Chimichurri sauce is a delicious Argentinian green sauce typically made with parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Its bright, herby flavor is a perfect complement to grilled meats. But does chimichurri sauce require refrigeration after opening? Here is a comprehensive look at whether or not you should refrigerate chimichurri sauce.
What is chimichurri sauce?
Chimichurri sauce originated in Argentina and Uruguay as an accompaniment to grilled beef. The name comes from the Basque word “tximitxurri” meaning a “mixture of several ingredients in no particular order.”
Traditional chimichurri contains:
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Vinegar (red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar)
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
The parsley and oregano provide fresh, vibrant herby flavors. Meanwhile, the garlic gives it a punch of savory garlic notes. Olive oil adds body and a velvety texture. The vinegar brightens up the sauce with acidity. Red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat. Finally, salt and black pepper balance out the flavors.
The ingredients are simply combined in a food processor or blender until smooth and thoroughly incorporated. The sauce has a loose, spoonable consistency. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Does chimichurri sauce contain perishable ingredients?
When determining whether a sauce requires refrigeration, it is important to look at the ingredients. Sauces with perishable ingredients like dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, or fresh herbs have a higher risk of spoilage at room temperature.
Chimichurri sauce is made primarily of herbs, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Here is a breakdown of whether these ingredients are perishable:
| Ingredient | Perishable? |
|---|---|
| Parsley | Yes |
| Oregano | No |
| Garlic | Yes |
| Olive oil | No |
| Vinegar | No |
| Red pepper flakes | No |
| Salt | No |
| Black pepper | No |
As you can see, chimichurri sauce contains some perishable components, mainly the fresh parsley and garlic. So this is something to keep in mind when storing the sauce.
Does acidity help preserve chimichurri sauce?
One factor that helps increase the shelf life of chimichurri sauce is its acidity. The vinegar used (typically red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar) gives the sauce an acidic pH below 4.6. Foods with a low pH have higher acidity, which makes it difficult for microbes like bacteria and mold to grow.
However, the sauce’s acidity alone is not enough to make it completely shelf-stable at room temperature. The fresh herbs and garlic still provide conditions where spoilage microorganisms can thrive over time if left unrefrigerated.
How can you tell if chimichurri sauce has gone bad?
Being aware of the signs of spoiled chimichurri sauce can help prevent you from eating a batch that is past its prime. Here are some things to look for:
- Change in color: Fresh chimichurri sauce has a bright green color from the parsley and herbs. It will turn dull, brown, or gray as it spoils.
- Off odors: Rancid, sour, or unpleasant odors indicate the sauce has spoiled.
- Mold growth: You may see fuzzy mold growing on the surface of old chimichurri sauce.
- Soft texture: The texture becomes slimy or soft instead of spoonable and loosely clinging to food.
- Off flavors: The sauce will lose its vibrant herby taste. Spoiled chimichurri may taste bitter, sour, or rotten.
Trust your senses – if chimichurri sauce smells, looks, or tastes off, play it safe and toss it.
How long does chimichurri sauce last in the fridge?
Properly stored chimichurri sauce will last up to 1 week refrigerated.
The refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below inhibits microbial growth and slows the sauce’s spoilage. However, it is still important to consume refrigerated chimichurri sauce within a week for the best quality and safety.
Here are some tips for maximizing fridge life:
- Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Keep towards the back of the fridge where temperature is most consistent.
- Never leave it at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Avoid cross-contaminating from raw meats by storing chimichurri sauce separately.
- Use a clean spoon each time when taking servings to avoid introducing new bacteria.
Date your chimichurri sauce when you open or make it. Follow the “use-by” date and don’t keep any leftovers longer than a week.
How long does chimichurri sauce last in the freezer?
Freezing chimichurri sauce greatly extends its shelf life. It will keep for 4-6 months frozen.
To freeze chimichurri sauce:
- Store it in an airtight freezer container, allowing headspace for expansion.
- Lay plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label container with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 6 months at 0°F.
Defrost chimichurri sauce overnight in the fridge before using. Use defrosted sauce within a week.
Freezing stops the sauce’s spoilage enzymes and microbes in their tracks. Thawed chimichurri sauce will taste freshest if used soon after defrosting.
Does chimichurri sauce go bad at room temperature?
Yes, chimichurri sauce can go bad if left at room temperature. The herbs, garlic, and other ingredients create conditions where microbes can flourish and rapidly spoil the sauce.
Here is how long chimichurri sauce will last at room temperature:
- Countertop: 2-4 hours
- Pantry: 1-2 days
Leaving chimichurri sauce out for longer than a few hours provides opportunity for potential pathogens like Salmonella or E. Coli to multiply to unsafe levels. These bacteria can lead to foodborne illness when consumed.
Room temperature also accelerates the sauce’s spoilage. It will develop off-flavors, colors, aromas, and textures if left out too long.
Should you refrigerate store-bought chimichurri sauce?
Yes, after opening, store-bought chimichurri sauce requires refrigeration. Always check the product label, but most brands recommend keeping chimichurri sauce refrigerated once opened.
The packaging helps shield the sauce from contamination in an unopened jar. However, once exposed to air, store-bought chimichurri is susceptible to spoilage just like homemade sauce. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate after opening.
Discard any purchased chimichurri sauce that is past its “use-by” or “sell-by” date for optimal freshness and safety.
Can you make chimichurri shelf stable?
It is difficult to make chimichurri sauce completely shelf-stable for room temperature storage. This is because herbs, garlic, and other fresh ingredients provide conditions for microbial growth. However, there are some methods that may extend chimichurri’s shelf life:
- Extra virgin olive oil: Its antioxidant content may provide some protection against spoilage.
- Higher acidity: Adding more vinegar lowers pH which inhibits microbial growth.
- Sodium citrate: This emulsifying salt helps prevent garlic from spoiling.
- Potassium sorbate: This food-safe preservative mold inhibitor may extend shelf life.
Keep in mind that even with these methods, chimichurri sauce is still not considered shelf-stable. Refrigeration is the only way to ensure its safety and optimal quality.
Can you freeze chimichurri sauce in ice cube trays?
Freezing chimichurri sauce in ice cube trays is a great way to have single-serving portions ready to go. Each cube can simply be popped out and thawed before use.
Steps include:
- Make a batch of chimichurri sauce.
- Let cool completely, then transfer to ice cube trays.
- Cover trays and freeze solid, at least overnight.
- Pop frozen cubes out of trays into freezer bags.
- Remove cubes as needed and thaw in fridge overnight before using.
The frozen chimichurri cubes will keep for 4-6 months frozen. Freeze in airtight bags with as much air pressed out as possible to prevent freezer burn.
This method allows enjoying fresh, homemade chimichurri sauce anytime without waste. The cubes can also be tossed right into soups, stews, and marinades to add flavor.
Conclusion
Chimichurri sauce should always be refrigerated for food safety. Its fresh parsley, garlic, and other perishable ingredients make it prone to spoilage at room temperature. Refrigerate chimichurri sauce within 2 hours of making or opening.
Store chimichurri sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week. It will keep for 4-6 months in the freezer. Check for any signs of spoilage before using.
With proper refrigerated storage, chimichurri sauce can be enjoyed for up to a week without worry. Its delicious flavor is worth taking a few simple steps to store it safely.