Does pesto sauce 'go off'?

Vashti

Just wondering.

I have a jar in the fridge still in it's use by date, but it says use within two weeks of opening. I can't remember when I actually opened it ( I love to mix a teaspoon in with pasta or noodles for a snack, but have been watching my weight recently ) but it must have been at least three months ago.

It still has a good covering of oil on the top.

tr3mor

It probably won't be as nice as when you opened it, but it's not going to do you any harm.

Vashti

Wasn't really worried about what it would 'do' to me to be honest - cast iron guts and all that it was more the idea of being hungry, psyching myself up for my fave snack, then finding it tasted yeuch. I just wasnt sure how long pesto in oil would last. I hate the idea of it being 'foosty' as we say in Scotland.

Think I will bin it.

JillD_2

I find the first thing "to go" is the bit imside the lid goes mouldy, so thats what I usually use as a benchmark.
they do say that if you have lots of oil over the top its less likely to go off so soon.

Quasar

Yes pesto (and tomato sauce too) needs to have suffiicient oil so that it forms a layer on top of it for preservation. The best really would be to eat it within about a week of opening.

Nicki

I've used Pesto much older than a week old. Provided its covered in oil it lasts for ages. A look in the jar, and a sniff will tell you if its OK, but I've used it more than a month after opening, and its been fine (never been able to resist it for 3 months though, so can't guarantee it for that length of time!)

kevster1009

I have an unopened Jar of it in the cupboard...only thing is...what do I actually do with it? Lol

jinky67

mix in with your pasta,bit of cream with it is lovely. OR mix into mashed potatoes OR spread on top of firm fish fillets then top with breadcrumbs OR use as pizza topping instead of tomato sauce

Penelope_Penguin

kevster1009 wrote: »

I have an unopened Jar of it in the cupboard...only thing is...what do I actually do with it? Lol

Cook some pasta, drain and return to the hot pan, add the jar of pesto. Serve with plenty of parmesan and black pepper.

It's on of our favourite *quick suppers*. Perfect, with some fruit for pudding, as a meal that's on the table within 20mins of your getting home.

I picked up a jar of *wild rocket* pesto recently, by mistake. Looking forward to trying that.

Penny. x

kevster1009

thanks. I have great ideas at times but sometimes lack the know how.

daysieblue

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

I picked up a jar of *wild rocket* pesto recently, by mistake. Looking forward to trying that.

Bizareely, that's what we had for dinner last night - it was yum