Canned cherry pie filling is a popular ingredient used in baking desserts like cherry pie. It provides convenience, allowing you to skip the step of pitting and cooking fresh cherries to make pie filling from scratch. But with any canned good, it’s important to be aware of how long it will stay fresh and safe to eat after opening. Knowing the shelf life can help prevent wasting food or consuming spoiled product. This article will provide details on how long canned cherry pie filling lasts once opened or unopened, how to tell if it’s gone bad, and tips for safe storage. Keep reading for quick answers on the shelf life and how long you can expect your canned cherry pie filling to retain optimal flavor and texture.
How Long Does Unopened Canned Cherry Pie Filling Last?
An unopened can of cherry pie filling will generally stay good for 12-18 months from the date of processing printed on the can. The shelf life of canned goods depends on factors like the best before date, the preparation method, and how it was stored.
Here are some general guidelines for how long unopened canned cherry pie filling lasts at different temperatures:
Pantry/Room Temperature
– 1 year – Refer to the “Best By” date on the can
Refrigerator
– 12-18 months – Store in a sealed container after opening
Freezer
– 18-24 months – Frozen at 0°F or below
So an unopened can stored in a cool, dry pantry should stay fresh for up to 1 year from the processing date on the can. For best quality, try to use canned cherry pie filling within that timescale. The freezer time applies to cans that are frozen when still unopened.
How to Tell if Unopened Canned Cherry Pie Filling is Bad
Checking your cans of cherry pie filling for any signs of spoilage can help you determine if it’s still good to use. Here are some ways to identify if an unopened can of cherry pie filling has gone bad:
– Bulging can – If the can looks swollen, puffed up, or abnormal, do not use
– Rust – Check for rust around the edges or seams of the can
– Damage – Dents, cracks, or spills means the seal may be compromised
– Leaks – Look for any leaking liquid or oozing from the can
– Off odor – If you detect a sour or unpleasant smell upon opening, the filling is likely spoiled
As long as the can is in good condition and intact, unopened canned cherry pie filling has a long shelf life. But once a can is opened, the clock starts ticking on how much time is left before the filling goes bad.
How Long Does Opened Canned Cherry Pie Filling Last?
Once opened and exposed to air, canned cherry pie filling has a shorter shelf life. An opened can of cherry pie filling will stay fresh approximately:
– Refrigerator: 5 to 7 days
– Freezer: 6 to 8 months (stored in airtight container)
The filling may still taste okay for a day or two after these timeframes, but quality and texture will start to decline. For best flavor, use opened canned cherry pie filling within one week.
To maximize the shelf life of opened canned cherry pie filling:
– Transfer contents to an airtight container and refrigerate after opening
– Ensure the filling is covered properly and sealed
– Use a clean utensil each time to avoid introducing bacteria
– Do not store at room temperature after opening
Proper refrigeration is key for keeping opened canned cherry pie filling safe to eat. The freezer time is approximate for freezer-safe airtight containers.
How to Tell if Opened Canned Cherry Pie Filling is Bad
Once opened, canned cherry pie filling is more prone to spoilage from exposure to microbes and oxygen. Check opened cans using these guidelines:
Smell
– A sour, unpleasant, or off odor means the filling has spoiled
Appearance
– Mold presence
– Unnatural colors like black, green, or blue hues
– Watery texture instead of viscous
Taste
– Strange flavors like bitterness or sourness
– Less sweetness than when freshly opened
The filling may bubble or ferment if left too long. When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t taste test bad looking or smelling cherry pie filling.
How to Store Canned Cherry Pie Filling
Proper storage is important for maintaining the quality and safety of both opened and unopened canned cherry pie filling. Here are some storage tips:
– Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place under 85°F
– Avoid direct sunlight which can affect flavor and quality
– Refrigerate opened cans and use within 5-7 days
– Transfer opened filling to airtight containers before refrigerating
– Label containers with date opened for easy reference
– Freeze for 6-8 months in freezer-safe airtight containers
– Don’t store filling at room temperature after opening
– Look for dents, rust, bulging, or damage before opening cans
Following first-in first-out rotation helps ensure you use cans before expiration. Discard any cans that are past their prime or show signs of damage. Proper storage like refrigerating after opening and freezing for longer term storage can extend the shelf life of canned cherry pie filling.
Does Canned Cherry Pie Filling Go Bad?
Yes, canned cherry pie filling can go bad after a period of time, especially once exposed to air. Signs that canned cherry pie filling has spoiled include:
– Mold growth
– Sour or off smells
– Unnatural color changes
– Textural changes like watery or mushy
– Bubbling or fermentation
If stored properly in a cool, dry pantry, unopened canned cherry pie filling can last 12-18 months from the processing date before quality starts to decline. Once opened, it should be used within 5-7 days.
Some common causes of canned cherry pie filling going bad include:
– Expired best by date
– Long storage at warm temperatures
– Damage to the can allowing air and microbes inside
– Repeated openings which expose the filling to oxygen
– Holding at room temperature after opening
As long as the can is intact and stored properly, canned cherry pie filling lasts 1 year from the processing date unopened. Use opened cans within a week and don’t leave sit out at room temperature to maximize freshness. Discard any spoiled cherry pie filling that shows signs of mold, smells off, or appears abnormal in texture.
Can You Freeze Canned Cherry Pie Filling?
Yes, it is safe to freeze both unopened and opened canned cherry pie filling. Freezing can help prolong the shelf life well past the pantry or refrigerator timeframes.
Here are some guidelines for freezing cherry pie filling:
Unopened
– Place unopened cans directly in the freezer.
– Frozen unopened cans last 18-24 months stored at 0°F.
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Opened
– Transfer opened cherry pie filling to a freezer-safe airtight container.
– Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace to allow for expansion.
– Seal and label container with date.
– Frozen opened cherry pie filling keeps 6-8 months.
– Thaw in refrigerator before using in pies or other recipes.
Once thawed, use frozen cherry pie filling within 2-3 days for best quality. Do not refreeze thawed pie filling.
Freezing stops the spoilage process and microbe growth that occurs at warmer fridge and pantry temperatures. The freezer shelf life allows enjoying cherry pie filling for months beyond the regular shelf life.
Conclusion
Canned cherry pie filling provides longer shelf life compared to fresh cherries. Unopened, it lasts up to 1 year from the processing date when stored in a cool, dry pantry. Once opened, canned cherry pie filling should be used within 5-7 days. Look for any signs of spoilage like odor changes, texture issues, or mold. Refrigeration extends the shelf life after opening. Freezing, whether opened or unopened, allows for even longer storage of 6-8 months at 0°F. Following safe storage guidelines helps prevent wasting canned cherry pie filling and enjoy it when you need it for baking. Check the condition of cans and best by dates for optimal freshness. Discard any spoiled or expired cherry pie filling.