The Best Way To Store Jarred Tapenade So It Stays Fresh - Tasting Table (2024)

The Best Way To Store Jarred Tapenade So It Stays Fresh - Tasting Table (2)

The Best Way To Store Jarred Tapenade So It Stays Fresh - Tasting Table (3)

The Best Way To Store Jarred Tapenade So It Stays Fresh

The Best Way To Store Jarred Tapenade So It Stays Fresh - Tasting Table (4)

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ByCatherine Nyorani/

Tapenade, that delectable olive-based spread hailing from the scenic landscapes of Provence, France, has become a beloved staple in many households. Whether spread on crunchy bread, stirred into pasta, or used as a topping, this savory mixture promises a burst of flavor with every bite. However, as with any culinary delight, the key to enjoying its fresh flavors lies not just in how it's prepared but also in how it's stored.

Proper storage is also necessary for health and safety reasons. The spread, vibrant and delish as it is, can quickly become a breeding ground for unwanted microbes if not properly kept. Thankfully, an unopened jar, given its commercial sealing and the presence of preservatives, offers a decent shelf life when stored right.

To ensure it's longevity keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, like a pantry or a cupboard. This way, your jar can last for six months or more. Refrigerating an unopened jar oftapenadeisn't a must, though there's no harm in it. On the other hand, once opened, the olive spread must be refrigerated, as recommended by USDA, and this is when the process of storing and preserving its freshness becomes more intricate.

Refrigerate opened jars for continued freshness

The Best Way To Store Jarred Tapenade So It Stays Fresh - Tasting Table (5)

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Once the seal of a tapenade jar is broken, the fridge becomes its new home. The low temperatures effectively slow down any activity of microorganisms that could otherwise spoil your spread. Any opened jar of store-bought tapenade in the refrigerator should be consumed within two weeks for the best quality. Homemade versions might have a shorter lifespan, usually around seven days, due to the absence of commercial preservatives.

Either way, always make sure the jar is tightly sealed in an airtight container before returning it to the fridge, otherwise, the tapenade should be used within three days. To go the extra mile in preserving your spread, you can also layer a small amount of olive oil on top of it inside the jar. The oil acts as a barrier against air, which can oxidize the olives and affect the flavor.

If you find yourself with a large quantity of tapenade that you don't foresee using immediately, consider freezing it. Freezing it in air-tight portioned containers can extend its life forup to three months. Lastly, always be mindful of the expiration date, especially with store-bought tapenade. In any case, no matter the storage conditions of your olive-based spread, if you ever notice an off smell, mold, or questionable change in texture, it's better to be safe and discard it.

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The Best Way To Store Jarred Tapenade So It Stays Fresh - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

The Best Way To Store Jarred Tapenade So It Stays Fresh - Tasting Table? ›

To ensure it's longevity keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, like a pantry or a cupboard. This way, your jar can last for six months or more. Refrigerating an unopened jar of tapenade isn't a must, though there's no harm in it.

How long does a jar of tapenade last? ›

In general, an unopened jar of tapenade can last about 1 to 2 years if it remains unopened and is stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and can last up to 2 weeks. If you have homemade tapenade, it's best to consume it within a week.

Can you freeze tapenade in a jar? ›

If you find yourself with a large quantity of tapenade that you don't foresee using immediately, consider freezing it. Freezing it in air-tight portioned containers can extend its life for up to three months.

How to store olives after opening a can? ›

Once opened, twist the lid on tight and store the jar in the fridge. If the lid isn't tight or the jar has been compromised, transfer the olives with their brine to another airtight container. Dry-packed olives or olives purchased in a can should also migrate to airtight containers.

Do black olives need to be refrigerated after opening? ›

In case you're saving an olive jar for a rainy day, we have some good news. Unopened, jarred olives will stay fresh for up to two years and don't require refrigeration. Even once opened, jarred olives will remain fresh for 12 to 18 months, provided they are sealed and stored properly in the fridge.

How do you store tapenade? ›

Refrigerate Opened Jars For Continued Freshness

The low temperatures effectively slow down any activity of microorganisms that could otherwise spoil your spread. Any opened jar of store-bought tapenade in the refrigerator should be consumed within two weeks for the best quality.

How long does olive oil last in a jar? ›

The good news is that Olive Oils shelf life is much longer than the average product and some Olive Oils can last up to 18-24 months before becoming unappetising. However, Extra Virgin Olive Oil tends to last a shorter period, usually around 12-18 months.

What is special about Castelvetrano olives? ›

Castelvetrano olives are one of Italy's most popular olive exports, and for good reason! Their irresistible buttery flavor and meaty texture really make them stand out in the olive crowd.

How do you freeze jarred olives? ›

Packaging: Place the olives in a suitable freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to leave some space for expansion, as the olives may expand slightly as they freeze. Sealing: Remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing it.

Is tapenade healthy? ›

Olive tapenade is a melody of ingredients that sing with health benefits. The star of the show, olives, are renowned for their high content of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.

How do you keep olives fresh in a jar? ›

For kalamata olives in brine

You need to make sure they are in a dry and cool place out of direct sunlight, (like the pantry) as the sunlight can cause olives to deteriorate faster. Once you have opened olives in brine, you need to place the container, whether it's a bottle or jar into the fridge.

How to tell if jarred olives are bad? ›

How to Tell if Olives Are Bad. Any sign of mold means it's time to trash those olives. Beyond that, you can search for any other sign of spoilage such as a change in appearance or smell. Discoloration, shrinkage, wrinkly bits, and funkier-than-normal smells are all good grounds to toss the product.

What liquid to store olives in? ›

Vinegar and oil

Once cured, store the olives in the brine or drain and completely cover in extra-virgin olive oil, to which you can add flavourings such as dried oregano, chilli or fennel seeds.

Can you eat black olives straight from the jar? ›

Though olives are perfectly fine to consume straight from the jar, we recommend that you rinse them under cool water before serving. This removes most of the brine and sodium that coat the olive and can take away from the actual flavor. If you are watching your sodium intake rinsing is a must.

Why do olives go bad so quickly? ›

The shelf life of olives depends on both the type of packaging and whether or not it has been breached—and this is true for all cultivars (kalamata, castelvetrano, what have you). In terms of packaging, it's important to consider whether the olives you have are liquid-packed or dry.

How to use olives from a jar? ›

Jarred olives are enjoyed as they are, out of the jar, but also as pizza toppings, chopped in salads, and sprinkled on subs and sandwiches. A popular olive dish is olive tapenade, often served with bread.

Can olive tapenade go bad? ›

After the expiration date, olive tapenade may develop signs of spoilage such as an unpleasant smell, discoloration, or a sour taste. Consuming such products can lead to foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, the presence of mold can produce mycotoxins, which are harmful even in small amounts.

Do vacuum packed olives go bad? ›

Despite their long shelf life, olives do (eventually) go bad. The reasons vary from how they are produced and packaged to how they are stored. Whole olives in contrast to pitted or stuffed options can affect timelines much like whether they're packed in salt, brine, oil, or vacuum-sealed.

How long can a jar of olives sit out? ›

Do your olives need to be refrigerated after I have opened the container? No. Neither our jars of olives nor our plastic tubs need to be refrigerated. So long as the olives are submerged in their brine marinade and kept out of heat and direct sunlight, they will last up to 6 months at room temperature.

How long do beef olives keep in the fridge? ›

Keep refrigerated and use within 3 days of purchase.

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