If you are a fan of tomato soup, you might wonder how long it stays fresh and safe to eat. Knowing the shelf life of your soup can help you avoid food waste and potential foodborne illnesses. In this article, we will discuss how long tomato soup can last, how to store it properly, and how to tell if it has gone bad.
Tomato soup is a popular and comforting meal that can be enjoyed as a starter or main course. It is usually made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and other seasonings, and can be served hot or cold. Like most foods, tomato soup has a limited shelf life, and it is essential to know how long it stays fresh to avoid any health risks.
Factors That Affect Shelf Life
Several factors can affect the shelf life of tomato soup, including the ingredients used, the storage temperature, and the presence of preservatives. Freshly made tomato soup can last for a shorter time than canned tomato soup because it contains no preservatives. Similarly, tomato soup with cream or milk will not last as long as plain tomato soup because dairy products can spoil faster.
How Long Does Tomato Soup Last in the Fridge?
Tomato soup can last for three to five days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. To extend the shelf life of tomato soup, it is advisable to cool it quickly before refrigerating it. The soup should be divided into small portions and stored in shallow containers to promote even cooling.
How Long Does Tomato Soup Last in the Freezer?
Tomato soup can last for three to four months in the freezer when stored in a freezer-safe container. To freeze tomato soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to the container. It is advisable to label the container with the date to ensure that you use it before it goes bad.
How to Store Tomato Soup Properly?
Proper storage is crucial to ensure that tomato soup stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips to help you store tomato soup properly:
- Store freshly made tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
- Divide the soup into small portions and store it in shallow containers to promote even cooling.
- Store tomato soup in the freezer for up to four months in a freezer-safe container.
- Always label the container with the date to ensure that you use it before it goes bad.
- Avoid storing tomato soup in the fridge or freezer in the can it came in.
Signs That Tomato Soup Has Gone Bad
It is essential to know how to tell if tomato soup has gone bad to avoid eating spoiled food. Here are some signs that tomato soup has gone bad:
- A sour or rancid smell
- A change in color, texture, or consistency
- The presence of mold or discoloration
- Bubbling or fermentation
- An off or unpleasant taste
Can You Still Eat Tomato Soup That Has Expired?
It is not advisable to eat tomato soup that has expired, even if it looks and smells okay. Consuming expired food can cause foodborne illnesses and other health risks. It is essential to follow the guidelines for storing and consuming tomato soup to avoid any health risks.
Tips to Extend the Shelf Life of Tomato Soup
Here are some tips to extend the shelf life of tomato soup:
- Use preservatives: Adding vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid can help preserve tomato soup and extend its shelf life.
- Freeze it in small portions: Dividing tomato soup into small portions before freezing it can make it easier to defrost and reduce the risk of spoilage.
- Use airtight containers: Storing tomato soup in airtight containers can prevent air and moisture from getting in and causing spoilage.
- Check the storage temperature: Keeping tomato soup at the right temperature can help prevent spoilage. It should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below and in the freezer at 0°F or below.
Conclusion
Tomato soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Knowing how long it stays fresh and how to store it properly can help you avoid food waste and potential health risks. Always follow the guidelines for storing and consuming tomato soup to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat.
FAQs
- Can you freeze tomato soup with cream in it? Yes, you can freeze tomato soup with cream in it, but it may not have the same texture or consistency when defrosted.
- How can you tell if tomato soup has gone bad? You can tell if tomato soup has gone bad by checking for a sour or rancid smell, a change in color, texture, or consistency, the presence of mold or discoloration, bubbling or fermentation, and an off or unpleasant taste.
- Can you still eat tomato soup that has been in the fridge for a week? No, tomato soup that has been in the fridge for a week is not safe to eat.
- How long can you keep canned tomato soup? Canned tomato soup can last for two to five years if stored properly.
- Can you reheat tomato soup? Yes, you can reheat tomato soup, but make sure to heat it to 165°F to kill any bacteria that may be present.
Evan Lewis is the owner and editor of Indoorguider. By profession, he is a MasterChef in a five-star restaurant. Evan joined as a chef after completing a Diploma in professional cooking. Besides this profession, he’s a researcher and hobbyist blogger. He loves discovering new things, researching them, and sharing them with people who need that information. Most of his time as a chef is spent with different kitchen utensils. He already shares his knowledge and experience with various kitchen tools, utensils, and food blogging. This time he decided to write about one of the most needed kitchen tools and kitchen appliances. Therefore, he created this site, Indoorguider, and shared his experience, knowledge, and research results with people who have less knowledge about this tool. As a MasterChef of a five-star restaurant, Evan Lewis is not only experienced in cooking. He’s also experienced with different kitchen utensils, tools, and equipment. Besides, cooking he’s a hobbyist blogger. He does a lot of research on different kitchen tools for his blog and writes about them to help others, here at IndoorGuider. He shares his experience, knowledge, and research results for the benefit of people seeking different tools and cooking steps, tips, and recipes. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555977246806 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlewis9177/ Quora: Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/EvanLewisOfficial/ Pinterest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lewis-1157132b8/ Threads: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvanLewis5656
