Does canned pumpkin need refrigeration after opening?

We all know that pumpkin is popular for most of us as it is sweet, delicious, tender, and simple to cook. Pumpkins are very healthy food because of various minerals and vitamins.

However, you can not grow pumpkins all year. Hence, canned pumpkin puree is the best solution; it is easier to store canned products for a long time than fresh ones. Moreover, leftover pumpkins can be used in different pumpkin recipes without any complex preparation.

I will let you know how long the canned pumpkin lasts inside the fridge right here!

How Long Does Canned Pumpkin Last In Fridge?

For the opened canned pumpkin, the duration of storage will depend on the different storage conditions. Actually, with the refrigeration method, the canned pumpkin can last one week. For the freezing way, it can last up to 6 months.

Let’s talk in detail about both of these ways.

Freezing Method

You might be curious how long the freezing pumpkin will last. I ensure that the freezing pumpkin shelf life is much longer than refrigerated.

Frozen food usually can stay up to 3 to 5 months after freezing. The opened can of pumpkin sits only a week or shorter if stored in hot condition. However, the freezing pumpkin can last up to 6 months. How impressive!

With some essential equipment, you can freeze the pureed pumpkin at home. Firstly, you should prepare some ice cube trays, fresh pumpkins (5-6 cups pumpkin).

Secondly, pour the pumpkin into the tray of ice cubes until all slots are filled. Place the cube tray on the freezing shelf. Then wait for 2-3 hours.

Please take out the tray, use the spoon for plucking the pumpkin cubes, then store them in the container in dark, dry places or freezing bags, even freezer-safe containers.

Just take it out when you want a cup of pumpkin for your recipes. Briefly, freezing is always a recommended method for storing anything for an extended period.

Refrigerated method

Refrigerating is one of the most popular methods for storing foods. The typical temperature range used in the refrigerator is from 1-3 degrees C. The refrigerated food will be stored in these heat ranges. Do you know how long canned pumpkin lasts in this range of temperature?

Firstly, if you store in the refrigerator with the mentioned range of temp, the food will last for two years with a seal as the temp and condition of storage will never affect the content.

However, if they can, it will be different. The opened pumpkin can will last for a week at the temperature of 35-40 degrees F. If you want to increase the shelf life up to 1-2 days more, you have to put it in a cool, dark, and dry place with no sunlight and moisture since moisture and heat will damage the canned food shelf life.

Opened and Sealed Can Differences

We all know that there is a big difference between unopened and opened food cans. As mentioned, the opened pumpkin can last only one week, while the unopened one can last in 6 months, depending on the temp.

Why is there a big difference like that?

It is because of air exposure. When you open the can, the pumpkin butter will be exposed to the air, containing harmful viruses and bacteria. The dirt, germs, and microorganism in the air can trigger the pumpkin’s spoiling progress.

Specifically, the microorganisms will absorb the pumpkin jam and trigger the germination progress and destroy the taste and texture of the pumpkin. Finally, spoil it.

Otherwise, the unopened pumpkin can last for even two years because these cans have passed through strict quality assurance, ensuring they will retain the taste as long as sealed.

How to identify if the canned pumpkin spoiled?

As with most other foods, there are several signals to identify the pumpkin when it gets spoiled.

Firstly, the clearest indication is the fragrance. The usual canned pumpkin will release the supper signature clingy, vegetal and cheesy odor. Hence, when you open the pumpkin can, take a deep sniff for testing if there’s any strange smell. If it is, you should throw it away.

The second way is the molds. When the pumpkin butter turns terrible, the mold will emerge on the surface extracted from the butter. Moreover, there will be more juice than normal.

If you find some of these indications, please check them well before using them to avoid any unwanted situation.

How to keep the canned pumpkin for a longer time?

Freezing is the most excellent method to keep it for an extended period. Besides, keeping it in the cool, dry, and dark palace is another recommendation for preventing air and bacteria exposure. It is best if you are able to store the opened pumpkin can in an air-tight container.

Conclusion

Pumpkin is a versatile and tasty food for many different recipes, from boiling, steaming to frying. Both fresh and canned pumpkin is delicious, but it is not easy to store. Don’t worry, I am here to be accompanied by you.

I am sure you already have not only the answer to the question “how long does canned pumpkin last in the fridge?” but also many other considerable questions from my experiences.

How long does canned pumpkin last unrefrigerated?

How long does canned pumpkin keep once opened?

How do you keep canned pumpkin good after opening?

Can pumpkin be stored at room temperature?