Generally, anchovy paste is an excellent spice used in many cooking processes, like dressings, sauces, marinades, soups, and stews. Also, They add an umami flavor, a rich and savory taste. They are also versatile.
However, if you are thinking of using anchovy paste in your dish and you desire to find out how long does anchovy paste last. Then you can follow this article. Moreover, this article discusses anchovy paste, storing it, telling when it goes bad, how long it lasts, etc. Let’s check the details below:
What is Anchovy Paste?
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Anchovy paste is usually a great spice. They are made from salt, anchovies, and olive oil. Also, anchovy paste tastes salty, sweet, sharp, and fishy, which is quite popular in Italy. Moreover, they are also available in tubes or jars. They are often found at grocery stores. Also, they may be made at home.
You may also use it for marinades, soups, salad dressings, sandwiches, cheese, jam, and toast. You can also use and store anchovy paste for a long time.
How to Tell if Anchovy Paste is Bad?
Generally, anchovy pastes can go bad if not stored properly or expire. However, there’re a few signs that the anchovy paste has become bad. Let’s get to know about these symptoms below:
Unpleasant Smell
If anchovy paste smells sour or tastes wrong, it has gone rotten. So, it would be best if you discarded them.
Discoloration
If you notice any color change in your anchovy paste instead of its recent color. Then it’s time to realise they’ve gone rotten. Changing them as soon as possible is recommended.
Changing Tastes
You may verify that your anchovy paste has gone bad by tasting it. However, they are good if they don’t have any odor or flavor. But they have gone bad if any unpleasant taste is found in them.
Mold
Anchovy paste open jars, cans, or tubes may attract bacteria and become moldy. If you notice mold developing in your jars or tubes of anchovy paste. Therefore, you should probably just throw them away.
Read More: How to Tell If Pizza Dough Is Bad?
How to Store Anchovy Paste?
If you plan on keeping the anchovy paste for later use. Then storing the anchovy paste properly is an important factor. Because if they’re not stored correctly. They can spoil quickly. Let’s learn about the storage way of anchovy paste in the table below:
| Storage way | Process |
| Airtight container | Store the anchovy paste in a tightly sealed container, such as a Mason jar or tin can. Then securely seal them. Because if it is not well sealed, a lot of air and moisture will come in, which will cause mold to grow and spoilage. |
| Using salt and vinegar | Anchovy paste can usually be preserved in salt and vinegar. You should probably put them aside in a safe place. Because they can get spoiled easily if not stored properly. |
| Store in a cool or dry place | A dry or cool location is ideal for storing anchovy paste. And well-sealed because mold can grow in humid and wet places, which causes them to go bad. |
| Freezing | You may freeze the anchovy paste if you desire to keep them long. First, Store the anchovy paste in a jar with a tight lid. Then wrapper them strongly in a freezer bag or plastic wrap. At last, store them in the freezer. |
What Affects Anchovy Paste Shelf Life
Usually, anchovy paste’s shelf life can be impacted by various factors. Let’s find out the reasons that can affect the shelf life of an anchovy paste below:
- Improper storage methods can shorten the shelf life of your anchovy paste. For example, if you leave them open, damp and exposed to sunlight. Then they will grow mold and deteriorate quickly.
- The freshness and quality of the olive oil and anchovy fillets can affect the anchovy paste’s shelf life. So, before buying anchovy paste, research the quality of its contents.
- The shelf life of anchovy paste can be affected if you keep it uncovered or not packaging properly. Because they can go bad when exposed to air and moisture. However, it would be best to ensure they’re appropriately stored in tubes, jars or airtight containers.
- Air and moisture can affect anchovy paste’s shelf life. Which can cause mold growth, bad smell, discoloration etc. So, keep them away from air and moisture.
How Long Does Anchovy Paste Last?
Generally, the lifespan of anchovy paste depends on its storage and packaging method. Because if they are not properly packaged and stored. Their shelf life can be shortened. And they can go bad quickly. Let’s find out about their shelf life through the list below:
| Conditions | Shelf life |
| Unopened anchovy paste | 2+ years |
| Opened anchovy paste | 1 year |
Read More: Can You Use Expired Bread Crumbs?
13 Alternatives for Anchovy Paste
Usually, if you do not have anchovy paste or want to substitute another spice. Below are a few spices that you can substitute instead of anchovy paste. Let’s know it below:
- Asian fish sauce
- Miso paste
- Soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Seaweed
- Kalamata olives/Tapenade
- Shrimp paste
- Capers
- Dried mushrooms
- Anchovy fillets
- Parmesan
- Umeboshi paste
- Olives
FAQs
Can I Freeze Anchovy Paste?
Yes, anchovy paste can be freeze. Keep your anchovy paste in the freezer by sealing it correctly in jars or tubes. And labeling them. Which will help store your anchovy paste fresh for a long time. Moreover, if you ever need anchovy paste. Then take away the jar from the freezer, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. And then use it.
Can I Eat Expired Anchovy Paste?
Yes, you can eat expired anchovy paste. Usually, anchovy paste expires after a certain period. If your anchovy paste has no unpleasant smell, taste, or color change after the expiry date. You can use them easily. But if you notice an unpleasant smell, taste, or color change from your expired anchovy paste. Then you should probably just stop using them.
Can Anchovy Paste Be Used Instead of Fish Sauce?
Yes, you may use anchovy paste for fish sauce. Fish sauce is typically quite popular in Southeast Asian and East Asian cuisines, giving the food a distinct umami taste. Anchovy paste is also a popular spice in Italy that packs a delicious flavor into food. Also, if you lack fish sauce, you can substitute anchovy paste.
What is the Difference Between Fish Sauce and Fish Paste?
Fish paste is usually a thick, soft creamy puree. They’re prepared from ground meat like hake or pollock. Also, fish sauce is a liquid spice. They are made from krill or fish coated with salt. Moreover, Fish sauce is not cooked long, whereas fish paste is.
Final Verdict
You already know the answers to all your questions and how long anchovy paste lasts from the article above. Usually, the lifespan of anchovy paste frequently depends on many factors. Therefore, if you keep anchovy paste correctly, you can use them for a long time. In the article, you may also learn about 13 anchovy paste alternatives. Moreover, this article will help you use them in place of anchovy paste.
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