Exact Answer: 7 days
Everyone enjoys having a nice homemade salsa every now and then. Blended with the right chip, salsa makes a delicious addition to any snack time. Great for parties, game days and more, salsa is a perfect pairing that most people enjoy. This is especially true when it comes to homemade salsa, which tastes better than many store-bought varieties.
However, one major issue with homemade salsa is how long it stays fresh. And really, the answer to that question depends entirely on how you store the salsa, and just what you make it with. You just may be surprised at how long your salsa may last.
How Long Does Homemade Salsa Last?
Figuring out how long your homemade salsa will last depends mostly on what method of storage you’ll be using. For instance, salsa stored:
In the refrigerator, covered: Salsa stored in the refrigerator, covered or in a container, should last for about 1 week. After a few days, the salsa may lose some freshness and taste but should remain safe to eat for about a week.
In the refrigerator, uncovered: Salsa stored in the refrigerator, but left uncovered, should stay good for about 5 days. Freshness and taste will suffer quicker than if it were stored in a container at a proper temperature in a proper storage container, or covered.
In the freezer, frozen in a container: Salsa which is frozen in a container will keep for 1-2 months. After such an amount of time, the quality and taste will suffer greatly.
To sum it up:
| Method of Storage | Time |
| In the fridge, covered | About 1 week |
| In the fridge, uncovered | About 5 days |
| Frozen in a container | 1-2 months |
It should be noted that salsa should be put away as soon as possible. Food left out on the counter quickly becomes unsafe to eat due to temperature, bacteria exposure and growth. For best results, spoon the desired amount needed to be eaten into a separate container quickly, storing the rest away in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
Why Does Salsa Last That Long?
Any food made fresh spoils quicker than foods bought, which are loaded with preservatives. The same goes for homemade salsa. Salsa is made with fresh vegetables and ingredients which will spoil if left out.
Salsa stored uncovered will lose it’s freshness sooner due to exposure of odor and bacteria present in even the cleanest of refrigerators. This is because the ingredients in salsa are porous and will absorb the bacteria and odor it’s exposed to.
Any food made at home lacks the preservatives that many store-bought foods have in them. This is why salsa in a jar will last a lot longer than homemade salsa. However, homemade salsa tends to taste a lot better and is much healthier for you than the preserved jars of salsa.
Always remember to store your homemade salsa soon after making. By properly storing your salsa, you’ll be ensuring that it stays fresh and great tasting for as long as possible. You’ll also be ensuring the safety of those who consume it.
References
I think there might be some misinformation here. I’ve had salsa last much longer than a week in the fridge.
I agree, it really depends on the ingredients and how fresh they are.
I disagree, I think 1 week is the maximum for fresh tasting salsa.
Great article! Very informative and well-researched
I completely agree, homemade salsa is the best!
This article is really useful for anyone who makes their own salsa. Thank you!
This is very helpful. Now I know how long I can keep my salsa before it goes bad.
I had no idea either, great to know!
I never knew salsa could last that long. Thanks for the tips!
I’ll never look at my homemade salsa the same way again after reading this.
I appreciate the warning about storing salsa properly, safety is definitely important.
I’m always careful with food storage, this article is a good reminder.
Absolutely, better to be safe than sorry.
I’m surprised that salsa stored in the fridge uncovered only lasts 5 days!
I beg to differ, I’ve had homemade salsa last longer than what was stated in this article.
Same here, I think it depends on the ingredients.
I didn’t realize that homemade salsa has no preservatives, very interesting.
Yes, it’s healthier but also means it doesn’t last as long.