Do Canned Pickles Last As Long As Store Bought?

Pickles –- you either love them or hate them! But if you love them, you'll probably find yourself among the pickle fan club who will practically pair them with anything. Peculiar pickle recipes include anything from fried pickles to pickle pizza and even pickle cocktails.

Sweet or sour, pickles are surprisingly good for you and make the perfect snack for those looking for a low-calorie food jam-packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, pickles contain good bacteria thanks to the fermentation process, which, according to WebMD, is essential for gastrointestinal health and digestion.

But how do you know if your pickles are still fresh? Discerning the expiration date of your pickles can be tricky, especially since they're fermented. Americans purchase pickles every 53 days. Whether that's because they've run out of pickles or their old ones were no longer fresh, there's no real way to tell, but if you plan to stock up on a few jars, you will want to know how to store them properly. You may even be surprised to find that not all pickles have the same shelf life, and their longevity depends on whether or not they are store-bought or your quick, homemade refrigerator pickles.

When it comes to pickling products, there are two main types: brined, also called fermented, and fresh-pack, sometimes called quick-process (per Homegrown). Brined or fermented undergo a traditional curing process for several weeks, producing acids necessary for the preservation process. Think of your grandma's old-fashioned homemade refrigerator pickles. As for fresh-packed, these pickles are cured in a vinegar solution for several hours and then combined with hot vinegar, spices, and seasonings. Examples include store-bought pickles like dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or sweet gherkins.

Now that you know the different types of pickles, how long do each of them last? According to Epicurious, properly heat-processed pickles, whether homemade or commercial, can last up to one year unopened at room temperature. Eating them within a year will ensure the best texture and flavor. Once opened, the "use by” date no longer applies, so your best bet is to consume them within three to four weeks. For homemade refrigerator pickles, three to four weeks is the optimal time to consume them. If you wait any longer, you risk the brine becoming murky or cloudy and an overall decline in taste and texture.

If you're not sure the pickles in your fridge are still fresh, there are a few tell-tale signs to check for. Eating Well says that the first thing to look for is mold, which is an obvious sign your pickles are no longer edible. You'll also want to watch for unusual tastes, smells, colors, and textures. If your pickles smell or taste unusually sour, you'll likely want to toss them. Likewise, if the brine or pickle juice isn't as clear as it once was or the texture of the pickles is mushy – it's time to toss them.

Finally, check if your jar is bulging, as this could mean your pickles weren't sealed properly and there is carbon dioxide inside. If this happens, the bacteria pickles are touted for having probably turned bad and shouldn't be consumed. To ensure your pickles stay fresh, storing them properly is essential. If unopened, keep your pickles in a dark, cool, and dry place, like a cabinet.