Once opened, Pesto (jarred) keeps about 3 days in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 6 months.
3 days opened in the fridge, against 6 months sealed in the fridge. Green is what this situation leaves you; husk is what it spends.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · fridge | 6 months |
| Opened · fridge | 3 days |
| Freezer | 1 month |
Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.
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About 3 days refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. Refrigerate it once it's open.
Yes — keep Pesto (jarred) at 40°F (4°C) or below once it's open. Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Look for: Mould around the rim, cap, or surface; An off, fermented, or yeasty smell; Fizzing, bubbling, or a bulging lid; Separation or a colour change that won't stir back in. Those are the general signs for condiments & sauces — USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Pesto (jarred) specifically. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.
Yes — USDA FoodKeeper v128 gives about 1 month in the freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; that window is about quality, not safety.