Do pickles in juice go bad?
Pickles are a beloved condiment for burgers, sandwiches, and snacking straight from the jar. The briny, tangy flavor adds a delicious crunch and acidity to balance out rich and savory foods. While fresh pickles need to be kept refrigerated, commercially prepared shelf-stable pickles in jars can be stored at room temperature. But can these pickles last indefinitely, or do they eventually go bad? Here’s a deep dive into everything you need to know about how long pickles in juice can be kept before they spoil.
How Pickling Preserves Food
The pickling process allows foods like cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, and more to be preserved for long-term storage. During pickling, foods are soaked in a brine of vinegar, salt, and sometimes sugar and spices. The acetic acid in vinegar lowers the pH of the food, making it too acidic for dangerous microbes like botulism-causing bacteria to grow. The high salt concentration also prevents microbial growth through osmosis. Sugars help feed beneficial fermenting bacteria that create lactic acid, further lowering pH. The end result is a food preserved in an environment unable to support the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Do Pickles in Jars Ever Go Bad?
Commercially prepared shelf-stable pickles that have been properly processed in a boiling water bath can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 years after opening. Unopened jars can last 1-2 years beyond any printed expiration date. Refrigerating the pickles after opening will further extend their shelf life by 6-9 months. However, there are some signs that pickles have spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold growth
- Sliminess
- Yeasty smell
- Bubbling or fermentation
- Soft or mushy texture
As long as the jar seal has not been broken and there are no visible signs of spoilage, commercially canned shelf-stable pickles can be stored confidently on the pantry shelf. Refrigerating after opening provides even more insurance against spoilage.
What About Refrigerated Fresh Pickles?
Pickles that are sold refrigerated in the grocery store deli section have not been canned for shelf stability. Known as fresh-pack or deli-style pickles, they rely on constant refrigeration to preserve their fresh flavor and crunch. Unopened, these pickles last about 3-4 months past the printed use-by date. After opening, they should be used within 2-3 weeks.
Signs that fresh refrigerated pickles have gone bad include:
- Mold
- Soft texture
- Yeasty or fermented smell
- Sliminess or cloudy brine
Discard refrigerated fresh pickles at the first sign of spoilage. The shorter shelf life means it’s best to only purchase what you know can be eaten within a few weeks.
Pickles Packed in Refrigerated Jars
Some premium and artisanal pickles are sold refrigerated in glass jars. These are different from fresh-pack pickles in an important way. Though they are refrigerated for peak flavor and texture, they have been processed for shelf-stability in a boiling water bath. As long as the vacuum seal remains intact, unopened pickles in refrigerated jars can stay good 1-2 years past the printed date. Once opened, they will last about 6-9 months in the refrigerator.
How to Store Pickles for Maximum Freshness
To get the longest lasting freshness out of any type of pickled products, follow these storage guidelines:
- Pantry Pickles: Store unopened jars at room temperature in a cool, dark pantry. Refrigerate after opening.
- Refrigerated Pickles: Keep unopened jars in the refrigerator. Use within 2-3 weeks of opening.
- Refrigerated Jar Pickles: Refrigerate unopened jars for peak flavor and texture. Refrigerate after opening.
Also, take care with these pickle storage tips:
- Check lids for vacuum seals before opening.
- Refrigerate any jars that have been open more than a few weeks.
- Use clean utensils to remove pickles from the jar.
- Store opened jars towards the front of the refrigerator.
- Discard any pickles that smell or look off.
How to Know if Opened Pickles Go Bad
Once you’ve opened a jar of pickles, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs that they have spoiled. Here are the top indications that pickles have gone bad and should be thrown out:
| Sign of Spoilage | Description |
|---|---|
| Mold | Hairy or fuzzy mold growing on the pickles, brine, or jar lid. Any amount of mold is a sign of spoilage. |
| Sliminess | A slippery, ropey, or slimy texture or white film on the brine. |
| Soft Texture | Pickles have lost their crunchy texture and become mushy or soft. |
| Off Odors | The brine smells yeasty, unpleasantly fermented, or rotten. |
| Cloudiness | The brine has become foggy or opaque rather than clear. |
| Bubbling | The brine is carbonated, fizzy, or foamy, indicating unwanted fermentation. |
If you notice any of the above signs that pickles have spoiled, err on the side of caution and throw the jar away. Don’t taste pickles if you see visual clues they’ve gone bad.
What Happens If You Eat Spoiled Pickles?
Eating spoiled pickles that contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, listeria, or E. coli can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, food poisoning from contaminated foods can even be life-threatening.
However, because pickles are so highly acidic, the chance of dangerous bacteria surviving is low. More likely risks from ingesting spoiled pickles are unpleasant symptoms like:
- Indigestion
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
These symptoms may result from toxins released by microbial action like yeasts and molds. Unless symptoms are severe, most cases will resolve on their own within 24-48 hours. Drink plenty of fluids and call your doctor if you have concerns.
How to Safely Discard Spoiled Pickles
To avoid cross-contaminating your kitchen, follow these steps to safely discard pickles after opening a jar and finding signs of spoilage:
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Do not open the lid any further or taste the pickles.
- Place the entire jar into a plastic bag and seal it closed.
- Dispose of the bag with the sealed jar of pickles in your outside garbage can.
- Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves.
- Clean the refrigerator shelf, drawer, or pantry area where the pickles were stored with hot soapy water or disinfecting wipes.
Following this process prevents the bacteria that caused pickles to spoil from spreading to other surfaces, foods, and utensils in the kitchen. Stay safe by erring on the side of caution when in doubt about pickle freshness.
Pickling Methods and Shelf Stability
Not all pickling methods result in a long-lasting shelf-stable product. Here is a comparison of pickling techniques and expected shelf life:
| Pickling Method | Description | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Pickles | Quick fresh-pack pickles marinated in vinegar and salt for immediate use. | 1-2 weeks |
| Freezer Pickles | Raw pack pickles in vinegar brine frozen for short-term storage. | 6-12 months |
| Fermented Pickles | Pickled through lactic acid fermentation in brine. | 6-12 months refrigerated |
| Canned Pickles | Processed pickles sealed in sterilized jars stored at room temperature. | 12-24 months |
Only pickles that have been heat processed in a boiling water canner result in long shelf stability of 1-2 years. Refrigerator and freezer pickles must be refrigerated and used within weeks or months. Fermented pickles last longer thanks to lactic acid but still require refrigeration after 6-12 months.
Troubleshooting Pickle Problems
Sometimes pickles in jars don’t quite turn out as expected. Here are some common troubleshooting tips for pickling problems:
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Pickles | Not enough salt in brine | Use canning recipe with correct salt amount |
| Slimy Pickles | Yeast or mold | Use sterilized jars and properly seal lids |
| Dull Pickles | Hard water minerals | Use bottled or distilled water for brine |
| Cloudy Brine | Yeast growth | Refrigerate after opening to inhibit yeast |
| Hollow Pickles | Fast growth from high heat | Keep temperature below 70°F when fermenting |
Following canning best practices helps prevent many pickling fails. But even store-bought pickles can go bad after opening. Know what signs to look for and when to throw pickles out.
Conclusion
With proper canning methods, pickles can retain their fresh flavor and crunch for over a year sealed in jars stored at room temperature. Once opened, shelf-stable pickles last about 6-9 months refrigerated. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage like mold, sliminess, and off odors. Discard the entire jar if any pickles look or smell bad. While the chance of serious illness is low due to the high acidity, it’s never worth the risk to eat pickles that have gone bad. With a few safety precautions like promptly refrigerating opened jars and watching for signs of spoilage, you can enjoy your favorite pickled treats without worry.