How to store anchovies
Best place: the pantry until opened, then the fridge. Unopened, anchovies keep for 5 years in the pantry. Once opened, the fridge gives 3 to 4 days, and the freezer 2 months.
5 years
from purchase
3 to 4 days
after opening
2 months
best quality within
Remove from can before freezing.
USDA notes for anchovies
- Remove from can before freezing.
How to tell anchovies have gone bad
General signs for condiments, sauces & canned goods, the group USDA lists anchovies under.
- Dented, bulging or rusted cans, especially at the seams
- Hissing sound or spray when a can or jar is opened
- Mould on the surface of a sauce or condiment
- Separation, discoloration or a sharp off smell from the jar
- Metallic taste or cloudy liquid in canned food
More on condiments, sauces & canned goods. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Refrigerate opened condiments and sauces with their lids on tightly, and use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination. Store unopened cans in a cool, dry cupboard, and once opened, transfer leftover canned food to a covered container in the fridge rather than storing it in the can.
How to store other condiments, sauces & canned goods
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.