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Healthy Wet Dog Food: A Fresh Approach to Feeding

By using industry-leading cooking and packaging processes, Pantry Fresh brings together fresh dog food, effortless convenience, and bowl-licking flavor. These no-fuss, out-of-the-box meals can be stored safely for up to two years, refrigeration is only required once opened. Pantry Fresh is a great way to kick the kibble and canned food and get your favorite pooch started on fresh, whole-food goodness.

Pantry Fresh measures up to JustFoodForDogs exacting standards for quality and nutrition. Like all our proven healthy whole-food dog food, Pantry Fresh is made from the finest fresh ingredients, including the highest-quality meats and produce, the same ingredients that you can find in the grocery store and that restaurants offer. A complete meal, cooked fresh and ready to serve.

Pantry Fresh contains:

• 100% human-grade ingredients
• NO preservatives
• Our own proven fresh dog food recipes

Pantry Fresh uses a unique methodology, cooking ingredients at low heat, under pressure, inside their packaging. This protects both the nutritional value and great taste of our fresh pack dog food.

Pantry Fresh now comes in four nutritious and delicious recipes: Chicken and White Rice, Beef and Russet Potato, Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni, and Lamb and Brown Rice. With a 2-year shelf life and four bowl-cleaning recipes, your favorite four-legged family member has lots of options to choose from.

Nutritionally balanced for long-term feeding, Pantry Fresh is an excellent way to feed your dog daily meals that are both healthy and easy. And with its transportable Tetra Pak packaging, Pantry Fresh also makes life simpler when traveling or boarding your dog.

How Long Does Asparagus Last In The Fridge? (Raw and Cooked)

Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable. Even better, it comes chock full of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that we all need in our lives. Despite being a spring vegetable, it is used throughout the year in a variety of dishes.

Asparagus can last in the fridge for between 3 and 5 days if you store it in an airtight container. Your freezer can preserve asparagus for up to 10-12 months if you store it properly, however. Asparagus produces a foul smell when it goes bad, and you need to discard it.

How Long Will Fresh Asparagus Keep in the Fridge?

The length that asparagus will stay fresh depends on how it is stored. When stored properly, the asparagus fresh and not yet prepared will keep for about a week in the fridge. There are a few steps that you can take to properly store it.

• Trim the stems. Before you can properly store the asparagus, they need to be prepared in the right way. Start by trimming the stems off.
• Put them in water. Much the same as you would with a vase of flowers, put the asparagus upright in a glass or jar filled with water. Cutting the stems ensures that the remainder of the asparagus stays firm and fresh.
• Cover with a plastic bag. Before placing the container in the fridge, cover the rest of the asparagus with a plastic bag. The plastic will keep the asparagus fresh, which is most important. The other thing about using a plastic bag is that it will keep the asparagus from absorbing any of the other smells in the fridge.

How Long Will Cooked or Roasted Asparagus Keep in the Fridge?

When it comes to asparagus that has already been prepared, the results wont be quite the same. It is highly recommended that you use that cooked or roasted asparagus sooner rather than later. The longer that asparagus is stored in the fridge, the softer it will become.

Should you choose to store asparagus in the fridge after preparation, it should be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or placed in an airtight plastic bag. If properly contained, cooked or roasted asparagus should keep in the fridge for anywhere from 3-5 days.

Storing Asparagus in the Freezer

For long-term storage, the best option is always to store food items in the freezer. When stored properly, frozen food can keep for months or even years depending on what youre trying to keep stored.

Just like storing food in the fridge, there are steps that need to be taken to properly prepare the asparagus. Follow these steps and youll have properly stored asparagus ready for you whenever you choose.

How to Store Asparagus in the Freezer

The good news is that it is relatively easy to store asparagus in the freezer. The key is to reduce the amount of moisture within so that they wont get soggy.

• Thicker stems. The best asparagus for keeping long-term are the ones with thicker stems. The thick stems should have no brown coloring; browning means that they are already starting to go bad. Additionally, thicker stems will keep sturdy even after the freezing has taken place.
• Boil the asparagus. Before starting the freezing, boil the trimmed asparagus first. As soon as it begins to boil, remove and place int ice water to chill it. The water will stop the cooking process, making it easier to flash freeze the asparagus when it is ready.
• After freezing. When the asparagus has been completely frozen, put it into a freezer bag. Make sure that all of the air has been pushed out; you can use a different plastic container if youd like.

