Have you got a whole pile of tomatoes and are ready to take on the challenge of making homemade sauce?
It’s a great idea, very yummy, and a great way to use up tomatoes, so they don’t get wasted.
You might give a jar to a friend, take some to work, or even sell some.
If you decide to keep some, make sure you know exactly how long homemade tomato sauce is good for.
How Long Is Homemade Tomato Sauce Good For?
Homemade tomato sauce is good for 7 days In the fridge. Due to the fact homemade sauce doesn’t contain shelf-stable preservatives, it will have a longer shelf and refrigerator time. If you added cream or cheese to your sauce, then you are best to freeze it. The frozen sauce can last for up to six months. On the shelf, the homemade sauce can last for 3 to 4 days.
How Do I Store Pasta Sauce?
You can store tomato sauce in reused glass bottles as long as you have sterilized them thoroughly and they are well dried.
If you don’t have glass bottles, you can use a Tupperware container or other air tight, safe containers.
It is important when you get your sauce out, you use a clean spoon and don’t double-dip into other foods.
This can transfer bacteria to the tomato sauce.
Once you have sealed your containers, they can be stored in the fridge but ensure they are kept no longer than 7 days. Always check for spoilage before using.
How To Store The Sauce
Once the homemade tomato sauce is cooled down completely, you can freeze it in freezer bags or airtight containers.
You can keep it frozen for around 3 months. After that, it can develop freezer burn, and the flavor will change.
A different method is to store them in the hot water canning way.
All you need to do for that is to move the sauce to canning jars and seal them tightly.
Put into a pot and boil for 30 minutes. There are basic guides online and kits to help you get started.
You can just use a basic tomato sauce recipe with added lemon to ensure the acidity levels are high.
This will ensure it is will be safe to can. You can add in your seasoning and herbs or make it plain so you can add it to your lasagna or homemade pizza.
If you are going to use the canning method, you need to avoid using any oil.
This can be a source of botulism which can make you very sick.
Can I Freeze Homemade Sauce?
The homemade sauce can be frozen safely as long as you store it properly ad write the date down, so you know how long it has been in there.
When you want to freeze it, you can allow it to defrost for a few hours at room temperature.
Once the sauce has fully defrosted, you can then add it to your dish or use it to dunk your french fries.
How Do I Know My Tomato Sauce Has Gone Bad?
Homemade sauce is much like everything else. When it comes to spoilage, the sauce will have a different color, might become watery, it will taste bitter, and carry an odor.
If you think your sauce is over the date you cooked it, then it is best to chuck it.
Sometimes sauce can become spoiled, but the smell, taste, and appearance have not been affected yet.
The sauce can still be growing bacteria rapidly, which means eating it can give you food poisoning.
Conclusion
Making your own homemade tomato sauce ensures you know exactly what is going into it.
Store brought sauce might last longer, but it is filled with too many additives and preservatives.
Making your own sauce means you can add the spices and herbs that you like and change it up any way you want to.
Make in bulk and freeze it or give it to family and friends. A great way to use up ingredients and a fun way to experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Is Homemade Tomato Sauce Good For
Is Homemade Sauce Safe For Freezing?
It is safe to freeze homemade sauce if done correctly. The freezer needs to be kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) for the sauce to stay safe to eat.
Can I Leave Homemade Sauce At Room Temperature?
The homemade sauce can be left at room temperature for no longer than two hours in a cool area. The sauce will start to go off at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).