DecodedGuides

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.

Pantry

5 years

from purchase

Fridge

3 to 4 days

after opening

Freezer

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.