Here's How Long Opened Minced Garlic Lasts

While there are plenty of people who swear by their garlic peeling methods, for the lower-maintenance chefs out there, popping open a jar of minced garlic is the better way to go. But while it saves you time, effort, and sticky hands, it does sort of feel like you enter a delicate balance of time and refrigeration once that jar is opened. The good news? Your minced garlic can actually last for quite some time if it's handled correctly, even after that first seal is broken. 

The first step in storing your garlic right is keeping it in the fridge. Commercially packaged minced garlic that includes preservatives can be kept in the fridge for 18 to 24 months. Of course, this depends on how tightly you screw the lid on since less air in the jar means more time added to the freshness clock. But with the refrigerator working its cold magic, the spoilage process slows down, so you've got plenty of garlic to zest up dishes well into the future.

Now, let's talk expiration dates and whether the garlic is safe to use after the jar says it's expired. Turns out, the expiration date actually has nothing to do with food safety. It has more to do with the date the manufacturer estimates it'll start to lose its freshness. So no need to panic when the calendar flips. As long as the garlic looks and smells good, and the jar has no cracks or damage, it should be fine to use beyond that date — though it might not pack as much of a punch, flavor-wise.

But while garlic doesn't spoil in the dramatic and rank ways some other condiments might (we're looking at you, mayonnaise), it does have its limits. The most obvious warning signs that your garlic's days are numbered are any noticeable changes in color, flavor, or smell. If you open the jar and you're hit with an off-putting aroma or the garlic tastes bitter, it's probably time to bid it adieu. Mold, of course, is a non-negotiable sign of spoilage. No matter how much you love garlic and swear there's no such thing as too much, moldy garlic has no place in your kitchen.

You can also check the liquid in the jar to determine if your garlic has turned. If the liquid begins to look cloudy, that's another red flag. But, while jarred minced garlic is certainly here for a long time (and a good time), if there's ever any doubt if it's safe to consume, just go ahead and toss it. Always trust your senses. They'll be far more reliable than any expiration date.