In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does homemade hot sauce last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of homemade hot sauce. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled homemade hot sauce.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does homemade hot sauce last in the fridge?
Cooked homemade hot sauce lasts for about 6 months if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. But it is recommended to use it within 3 months to enjoy its optimum quality and flavor.
On the other hand, unboiled fresh chile hot sauce lasts for about 2 weeks when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight bottle or plastic zipper bag.
It is best to store the homemade hot sauce in airtight plastic zipper bags or air-tight containers/bottles on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for homemade hot sauce’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep the homemade hot sauce at?
Homemade hot sauce should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your homemade hot sauce at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
Is it necessary to keep homemade hot sauce refrigerated?
When it comes to the homemade hot sauce, it’s best to store it in the fridge. Although the homemade hot sauce has salt and vinegar, it does not contain preservatives like store-bought commercially processed hot sauce. As a result, keeping your homemade hot sauce in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below is a good strategy.
How long does homemade hot sauce last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, an open bottle of homemade hot sauce lasts for around 2 hours because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thus, we recommend that you keep homemade hot sauce refrigerated, regardless of whether it contains vinegar or not, because it has not been subjected to any rigorous food testing and safety protocols.
On the other hand, most brands of commercial hot sauce don’t need to be refrigerated, however, it can assist to keep the quality of the sauce for a little longer. The unopened bottle of hot sauce has a shelf life of around 24 months from the manufacturing date but this date can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
What are different ways to spot spoiled homemade hot sauce?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your homemade hot sauce has gone bad. To determine if the homemade hot sauce has gone bad, look at its appearance, taste, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your homemade hot sauce or if it has off-colors, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy homemade hot sauce since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Taste
In case you notice that your hot sauce does not have that characteristic flavor or spice, then it is better to discard it.
Smell
If you smell something extremely putrid or foul while sniffing your homemade hot sauce, it’s time to throw it out.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your homemade hot sauce and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store hot sauce?
- Keep unopened jars of hot sauce away from heat sources in a cold, dry place.
- Refrigerate your hot sauce jar once it’s been opened.
- Avoid exposing your hot sauce to extreme heat. Keep clear of direct sunlight.
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the homemade hot sauce in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If your hot sauce caps are full of hardened leftovers or crustings from your hot sauce, bacteria may grow on them since they are exposed to more air than the hot sauce inside the bottle. , make sure your hot sauce bottle’s caps are clean. As a result, you should carefully clean the tops of your hot sauce bottle.
- Never dip a food item directly into a hot sauce bottle to get it coated with the hot sauce.
You can read how to make hot sauce here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does homemade hot sauce last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of homemade hot sauce. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled homemade hot sauce.