How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last In The Fridge

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How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last In The Fridge

It’s time for all things pumpkin, but how long does pumpkin puree last in the fridge? There are several different storage methods for canned pumpkin purée and homemade pumpkin purée. One of the most common questions is how long does pumpkin purée last in the fridge?

opened pumpkin in the fridge

We are going to look at how long pumpkin purée lasts when stored in the fridge as well as other storage methods for pumpkin purée. Be sure to check out the details below as this will help you enjoy pumpkin to the fullest extent! 

Pumpkin Storage

There are a few different ways you can store pumpkin purée. These apply to canned pumpkin as well as homemade pumpkin purée.

The question, how do you store pumpkin will determine how long it lasts in those storage methods. One of the most common ways to store pumpkin purée is to store it in the fridge.

Below we are going to look at this in detail, in addition to much more.

Canned Pumpkin

Does Canned Pumpkin Go Bad?

First of all, does canned pumpkin go bad? Yes, canned pumpkin can go bad no matter if your can is opened or if it is still sealed.

Of course, if the can is still sealed it will have a longer shelf life than if the can is opened. However, no matter if the can is open or not, canned pumpkin purée can still spoil, and should not be consumed if it is spoiled. 

How Long Does Canned Pumpkin Last Once Opened?

How long canned pumpkin lasts once it is opened will be determined by how it is stored. The canned pumpkin which is opened and kept at room temperature will last no more than two hours.

After that, it should be thrown away. You can also store canned pumpkin that is opened in the fridge as well as the freezer. 

How Long Does Canned Pumpkin Last in the Fridge?

How long does pumpkin puree last in the fridge? In order for canned pumpkin to last in the fridge, it must be stored properly. To store canned pumpkin in the fridge, first, open the can and remove the pumpkin from the can.

Transfer your pumpkin purée to an airtight container, or seal it in a plastic storage bag. Then, place your pumpkin into the refrigerator at 40°F or below for up to seven days

How long does pumpkin puree last in the fridge? An open can of pumpkin purée will last approximately seven days in the fridge. 

Can you freeze pumpkin purée?

The short answer is yes, you can freeze pumpkin purée. This is beneficial for longer storage, which is achieved by freezing pumpkin purée if desired.

When frozen properly, pumpkin purée is likely to last up to three months when frozen at 0°F or below. 

opened can of pumpkin

Fresh Pumpkin

How long does homemade pumpkin purée last in the fridge?

Homemade pumpkin purée can be stored in the refrigerator. To do this, you want to make sure that your pumpkin is transferred to an appropriate container, such as a plastic storage bag, or an airtight container. Then place into the fridge for up to seven days. 

How long does homemade pumpkin purée last in the freezer?

Homemade pumpkin purée can also be frozen. For the best storage you’ll want to be sure that it is frozen properly, by sealing it in a plastic freezer bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn, then place into the freezer for up to three months. 

How To Store Pumpkin

Refrigerated Method

The most common way to store leftover pumpkin purée is in the fridge. To do this, you will want to remove any pumpkin purée from the opened can. 

Transfer the pumpkin purée to an airtight container, or seal it securely in a plastic storage bag.

Then placed it into the refrigerator at 40°F or below for up to seven days.  

Please note that it is important that your pumpkin purée is stored in an airtight container, or in a plastic storage bag so that your pumpkin does not become contaminated by unwanted bacteria.

You want to be sure that your pumpkin purée is not stored in the open can. Rather, seal it securely before placing it in the fridge for best storage practices. 

pumpkin in a jar in the fridge

Freezing Method

As mentioned above, pumpkin purée can be frozen as long as it is stored properly. There are several different ways you can freeze leftover pumpkin purée if desired. Below are the details for each of these freezing methods.  

A Note On Freezing Pumpkin

Please note that freezing pumpkin is perfectly fine, as long as it is sealed in a plastic freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months.

We do want to point out that although it is perfectly fine to freeze, then use in your recipe as desired once thawed, your pumpkin may separate during the freezing and thawing process. However, never fear, it will still taste and work out great in whatever recipe you desire. 

How to Freeze Pumpkin

In a storage container. One of the most common ways is to use an airtight storage container for your pumpkin purée. You want to be sure that the container is safe to go in the freezer. It should be a container that will prevent air from getting into your pumpkin and causing freezer burn. 

To freeze pumpkin purée in an airtight container, simply transfer the pumpkin from the can, into the storage container. Allow a little bit of headspace in the container for the expanding and contracting of the pumpkin as it freezes and thaws. Place it into the freezer for up to three months. 

In freezer bags. Another great way to freeze your leftover pumpkin purée is in a plastic freezer bag. This works great because you can easily remove any excess air, and seal it securely before freezing it. 

To freeze pumpkin purée in a freezer bag, be sure to first transfer your leftover pumpkin purée from the can into your freezer bag. Remove any excess air, then seal the bag securely. Place your sealed freezer bag of pumpkin into the freezer for up to three months. 

In ice cube trays. If you wish to store your leftover pumpkin in smaller portions, beginning by freezing your pumpkin purée in ice cube trays is a great option. Transfer your canned pumpkin into the ice cube trays. 

Place the ice cube trays into the freezer for 3 to 4 hours or until they are frozen solid. Remove the now frozen pumpkin from the ice cube trays and transfer them into a plastic freezer bag, or an airtight container. Freeze the pumpkin cubes for up to three months. 

In muffin tins. If you do not have ice cube trays, freezing pumpkin in muffin tins is another great way to get smaller serving sizes of pumpkin. 

First, remove the pumpkin from the can and place it into lightly greased muffin tins. Fill as desired. Once filled, place the muffin tins into your freezer for 3 to 4 hours or until the pumpkin is frozen solid. 

