Preserving sauces
I am trying my best to be chemical free. We use vinegar to preserve tomato sauces and pizza sauces for few days/ weeks. How do we preserve other sauces? I was trying carrot sauce, pumpkin sauce and other varieties. With vinegar it doesn't taste good. Even when stored in refrigerator they don't stay long. So what else can I use to extend the shelf life without adding any chemicals?
Best Answer
You may want to look into canning your sauces at home. You could also freeze the sauces in portion sized amounts and only defrost what you will use that day. This would extend the shelf life, but they would still go bad as quickly once they're opened/defrosted.
Unfortunately, there is a reason we use 'chemicals' to preserve food for longer shelf life. The 'natural' options are simply not very good. If you desire a 'chemical-free' lifestyle, one of the drawbacks is that your food will not last as long.
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How do you preserve sauces?
Store in a small jar or bowl covered with plastic in the refrigerator or even in a heavy-gauge zip-top bag. A smaller container means less exposure to air and less spoilage. Gently reheat sauces to be served warm over low heat. Caramel and chocolate sauce are best heated in a double boiler over simmering water.How do you preserve a jar of sauce?
There needs to be at least an inch of water covering the jars, so keep an eye on the water level, adding more boiling water if needed. Remove the jars and let them cool. Store them in a cool, dark place (a cupboard or pantry works great) until you're ready to use some tomato sauce.What preservatives can I use for sauces?
Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are the preservatives commonly used. They are often used together to take advantage of their combined effects. Sodium benzoate is most commonly used in acid foods.What is the best way to store sauces?
The fridge is the best place to store sauces. Store your leftover homemade sauce in the fridge and use within a couple of days or freeze. For leftover shop-bought sauces it's best to follow the storage guidance on the jar. If you have leftover sauce, seal the lid and store the jar in the fridge.Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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