If, after cooking, you find that you have leftover asparagus, the best choice is to freeze them unless you plan to use them again within a few days. Should you go for the frozen route with prepared asparagus, make sure that it is in an airtight container or in a plastic freezer bag.

How to Blanch Asparagus

If youve never done so, blanching something can seem really complicated. But it is actually a quite easy way to flash boil something and prepare it for storage or a different cooking method. In this instance, blanching is used to prepare the asparagus for frozen storage.

• Boil. To start off, bring a large pan to a slow boil. It is a good idea to salt the water as the salt will provide flavor and help to reduce the amount of moisture trapped within. You want just enough that the asparagus maintains integrity without becoming soggy or flimsy.
• Add the asparagus. Dont just throw the asparagus in. Lower it in carefully so that the boiling water does not spill, potentially causing injury.
• Let it cook. Depending on the thickness of the asparagus stems, let them boil for anywhere from 2-4 minutes. It isnt an exact science, but the longer that you keep them in the water the softer and potentially soggier that they will get.
• Ice Water Bath. When the time has expired, use a pair of tongs to immediately remove them from the hot water, dropping them into ice water. Allow them to sit in the ice water for 5 minutes; this process shocks the asparagus and stops the cooking process. It is all too easy for asparagus to overcook in the boiling water if you arent careful.
• Drain. Finally, lay out the asparagus on some kitchen paper or paper towels. Letting the drain allows the excess moisture to seep out onto the kitchen paper, making the freezing process more consistent.

Can You Freeze Asparagus Without Blanching It First?

In the steps above, we see that blanching the asparagus before freezing it is the best way to preserve both the texture and the color. When properly prepared, asparagus should hold its flavor, consistency, and color for up to a year.

If you choose not to blanch the asparagus, it will hold but there will be caveats. Without blanching it, frozen asparagus will have a duller flavor and color as it would otherwise. Not only that, it wont keep that crisp texture that can make asparagus so great.

Is Frozen Asparagus as Good as Fresh?

Storing foods over a long period of time makes sense. After all, getting to fresh ingredients is sometimes more complicated than we think. The last thing that we want is to buy fresh ingredients only to have to toss them out after a few unused days.

Freezing asparagus makes sense for just this reason. You likely wont be able to snack on frozen asparagus in the same way you would fresh asparagus. Frozen asparagus, however, should be fine to incorporate into most kinds of dishes.

Though it may not have the same fresh texture and flavor, you can add in some lemon juice. Lemon juice will give the asparagus a pop of brightness and freshness. Or you could choose to puree the asparagus which would render the texture unimportant.

Consider Vacuum Freezing

Vacuum freezing is meant to improve the way that you store food. The biggest issue facing food during the storage and freezing process is air and moisture. Even if you think that you have eliminated both, doing so by hand is rarely foolproof.

When you use a vacuum sealer, it gets rid of the oxygen within and prevents oxygen from getting back into the bag. Vacuum seal your vegetables and fruits before freezing them to slow the respiration process. This is what will keep your foods frozen safely for longer periods of time.

How Can You Tell if Asparagus Has Gone Bad?

Even if you have taken the proper measures to store your asparagus, there is the possibility that it can go bad. Having the telltale signs of asparagus on its way out can save you from a nasty surprise when you go to use it again.

Touch

One of the most obvious signs that your asparagus has gone bad is when it gets to feel mushy in texture. To check the firmness of your asparagus, hold the stems gently between your fingers, applying pressure lightly. If they squish easily, the asparagus has gone bad and should be thrown out immediately.

Look

Asparagus, when it is fine and healthy, will be green in the stem. When the asparagus starts to spoil and go bad, they will turn brown in color. Asparagus, when it isnt healthy, will start to lose its straightness and firmness. When it starts to turn bendy in shape, you can almost guarantee that the asparagus has gone bad and should pitch it immediately.

Another visual indication is mold growth. Should you notice any food with mold growth on it, throw it out immediately. Moldy food is unsafe to eat.

Smell

Asparagus in particular will give off a disgusting smell when it starts to lose its freshness. Give the vegetable a good, strong smell when you remove it from the fridge or freezer, and you should have the information that you need to know whether it is good or bad.

