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

catherine nyorani

·2 min read

The Best Way To Store Jarred Tapenade So It Stays Fresh (1)

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.

Read more: The 20 Best Olive Oils For Cooking

Refrigerate Opened Jars For Continued Freshness

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

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.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

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

FAQs

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

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 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 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.

Does tapenade expire? ›

Shelf Life of Tapenade

Unopened, commercially jarred tapenade can be stored in a pantry for up to 2 years. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and typically remains fresh for 1-3 weeks. Homemade tapenade should be refrigerated immediately and used within 5-7 days.

Does olive spread need to be refrigerated? ›

KEEP REFRIGERATED, CONSUME WITHIN 10 DAYS OF OPENING OF OPENING.

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 do you store jarred olives? ›

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.

Do jarred olives go bad after opening? ›

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. By contrast, olives from the olive bar will only last in the fridge for up to three weeks.

What do you eat tapenade with? ›

Serving suggestion: Serve tapenade with pita chips, crostini, crackers, or chunks of sturdy bread. This olive spread is also delicious on top of deviled eggs; just add small dollops and watch them disappear. It's also perfect served with goat cheese.

Why is tapenade good for you? ›

Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols, olive tapenade supports your body in fighting inflammation and oxidative stress, guarding against chronic diseases and aging.

Does Bertolli olive oil go bad? ›

Olive oil goes rancid after 18–24 months, or 12–18 months if it's extra virgin olive oil. Store it in a cool, dark place and, ideally, in a dark glass or tin container that's well sealed.

Is tapenade always made of olives? ›

Traditionally, tapenade is made from the small, black olives beloved of the region, though, as Caroline Conran notes in her Sud de France, "nowadays, they also sell green tapenade" in the local markets, as well as versions made with dried tomatoes and basil.

Does Trader Joe's have tapenade? ›

Trader Joe's tapenade is made in the heart of Greek olive growing country and is a delicious blend of Kalamata & Chalkidiki olives. Chalkidiki olives are unique.

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.

Why can't you refrigerate extra virgin olive oil? ›

Olive oil is a delicate ingredient, and storing it in the refrigerator can cause it to become cloudy, solidify, and lose its flavor and aroma. If you're looking to preserve the quality and freshness, store it in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cabinet away from light, heat, and air.

Is margarine ok if left out overnight? ›

Butter and margarine are safe at room temperature. However, if butter is left out at room temperature for several days, the flavor can turn rancid so it's best to leave out whatever you can use within a day or two.

Do dried olives 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. Of course, you can refrigerate them if you prefer.

How do you store black olives after curing? ›

These Greek-style black olives can be stored in the strong brine in a cool, dark place for at least 1 year if the jars remain airtight (to minimize surface yeast and mold growth) and the lids do not corrode. 9. To avoid mold growth on the surface after opening an olive container, refrigerate any uneaten olives.

How do you store vacuum packed olives once opened? ›

How do I store my olives once I open the vacuum sealed package? If you are not consuming all of the olives right away, simply make a saltwater brine (dissolve about ½ tsp salt to each 1 cup of water) for the remaining olives and store in a container in the fridge.

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