Preserve your pantry: The science of storing homemade goods

Preserves are an indispensable part of many pantries and cellars. But for how long can they be stored without losing quality? This is often a concern for those making homemade jams or pickles. Fortunately, the answer is straightforward.

There's something extraordinary about opening a jar of plum preserves in the middle of autumn or adding homemade pickles to a meal. Preserves are an excellent means of maintaining the taste and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.

However, proper storage is crucial to savour their flavour for as long as possible. The ideal place for storing preserves is a cellar. However, it's important to keep in mind that the humidity and chill in cellars can impact the longevity of the preserves. The environment should be dry, with good ventilation, and a steady temperature ideally between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.

The shelf life of preserves largely depends on their type. Most can be stored in a cellar or pantry for a year. However, products with added sugar (such as jams, preserves, and juices) and vinegar (like pickles) can stay in perfect condition for up to two years.

Nonetheless, the key is to properly can jars and store them in suitable conditions. If preserves are stored in kitchen cupboards, they should be consumed within a few weeks.

If preserves are kept longer than recommended, harmful microorganisms may start to develop. Therefore, if you're tempted to eat a jar of pickles that's been in the cellar for three years, it's advisable not to take the risk. To avoid confusion, each jar should be labelled with the preparation date, indicating the month and year.