How Long Does Pesto Really Last? (How To Store Properly)

Pesto is a crowd favorite, whether its slathered on top of pizza, baked on top of a chicken breast, or eaten with a bowl of warm, comforting pasta.

With pesto regularly being a part of most peoples favorite food lists, its no wonder why its created so often.

While pesto fanatics might devour a container of pesto in no time, it doesnt mean that there wont come a time when theyre left with leftovers. In this daunting moment, theyll ask themselves how long does pesto last?

Unrefrigerated jarred store-bought pesto can last up to 3 months past the best by date but should be stored in the fridge upon opening for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 8 months.

Unopened refrigerated store-bought pesto can last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator or 8 months in the freezer. Once opened, it can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 4 months in the freezer.

Homemade pesto has a much shorter shelf life of 7 days in the refrigerator or 4 months in the freezer.

Type	Pantry	Fridge	Freezer
Jarred, Store-bought, Unopened	3 months past best by date	6 months past best by date	8 months past best by date
Jarred, Store-bought, Opened	Not recommended	2 weeks	8 months
Refrigerated, Store-bought, Unopened	Not recommended	3 weeks	8 months
Refrigerated, Store-bought,Opened	Not recommended	2 weeks	4 months
Homemade	Not recommended	7 days	4 months

If pesto is one of your all-time favorite foods, you need to know how long it lasts. More importantly, you need to know how to store it correctly and know when its gone rancid.

And thats precisely what this article is teaching today.By the end of this post, you will be a pesto-storing guru!

How Long Does Pesto Last?

How long pesto lasts depends on many factors, such as whether it was homemade or store-bought and whether the store-bought options are opened or unopened.

As a general rule of thumb, homemade pesto has a much shorter shelf life than store-bought options.

That is simply because homemade pesto does not contain the same preservatives as store-bought picks.

Heres a breakdown of how long pesto lasts.

How Long Does Store-Bought Pesto Last?

There are two main kinds of pesto found in stores: those found on the shelves alongside other common condiments or sauces and those displayed in the refrigerator aisle.

As you may assume, each type of store-bought pesto has a different shelf life. The shelf life changes once more when the products are opened.

Unopened, Jarred Store-Bought Pesto

If stored in a cool and dry area such as the back of your kitchen cabinet or pantry unopened and Jarred store-bought pesto can last up to 3 months past the best by date.

So, when you go to use it, double-check that it is within the recommended time frame.

Opened, Jarred Store-Bought Pesto

Once opened, you must move the store-bought pesto to the fridge. Once in the refrigerator, it will remain good for an additional 2 weeks or up to 8 months in the freezer.

That said, store-bought pesto found in the aisles (rather than the refrigerator section) has the most extended lifespan. It may be the best option for those that prefer to bulk up on this kitchen favorite.

Unopened, Refrigerated Store-Bought Pesto

If you choose the refrigerated store-bought pesto instead, bring it home and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. You can also place this store-bought option in the freezer for up to 8 months.

Opened, Refrigerated Store-Bought Pesto

Once opened, this store-bought pesto will deteriorate quicker. It will remain suitable for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 4 months in the freezer.

How Long Does Homemade Pesto Last?

Homemade pesto has a much shorter shelf life than store-bought options.

Homemade pesto must be stored in the fridge or the freezer.

When storing in the refrigerator, ensure it is in an airtight container for up to 7 days. If stored in the freezer, homemade pesto will remain safe to eat for up to 4 months.

If you notice your homemade pesto going rancid before this timeframe, the ingredients or storage may be an issue.

Make sure youre using an airtight container. Double-check to ensure your ingredients the oil, pine nuts, basil, etc. are not expired.

Did you know that you can substitute basil leaves in pesto with spinach, kale, or arugula? If you want to find out more detail about basil leaves substitutes and the ratios to use, check out this article.

How Long Does Pesto Last at Room Temperature?

Opened containers of store-bought pesto and homemade pesto should not be left out for more than two hours.

How Long Does Pesto Last in the Fridge?

The best place to store any kind of pesto is in the fridge. Store-bought varieties will last up to two weeks, while homemade pesto will be good for 7 days.

How Long Does Pesto Last in the Freezer?

The ideal location for long-term pesto storage is in the freezer. Unopened, store-bought containers can last for up to 8 months.

Opened store-bought pesto and homemade pesto will be good for up to 4 months in the freezer.

