s important to refrigerate it right after making it.
How Long Does Pico De Gallo Last in the Freezer?
Here are the freezer storage guidelines for pico de gallo:
| Storage Condition | Freezer (0°F or below) |
|---|---|
| Pico de gallo shelf life | 4-6 months |
Freezing pico de gallo can extend its shelf life to 4-6 months. But the texture will be compromised after thawing.
FAQs
Can you get sick from expired pico de gallo?
Yes, eating spoiled pico de gallo could make you sick. If it is growing dangerous bacteria like salmonella, listeria or E. coli, it can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, headaches and cramps.
Can pico de gallo be used after 5 days?
It’s generally not recommended to keep pico de gallo for longer than 5 days, even refrigerated. The fresh ingredients like tomatoes and limes will breakdown and spoil around this timeframe. After 5 days, it’s best to throw out pico de gallo and make a fresh batch.
Does pico de gallo need to be refrigerated?
Yes, pico de gallo always needs to be refrigerated. Leaving it out at room temperature will allow fast bacterial growth leading to foodborne illnesses. Refrigeration at 40°F or below is critical for storing pico de gallo safely.
Conclusion
An opened container of pico de gallo will keep for 3-5 days refrigerated before the fresh ingredients start to spoil and degrade in quality. Discard pico de gallo if it has an off smell, appearance or flavor. Following proper storage helps maximize its shelf life. But this bright, tasty salsa is best enjoyed fresh so try to use it up quickly.