Pickles are perfect. Everyone knows this, of course, except for the fools and tragically undeveloped palates that persist in the population. The versatile pickled cucumber goes well with co*cktails, workouts (well, OK sorta, not really), and the most ambitious of cheeseburger recipes. One more thing that makes them perfect: they can last a really, really long time.
Pickles can last for as long as 1-2 years past the expiration date printed on their jars. That's whether you store them in the refrigerator or not, provided they've been properly sealed. That has everything to do with the pickling process that turned them from mostly boring, plain ol' cucumbers that rot within 5 days into pickles (or gherkins if you enjoy them across the pond). That process begins with putting the cucumbers into a solution of salt water (brine) and vinegar, that has been boiled. You stick the cucumbers in a sterile jar, fill it with the solution, and then give it a good airtight seal for at least 48 hours -- or longer if you want tastier pickles. Al Roker -- he of Guinness World Record weather reporting fame -- once explained the biochemical process perfectly on an NBC educational program as a war between good bacteria and bad bacteria, in which the brine is the ideal battlefield for the good bacteria to gain a foothold. Take it away, Al!
"...We want a class of good bacteria, called lactic acid bacteria, to colonize the cucumber and start to preserve it, before the bad bacteria invades and starts to rot it. Both sides use a form of natural chemical warfare, starting with fermentation. In fermentation, bacteria of all kinds, good and bad, eat and digest starches like the natural ones in cucumbers and other plants and convert them into sugars they use as food and fuel to grow and multiply. As soon as a cucumber is put into salty brine, the good microbe army has the edge."
Basically, the brine -- remember, it's got the acidic vinegar -- becomes an idea medium for the good microbes to ferment the pickles without causing them to rot. It also increases the acidity of the overall solution and gives pickles their distinct, sour taste, while simultaneously preserving the pickles for quite a while. Per Mr. Roker:
"...By growing rapidly and producing all that lactic acid, the good bacteria increases the acidity of the brine and what was soaking in it, which decreases the pH to below 4.6, a level acidic enough to pickle our pickle, and keep it preserved for months, even years."
So please, enjoy those pickles well past their "best by" date if you've come across a jar. Food expiration dates are mostly bullsh*t anyway.
FAQs
Pickles can go bad, but even so, they are rarely a cause for food safety concerns. Try and use up your pickles within three months of purchase, if you can. And be on the look out for any off colors, tastes, smells or textures—let your senses be your guide!
Do pickles go bad? ›
"Pickles will eventually spoil if given enough time. Some may think the acid will prevent mold from growing, but given enough time, the mold will prevail." Tiner says the pickle brine has a lot to do with pickles lasting up to a year past the "use by date".
Can you eat 10 year old pickles? ›
How long do canned pickles last? If the jars are properly heat-processed, both homemade and commercially sealed pickles can sit unopened at room temperature for years, says Julie Laing, author of The Complete Guide to Pickling. But eating them sooner will ensure the best texture and flavor.
What keeps pickles from going bad? ›
Refrigerated Pickles
Canned pickles must be refrigerated once they're opened. Putting fermented pickles in the fridge slows the process to a crawl, keeping them at your preferred flavor and crispness. Quick pickles and fresh, unprocessed pickles are made and then stored at fridge temp from day 1.
Why do pickles last longer? ›
Salt and oil do not allow moisture and air to enter the material and hence bacteria cannot thrive on them. Therefore, pickles do not get spoiled for months together. Q.
Are pickles still good after 2 years? ›
How to Store Pickles. An unopened jar of pickles can be stored at room temperature (i.e., the pantry) or in the fridge for up to two years past the expiration date. Once opened, pickles will stay fresh for roughly the same length of time as long as they are stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container.
Is it OK to eat 2 year expired pickles? ›
Pickles are typically safe to consume past their expiration date if they're stored properly due to their acidic nature which inhibits bacterial growth. However, when pickles spoil, they can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
How many years do pickles last? ›
As long as you keep them in the brine (pickle juice), they will last for over a year. They do get more sour over time and at some point get too acidic to eat. But it is not a safety issue unless they get moldy. They just do not taste as good.
What is the white stuff on my pickles? ›
When fermenting vegetables, it is common to notice a white layer forming on top of the liquid after a few days. Often this white film is mistaken for mold, and the entire ferment is discarded. However, the white film is usually a type of yeast known as kahm yeast.
Do pickles go bad if not refrigerated? ›
Like most other foods, pickles should be left out on the counter for no more than two hours. Despite being preserved in brine, bacteria can still form in the pickle jar. Even in two hours, pickles' texture can start to change. Warm temperatures cause pickles to soften and lose their crunchy texture.
Once pickles are prepared, they can be refrigerated for short-term use or canned to create a shelf-stable product that's safe for long-term storage. Be sure to use a research-based, tested recipe from recommended resources like National Center for Home Food Preservation, USDA, Ball, or Cooperative Extension.
How do you increase the shelf life of pickles? ›
Ginger and garlic are often added to pickles, as they not only enhance the taste but also strengthen the shelf life of the product. Garlic has immense anti-viral properties that help in fighting bacteria. On the other hand, ginger has antimicrobial properties that keep bacteria at bay.
Does pickle juice expire? ›
Pickle juice is usually very acidic, which creates an environment less conducive to bacterial growth. However, if left for too long, it can still go bad. The most visible sign would be mold growth. If the juice turns cloudy, or if it develops an off smell or taste, it's time to discard it.
How do you know if pickles have gone bad? ›
Visible mold: This is an obvious sign that your pickles have gone bad. Unusually sour taste and smell: If things smell and taste a bit more sour than usual, in an unpleasant way, this may not be a good sign. If you're not liking the taste anyway, it may be time to toss those pickles.
Do pickles in a jar go bad? ›
Once you've opened a jar of pickles — homemade or store-bought — they'll last for up to two years in the refrigerator. To ensure they stay fresh and don't go bad, seal the jar completely after each use, and keep your fridge temperature set to between 34°F and 40°F.
How long do jarred pickles last? ›
An unopened jar of refrigerated pickles can last for years, depending on the ingredients used. But once the jar is opened, it's best to consume the pickles within three months. In either case, place them in a clear jar so you can quickly spot any signs of spoilage.