Once they are frozen solid, remove your pumpkin from the muffin tins and transfer them to an airtight container or seal them in a plastic freezer bag. 

This will allow you to have individual servings of pumpkins that are frozen in a container that will prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. 

opened canned pumpkin with jar

How to Thaw Pumpkin Purée

After you have frozen pumpkin purée, there are a few different methods you can follow to safely thaw your frozen pumpkin if desired. Below are the different methods for thawing pumpkin outlined with instructions.

In the refrigerator. To thaw pumpkin purée in the refrigerator, simply remove your frozen pumpkin from the freezer and place it in the fridge. Allow it to sit in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours or until it is completely thawed. Once it is thawed, it can last in the fridge for up to seven days. 

In cold water. Another way you can thaw frozen pumpkin purée is in a bowl of cold water. Remove your frozen pumpkin from the freezer and place it into a deep bowl. Be sure your pumpkin is sealed securely before adding water. 

We strongly recommend thawing your frozen pumpkin in a sealed plastic freezer bag in cold water. 

When your frozen pumpkin is added to the bowl, cover it in cold water. Change the cold water every 30 minutes so that your pumpkin thaws evenly, and without food safety risk. When thawed, immediately add to your recipe. 

In the microwave. The final way you can thaw your frozen pumpkin purée is in the microwave. To do this transfer the frozen pumpkin to the microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel.

Microwave using the defrost method according to the weight of your pumpkin. Typically, this will take a few minutes to fully thaw. Once thawed, add the pumpkin purée to your recipe right away.

How to tell if a pumpkin is bad?

There are a few different ways you can tell if your pumpkin has spoiled. This applies to canned pumpkin purée that is open, and unopened canned pumpkin. You can also use some of these methods to examine homemade pumpkin purée if needed. 

How to Tell if Opened Canned Pumpkin Is Bad?

Expiration Date. First, look at the expiration date of your canned pumpkin. If your can is unopened, this is one of the main ways you can tell if your canned pumpkin purée is still good or not.

If the expiration date has passed and the can remains unopened, your pumpkin is likely spoiled and should be thrown away. However, if you want to double-check it, you can open the can to check other signs of spoilage as well. 

Odd Smell to the Pumpkin Puree. Now, examine the smell of your pumpkin purée. If the pumpkin smells off or sour at all, this is a likely sign that your pumpkin purée has gone bad and should be thrown out. This applies no matter if you are looking at canned pumpkin that is opened, unopened, or homemade. 

Mold in the Pumpkin. Another sign that your pumpkin has gone bad is if there is any sign of mold growing on or in your pumpkin purée. If there is any hint of mold, do not eat the pumpkin but instead throw it away. 

Slimy Texture. Another way to tell when pumpkin purée has gone bad is if there is an unusual slimy texture that appears on your pumpkin purée. If you see a slimy texture, that is unusual for your pumpkin, do not risk eating it but instead throw it away. 

Change in Color. The other sign that your pumpkin purée has expired or gone bad, is when you see a change in color. This can mean that your pumpkin purée has suddenly turned from a nice orange color to dark orange or even brown. You may also see signs of blue, green, or purple colors to the pumpkin. That has turned bad. 

The bottom line is, if you see, smell, or detect anything unusual with your pumpkin purée, or if you know it has stayed around longer than it should, it is time to part with the pumpkin purée and not risk getting sick by eating something that has gone bad. 

Signs Pumpkin Has Gone Bad
Past expiration date
Bad or odd oder
Mold
Slimy texture
Change in color or odd coloring

Difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling

Perhaps you’re looking for some canned pumpkin at the grocery store and are confused in the difference between canned pumpkin pie filling, and canned pumpkin purée. There is quite a difference between the two actually and it is helpful to know what the differences are. 

Pumpkin purée is pretty much straight up cooked pumpkin that has been canned. Look at the ingredients listed on a can of pumpkin purée in your local grocery store, you will see that it is usually just pumpkin, and maybe a few preservatives. 

Canned pumpkin pie filling on the other hand is not only cooked canned pumpkin, but it also contains other ingredients such as water, sugar, salt, spices, other preservatives, and natural flavors.

Pretty much, pumpkin pie filling in a can is literally pumpkin pie filling that only needs a couple of ingredients added to it to make it into a pie. Pumpkin purée on the other hand is literally canned pumpkin that you can use in other recipes for pumpkin flavor. 

pumpkin in a jar with fridge door

FAQs

Can you freeze canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can freeze canned pumpkin if desired. However, in order to do this, the pumpkin must first be removed from the can, and transferred to an airtight container or sealed in a plastic freezer bag before it is frozen. Pumpkin can then be frozen for up to three months. 

How long is pumpkin purée good for in the fridge?

Opened pumpkin purée can last for up to seven days in the fridge as long as it is sealed in an airtight container or plastic storage bag.

Is pumpkin purée the same as pure pumpkin?

Yes, in short pumpkin purée and pure pumpkin are the same thing. Perhaps you’re at the grocery store and confused because you were looking at popular brands like Libby’s and see their brand of pure pumpkin.

Essentially this is the same thing as pumpkin purée. Both of which only contain cooked and mashed pumpkin. 

How Long Does Canned Pumpkin Last in the Fridge

How long does pumpkin puree last in the fridge? In short, canned pumpkin will last up to seven days when stored in an airtight container or sealed in a plastic storage bag in the fridge at 40°F or below. However, it is important to note that pumpkin can spoil, so it is important to examine the pumpkin if you have any doubts about it being good.

Canned frozen can also be frozen if you wish to store it for a longer amount of time. Now that you know all the details of properly storing pumpkin purée, let’s get baking! 😊

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