How to Store Pesto

Proper storage will mean the difference between fresh and delicious-tasting pesto and a vile, foul ingredient. Follow these simple steps for success when storing store-bought and homemade pesto.

How to Store Store-Bought Pesto

Whether you opted for the Jarred or refrigerated store-bought pesto, storage remains the same.

Most store-bought pestos can remain in their original packaging. Since store-bought pesto almost always comes in an airtight jar or another container, it can be stored in the original packaging. Just make sure you are closing the lid tightly.

If there is an issue with the packaging accidentally broke, became damaged, etc. you can always transfer the store-bought pesto to an airtight container.

The only key difference is where they are stored. Unopened, Jarred store-bought pesto can remain at room temperature for up to 3 months past the best by date, but it must be refrigerated upon opening.

Unopened and opened refrigerated store-bought pesto must be stored in the fridge or freezer. Placement isnt critical, but the back of the fridge tends to be recommended as the temperature remains constant.

How to Store Homemade Pesto

Storing homemade pesto is slightly trickier as you will not have provided packaging.

That said, it is best to store homemade pesto in an airtight container. It is recommended to cover the pesto with a drizzle of olive oil to act as a shield or barrier to prolong the freshness (while also adding some additional flavor).

With that in mind, you might consider using a tall and lean jar or container, so you dont have to use too much olive oil.

Regardless of the type of container you choose, it is essential to keep the lid tight at all times.

How to Freeze Pesto

The best way to store pesto is in a small, airtight container. Ensure that the lid is sealed entirely before storing. Otherwise, the texture and flavor will deteriorate rapidly.

Some people prefer to store the pesto in an ice cube container wrapped in a resealable freezer bag. That way, they can pop a good amount of pesto out when needed without thawing the entire batch.

Can You Use Pesto Past the Expiration Date?

Unopened, jarred, store-bought pesto can last a few months beyond the expiration date. The length of time will change depending on where it is stored.

Once opened, it must be consumed within 2 weeks if stored in the fridge or 8 months if stored in the freezer.

Refrigerated store-bought pesto should not be consumed past the expiration date.

Does Pesto Go Bad?

Whether you made homemade pesto or purchased it from the grocery store, pesto goes bad over time. The tell-tale signs that your pesto is rancid are an off-putting odor, brown discoloration, awful taste, or mold presence.

Discoloration

The first sign that your pesto is spoiled is discoloration. Pesto will turn an unappealing brown hue when it has gone bad.

So, if youre noticing anything but the infamous bright green appearance, toss it.

Odd Smell

Pesto has a notoriously fresh smell that makes your stomach rumble. However, old pesto will have an off-putting smell that may make your stomach turn. If so, throw it in the garbage ASAP.

Bad Taste

Aside from a fresh scent, pesto also has an incredibly vibrant, fresh, and intricate flavor profile which is why it is so highly regarded in a myriad of dishes.

That said, a taste that makes your face scrunch up is a significant indicator that your pesto has gone bad.

Mold

Last, but not least, the presence of mold is a sign your pesto is spoiled. Most of the time, the mold will appear as a white or off-white discoloration, although there can be other colors involved as well.

Can Old Pesto Make You Sick?

Old pesto likely will not make you sick, although it wont taste very good. However, that doesnt mean youre entirely out of the water.

An unlucky few may end up with a potentially fatal illness known as botulism.

But why?

There are four main ingredients in pesto basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and garlic. And while this combination makes for a delectable sauce, two components can potentially cause botulism: garlic and olive oil.

When garlic and olive oil are combined, they create the ideal environment for the growth of botulism spores.

That is because garlic is a C. botulinum carrier while oil is a food with no moisture or air, acting as an expressway for botulism spores to multiply.

With that in mind, it is best to throw out any spoiled pesto to avoid getting seriously ill.

Not only that, but you should get rid of it, so it does not destroy your meal.

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Final Words

Pesto is undeniably delicious, but it doesnt last forever. In fact, its one sauce that has a relatively short shelf life especially when homemade.

Keep in mind that store-bought and homemade varieties will need to be refrigerated or frozen.

The only exception is buying jarred pesto found in the aisles rather than the refrigerated section in the grocery store.

This type of store-bought pesto can be left in a cool, dry, and dark area for three months beyond the best by date but should be refrigerated or frozen upon opening.

My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.