Unopened beef jerky can last up to one year when stored in the refrigerator. Homemade beef jerky, on the other hand, should last one to two months if stored in an airtight container after making it.
Beef jerky is an ultimate survival food that can easily last for several years under proper conditions. However, it may lose taste, texture, color, and smell over time. Vacuum-sealed beef jerky can last one to two months in the pantry or longer if stored in the refrigerator.
It’s important to discard and not consume beef jerky that has mold or shows signs of rancidity. Freezing beef jerky can also help extend its shelf life.
Beef Jerky Shelf Life
Beef jerky has a long shelf life if stored properly. Unopened jerky can last up to one year in the refrigerator, while homemade jerky can last one to two months in an airtight container. Additionally, properly dried jerky is non-perishable and can last for several years, although it may lose its taste and texture over time.
| How Long Does Jerky Last? | |
| Beef Jerky Shelf Life | |
| Does beef jerky have a long shelf life? | |
| Unopened beef jerky can last up to one year when stored in the refrigerator. Homemade beef jerky, on the other hand, should last one to two months if stored in an airtight container. Properly dried jerky is non-perishable, meaning it can last for many years, but it may lose taste, texture, color, and smell over time. Commercial beef jerky can vary in shelf life, ranging from one week to indefinitely based on how it is stored. Factors that affect the shelf life of beef jerky include the storage conditions, packaging, and the fat content. It is important to check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or a rancid smell, and discard any jerky that appears to be spoiled. Vacuum-sealing or refrigerating can help prolong the shelf life of beef jerky. | |
Storing Beef Jerky
Unopened beef jerky stored in the refrigerator can last up to one year, while homemade beef jerky stored in an airtight container can last one to two months. Properly dried jerky can be non-perishable and last for many years, though it may lose taste, texture, color, and smell over time.
Vacuum-sealing the package can extend the shelf life to roughly one to two months in the pantry or longer in the refrigerator.
| Storing Beef Jerky |
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| Unopened Beef Jerky |
| You can store unopened beef jerky in the refrigerator, and it will last for up to one year. This is a great option if you want to extend the shelf life of your jerky. |
| Homemade Beef Jerky |
| When it comes to homemade beef jerky, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container after making it. This will help it last for one to two months. Properly dried homemade jerky can even last for many years, but it may lose taste, texture, color, and smell over time. |
| Freezing Beef Jerky |
| If you want to store beef jerky for a longer period, you can consider freezing it. By vacuum-sealing the package, you can expect the jerky to last roughly one to two months in the pantry, or even longer if stored in the refrigerator. |
Signs Of Spoiled Beef Jerky
Signs of spoiled beef jerky can include a rancid smell, mold growth, or a slimy texture. It is important to discard any jerky that shows these signs to avoid foodborne illness.
| Signs of Spoiled Beef Jerky: |
| – The smell: In rare occasions, when there is slightly more fat in beef jerky, it can lead to the fat going rancid. The telltale sign that beef jerky has gone rancid is the smell. It will often have a spoiled, off smell. |
| – Moldy or rancid beef jerky: If you encounter beef jerky that has either mold or shows signs of rancidity, discard and do not eat it. |
When it comes to the shelf life of beef jerky, unopened beef jerky can last for up to one year when stored in the refrigerator. Homemade beef jerky, on the other hand, should last one to two months if you store it in an airtight container after making it. Properly dried jerky is non-perishable, meaning it will last for many years, but will lose taste, texture, color, and smell and will eventually go bad. Vacuum-sealing the package can extend the shelf life of jerky up to one to two months in the pantry or longer if stored in the refrigerator. To ensure the longevity of beef jerky, it’s important to store it correctly and follow proper handling guidelines.
Conclusion
Beef jerky is a versatile snack that can last for a long time when stored correctly. Unopened beef jerky can be refrigerated and last up to a year, while homemade jerky stored in an airtight container can last one to two months.
Properly dried jerky is non-perishable and can last for several years, but it may lose taste, texture, color, and smell over time. Vacuum-sealed packages can extend the shelf life of jerky. If you notice any signs of mold or rancidity, it’s important to discard the jerky and not consume it.
Proper storage and handling are key to enjoying delicious and safe jerky for an extended period.