Does Pesto Go Bad? A Complete Guide

Yes, pesto can go bad over time due to its natural ingredients and the absence of preservatives.

Pesto is usually made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, and sometimes lemon juice. If you don’t store these parts right, they can break down.

When pesto goes bad, it might change in how it looks, feels, tastes, or smells. The green color could get darker, the texture could get grainy or split, and it could start to smell bad.

If you see mold growing on the pesto, you know it’s gone bad and should throw it away.

What is Pesto?

Pesto is a famous Italian sauce that is known for its rich, fragrant flavor and bright green color. It is usually made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil.

Most of the time, these ingredients are mixed or crushed together to make a thick, fragrant sauce that is both herbaceous and nutty in taste.

Pesto is a very flexible sauce that can be put on pasta, sandwiches, salads, and even used as a dip.

The most well-known pesto is made with basil, but there are other kinds with different tastes and textures, such as sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach pesto, and green pesto.

Types Of Pesto

There are many different kinds of pesto, each with its own ingredients and tastes. Here are a few popular types:

• Basil Pesto: Fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil are used to make the original pesto. It is known for its fresh, grassy flavor and bright green color.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: This version has sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, nuts (usually pine nuts or almonds), Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It tastes sweet and sour and is a deep red color.
• Spinach Pesto: Spinach pesto is a lighter pesto made with spinach leaves, garlic, nuts (like almonds or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s a great way to add more greens to your meals without people noticing.
• Arugula Pesto: Peppery arugula leaves, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil are used to make arugula pesto. It tastes a little bit hot and nutty, which makes it a great sauce for pasta or pizza.
• Cilantro Pesto: This form of cilantro pesto is made with fresh cilantro leaves, garlic, nuts (usually almonds or cashews), lime juice, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt. It tastes like citrus and is great for making Mexican-style meals.
• Parsley Pesto: The ingredients for parsley pesto are fresh parsley, garlic, nuts (usually almonds or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt. It tastes mild and grassy, and it goes well with fish.
• Walnut Pesto: Walnut pesto uses walnuts instead of pine nuts, which gives it a richer, more earthy taste. It’s a good choice for people who can’t eat nuts.
• Kale Pesto: Kale Pesto is made with garlic, nuts (like almonds or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and kale leaves, which are full of nutrients. It tastes more hearty and natural than regular pesto and gives it a healthy twist.

How Long Does Pesto Last?

The shelf life of pesto varies depending on factors such as its type and storage conditions.

Store-bought pesto, which is usually sold in jars, can last up to a year or more if it is kept in a cool, dark place like a cupboard.

Once the jar is opened, it’s best to put it in the fridge and use the pesto within a week or two to keep it fresh. Made with fresh ingredients and no fillers, homemade pesto has a shorter shelf life and is best eaten within a few days to a week if kept in the fridge.

Pesto can keep its taste and quality for several months if you freeze it in small amounts in an airtight container. To keep pesto fresh for as long as possible, it needs to be stored correctly and checked for signs of going bad.

Can You Freeze Pesto?

Yes, you can freeze pesto successfully. Pesto’s fresh taste can be kept for a long time by freezing it. To do this, divide the pesto into small containers or ice cube trays and seal them so that air can’t get in.

This will keep the pesto from getting freezer burn. Put the date that it should be frozen on each package.

When you want pesto, just take some out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Stay away from direct heat because it can change the texture and taste. Pesto that has been frozen can stay good for a few months, making it a convenient way to store this tasty sauce.

How to Tell If Pesto Is Bad?

Here are some telltale signs that pesto has gone bad:

• Visual Changes : Look for big changes in color or structure. Pesto that has been made fresh and kept well should keep its bright green or red color. If the color changes, especially if it goes brown or gray, it might be bad. Also, the food has gone bad if the texture gets grainy or if the oil and grains separate.
• Smell: Take a whiff of the pesto. If it smells bad or off, or if it smells very different from how it usually smells (like sour or nasty), it may have gone bad. Fresh pesto should have a smell that makes you want to eat it.
• Mold: Look at the top of the pesto for any mold growth that you can see. If the sauce has mold on it, you know it’s gone bad and shouldn’t eat it.
• Taste: If you try a small amount of pesto and find that it tastes strange or bad, it’s best not to eat it. Pesto that has gone bad can taste bitter or sour.
• Expiration Date: Always check the “best by” or expiration date on store-bought pesto containers. If this date has passed, the pesto may not be as good as it once was.
• Packaging: If the pesto container has damage, like a broken seal or a lid that bulges out, it could mean that it is contaminated or has gone bad, and you shouldn’t use it.

How to Store Pesto?

It’s important to store pesto the right way if you want it to stay fresh and not go bad. Here’s how to keep pesto in a good way:

1. Refrigeration: Put pesto in the fridge as soon as you open a jar or make it yourself. Store it in a jar that doesn’t let air in, and make sure the lid is on tight. Pesto should be stored in the fridge at a temperature lower than 40°F (4°C).
2. Olive Oil Layer: Pour a thin layer of extra-virgin olive oil over the top of the pesto before you close the container. This will act as a protective layer. This keeps the color and taste fresh and stops the food from turning brown.
3. Use a Lid or Plastic Wrap: If you store pesto in a jar, make sure the lid is on tight. If you made your own pesto or moved store-bought pesto to a different container, you might want to put plastic wrap right on top of the pesto before you seal the container. This reduces the amount of air contact and keeps the food fresh.
4. Label and Date: Always write what’s inside and the date you made or opened the pesto on the container. This lets you know when it was last used.
5. Freezing: If you have too much pesto or want to keep it for a long time, you might want to freeze it. Put the pesto into small containers or ice cube trays, cover tightly, and put in the freezer. Pesto that has been frozen can keep for a few months and still tastes good.

By following these tips for storing pesto, you can make it last longer and use its fresh flavor in more recipes.

Final Thoughts

pesto is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can enhance a wide range of dishes.

By understanding its shelf life, storage methods, and signs of spoilage, you can make the most out of your pesto and enjoy it at its best.

Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze your pesto, remember to seal it properly and use it within the recommended time frames.

With proper storage and handling, you can savor the vibrant flavors of pesto whenever you desire.