Bacon jam has become a popular condiment for topping burgers, sandwiches, crackers and more. Its smoky, sweet and salty flavor is hard to resist! But with its bacon content, there are some important storage guidelines to follow to keep bacon jam safe to eat. This article will cover everything you need to know about how long bacon jam lasts and the best storage methods.
Overview of Bacon Jam’s Shelf Life
The ingredients in bacon jam are a mix of cured pork, sugar, vinegar and spices. With proper refrigeration, an unopened jar of bacon jam will stay fresh for 2-3 months. Once opened, bacon jam lasts for 4-6 weeks in the fridge. For long term storage, it can be frozen for up to 6 months while maintaining quality.
No matter if it’s unopened, opened or frozen, bacon jam always requires refrigeration or freezing to slow bacteria growth and prevent spoilage. It cannot be stored at room temperature. The key factors affecting bacon jam’s shelf life include:
- Ingredient composition – Bacon, sugars, vinegar
- Storage temperature – Consistently 40°F or below
- Opening the jar – Exposes jam to air and bacteria
- Freezer storage – Freezes at 0°F for 6+ months
- Signs of spoilage – Mold, stickiness, foul smells
Keep these factors in mind when storing bacon jam to maximize its shelf life and freshness.
How to Store Unopened Bacon Jam
For an unopened jar of bacon jam
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Store in the refrigerator immediately after purchase. Never leave it out at room temperature.
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Keep the original manufacturer’s seal intact until you are ready to first use it.
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Check the ‘best by’ or expiration date on the label and use within this timeframe.
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Store on a lower refrigerator shelf away from the door to keep it as cold as possible.
Following the above storage guidelines, unopened bacon jam will maintain top quality for 2-3 months past the date on the label when kept refrigerated
Storing Opened Bacon Jam in the Fridge
Once a jar of bacon jam is opened, it’s important to follow proper storage methods to extend the shelf life:
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Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below. Use within 4-6 weeks for best quality.
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Transfer any leftover jam to a clean airtight container, mason jar or plasticware.
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Ensure the container has a tight sealing lid to prevent moisture loss
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Wipe clean the rim and threads of the container before replacing the lid.
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Store opened bacon jam towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are most consistent.
Properly stored, opened bacon jam will maintain its freshness for 4-6 weeks when refrigerated.
Freezing Bacon Jam for Long Term Storage
For storage beyond 4-6 weeks, the freezer is the best method for preserving bacon jam long term:
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Freeze bacon jam in airtight freezer-safe containers, mason jars or plasticware. Leave 1⁄2-inch headspace.
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Ensure containers have airtight lids to prevent freezer burn. Wipe rims clean before sealing.
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Label containers with contents and freeze-by date (up to 6 months). Place in freezer immediately after packaging.
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Frozen bacon jam will last up to 6 months at a steady 0°F while maintaining its flavor and texture well.
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. Do not thaw at room temperature.
With proper freezer storage, bacon jam shelf life can be safely extended to 6 months frozen.
How to Tell if Bacon Jam is Bad
Check bacon jam for the following signs of spoilage before eating:
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Mold growth – Inspect closely for fuzzy green, black or white mold. Discard moldy bacon jam.
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Sliminess – Bacon jam should not have a slimy texture or be sticky/tacky. This indicates bacterial growth.
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Foul smell – Fresh bacon jam has a pleasant, sweet smell. Discard if rancid, sour or off-smelling.
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Separation – Oil separation alone doesn’t mean spoilage, but if accompanied by other signs, dispose of the jam.
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Expired – Don’t eat bacon jam past its shelf life; refrigerate 2-3 months and freeze up to 6 months.
When inspecting older bacon jam, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If in doubt, throw it out. Foodborne illness is never worth the risk.
Serving and Storing Leftover Bacon Jam
Follow these tips for safe handling once bacon jam is opened:
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Use clean utensils to handle bacon jam to prevent bacterial cross-contamination.
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Refrigerate opened jar immediately after use. Never leave bacon jam out for more than 2 hours.
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Always reheat to steaming hot 165°F or higher before serving. Discard if left at room temperature.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days once reheated. Do not store reheated bacon jam at room temperature.
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To minimize waste, portion jam into smaller containers to limit repeated temperature changes.
Adhering to proper food safety practices will reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses from consumption of bacon jam.
Common Bacon Jam Storage FAQs
Here are quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about bacon jam storage:
How long does unopened bacon jam last in the fridge? 2-3 months past the ‘best by’ or expiration date when stored in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze bacon jam? Yes, freezing extends the shelf life to 6 months when properly portioned and sealed.
Can you refrigerator or freeze homemade bacon jam? No, homemade bacon jam cannot be safely canned, refrigerated or frozen due to the risks associated with homemade meat products.
What happens if bacon jam stays out overnight? Bacon jam left at room temperature overnight must be discarded for food safety. Do not eat any bacon jam left out for over 2 hours.
How do you thaw frozen bacon jam? Thaw frozen bacon jam overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water.
Can you eat bacon jam after the expiration date? It’s not recommended to eat bacon jam past the expiration date, even if refrigerated. Use your best judgment based on inspection. When in doubt, throw it out.
The Bottom Line
When properly stored in the refrigerator or freezer, bacon jam can safely last 2-3 months unopened, 4-6 weeks opened, and up to 6 months frozen. Always rely on food safety best practices like temperature control, clean handling, monitoring for spoilage, and adhering to shelf life recommendations. Following this complete guide to bacon jam storage will help you maximize the shelf life while reducing the risk of foodborne illness.
