Chapter 9 · Preserving and Storing Pickles

How Long Do Homemade Pickles Last? Storage and Shelf Life

You've got a growing collection of homemade pickles - now let's make sure they stay fresh, safe, and delicious for as long as possible.

How long do homemade pickles last?

Properly canned pickles can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within 1-2 months.

How should you store homemade pickles?

Check the seal, keep sealed jars somewhere cool and dark, label them with the date, and refrigerate once opened.

  • Check the seals. Always check the seals on your jars before storing them. A properly sealed jar will have a concave lid that doesn't flex when pressed.
  • Store in a cool, dark place. Store your canned pickles in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cellar. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Label and date. Label your jars with the date they were made. This helps you keep track of their age and ensures you consume the oldest jars first.
  • Use within a year. For best quality, consume your canned pickles within a year. While they may be safe to eat beyond this, the flavour and texture may degrade over time.
  • Refrigerate after opening. Once opened, store pickles in the fridge and consume them within 1-2 months.

Do pickles need to be refrigerated?

Canned pickles that have sealed properly can be stored in a cool, dark place until they are opened. Fridge pickles, fermented pickles, and any jar once opened belong in the fridge.

How long do fridge pickles keep?

Fridge pickles are usually ready to eat after 24 hours and can be stored for up to 2-4 weeks.

How do you know if pickles have gone bad?

Trust your senses. A strange smell, taste or appearance, a slimy texture, mould, or a lid that has lost its seal are all reasons to discard the whole jar. When in doubt, throw it out.

Sterilise your equipment, stick to the brine ratios in your recipe, and if a jar smells, looks, or tastes off - bin it. Read the full disclaimer.