Whether you have homemade pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin puree, you may be wondering, how long does pumpkin puree last? In this article, I will tell you exactly how long it is suitable for in the fridge, in a can, fresh, or frozen, so that you know when it’s good and when it’s time to throw it out!
When it’s pumpkin season, you need loads of pumpkin puree for pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and all your favorite recipes. What type of pumpkin puree do you prefer? Homemade or canned? Either way, once you have a lot of pumpkin puree, you likely want to know the best way to store and preserve it for the longest time.
Pumpkin puree is used in a variety of baking and cooking recipes. It can be used for pumpkin pies, muffins, bread, soup, risotto, pasta sauce, and so much more.
If you came upon this post and wondered, “How long does pumpkin puree last?” You’re in the right spot!
In this post, I will give you a complete breakdown of how long pumpkin puree is good for in the fridge, signs of spoilage, and how to freeze and store it so that you can enjoy your favorite pumpkin recipes all season long!
Jump to:
- How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last?
- How long is canned pumpkin puree good for in the fridge?
- Does canned pumpkin go bad?
- How do you know when canned pumpkin has gone bad?
- How do you know if an opened can of pumpkin has gone bad?
- How long does homemade pumpkin puree last in the fridge?
- Can you freeze pumpkin puree?
- How to Freeze Pumpkin Puree
- Ways to use Leftover Pumpkin Puree
- How to Make Your Own Homemade Pumpkin Purée
- Final Thoughts
- More Pumpkin Puree Recipes!
- Recipe
How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last?
For a quick reference, I’ve created the following table to help you determine how long your pumpkin puree is good for, depending on whether it is canned, fresh, or frozen.
Canned PumpkIn: It’s best to go by the expiration date on the can. After it is opened, it is good for up to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Fresh Pumpkin: If you’ve made your own pumpkin puree, store it in the fridge for up to 7 days. It is best if used within 4 days.
Frozen Pumpkin Puree: Whether you have opened canned puree of homemade puree, both can be frozen for up to 6 months.
How long is canned pumpkin puree good for in the fridge?
According to the USDA, canned goods that are low in acid, such as pumpkin, last for up to 4 days after they are opened when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s probably still safe to use within seven days of opening as long as it is not an old can of pumpkin puree past its best-by date.
It is important to note that you never want to store pumpkin puree or any canned goods in your refrigerator in the can itself. It’s not because it is unsafe to do so, but because storing food in a can affects the taste and flavor of the food. You are much better off storing your pumpkin puree in a sealed glass container to retain its flavor. Use a sticky note to write the date when you placed your canned food in the refrigerator to help you remember the good-by date.
Does canned pumpkin go bad?
Yes, unopened canned pumpkin puree does go bad eventually. It should be stored in a cool, dry place. The first thing to look for on your canned pumpkin is the best-by date which should be stamped on the top of the can. If the best-by date has not passed, it is good to eat. However, it is essential to note that the best-by date is a guideline set by the manufacturer but does not indicate how long canned goods are safe to eat. Canned foods are safe for a long time, usually several years past the best-by date. If you have a can of pumpkin past its best-by date, it is likely still safe to eat. But look out for signs of spoilage.
How do you know when canned pumpkin has gone bad?
There are several signs of spoilage to look out for when it comes to an unopened pumpkin can. Immediately toss it out if you notice these signs, even if the best-by date has not yet been reached.
- Leaking
- Swelling
- Rusting
How do you know if an opened can of pumpkin has gone bad?
While you can tell if an unopened can of pumpkin has gone bad by observing the can itself, you should also look out for these signs of spoilage if you open a can of pumpkin past its best-by date before using it in your recipe.
- Mold: If you notice any signs of mold, toss it out immediately. The puree should have an even color and texture. If the consistency or color changes, toss it.
- Sour Smell: The puree should have a distinct pumpkin smell. If it smells sour or foul, it is no good.
- Bad Taste: If you didn’t notice any mold and it smelled okay, but it has a sour taste, it’s no good. If the puree is past its expiration date, taste it before using it in your recipe.
- Open Too Long: If you’ve opened an old can of pumpkin puree and stored it in the fridge for over a week before using it, it’s no longer suitable. Toss it. While it might be OK to use, it’s better to be on the safe side.
How long does homemade pumpkin puree last in the fridge?
So far, we’ve covered how long a can of pumpkin purée lasts, but what about homemade? Does it follow the same rules?
In general, homemade pumpkin puree follows the same guidelines as an opened can of pumpkin puree. Fresh pumpkin puree is good within seven days of refrigeration but best within four days.
Can you freeze pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can freeze leftover pumpkin puree, whether canned or homemade, to use in your favorite recipes later. If you don’t plan to make another pumpkin recipe within the week, the best option is to freeze it!
How to Freeze Pumpkin Puree
Step 1: Spoon the puree into silicone ice cube trays. Cover and place the trays in the freezer until solid, about 3-4 hours.
Step 2: Remove the trays from the freezer. Pop the pumpkin cubes out of the trays, and place them in freezer bags. Make sure all of the air is out of the bag.
Step 3: Label the bags with the date and contents, and keep them in the freezer.
Storage: The frozen pumpkin cubes will be kept in the freezer for six months.
Thaw: When ready to use, thaw the cubes needed for your recipe in the refrigerator overnight.
Ways to use Leftover Pumpkin Puree
If you have a small amount of pumpkin left and you don’t want to go to the trouble of freezing it, here are a few of my favorite recipes that use a small amount of pumpkin
How to Make Your Own Homemade Pumpkin Purée
Ingredients Needed: Pie Pumpkin
Step 1: Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Carefully cut off the pumpkin’s stem using a sharp knife. Then, cut the pumpkin in half vertically. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp using a spoon or an ice cream scoop. You can save the pumpkin seeds for roasting if you like.
Step 3: Put the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture. Roast the pumpkin in the oven for about 45-60 minutes or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Once the pumpkin is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle. Use a spoon to scoop out the soft pumpkin flesh from the skin. Discard the skin or compost it.
Step 5: Transfer the scooped pumpkin flesh to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the pumpkin puree appears too thick, add a small amount of water, vegetable broth, or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
While canned pumpkin puree can last well past its best-by date, it’s best to play it safe regarding food consumption. Look for any signs of spoilage, and only keep your pumpkin puree in the fridge for up to 7 days. If you don’t plan to use it within seven days, freeze it to reduce food waste.
Please comment below if you found this article helpful or have any additional questions. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more family-friendly vegan recipes!
Recipe
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree
Ingredients
- 1 pie pumpkin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Carefully cut off the pumpkin's stem using a sharp knife. Then, cut the pumpkin in half vertically. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp using a spoon or an ice cream scoop. You can save the pumpkin seeds for roasting if you like.
- Put the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture. Roast the pumpkin in the oven for about 45-60 minutes or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Once the pumpkin is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle. Use a spoon to scoop out the soft pumpkin flesh from the skin. Discard the skin or compost it.
- Transfer the scooped pumpkin flesh to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the pumpkin puree appears too thick, you can add a small amount of water, vegetable broth, or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
C. Hulsey
I’ve got canned pumpkin that expired November 2023. it’s still in the case with plastic wrap. is it still OK?
Alison Corey
Since the date of expiration is November 2023, I recommend playing it safe, and NOT using it. It could be fine, but it could also be bad. Use your best judgement.