How to store jams, pickled vegetables and chutneys

Sweet jams to be enjoyed at breakfast, fragrant pickled vegetables to be served as an appetizer or chutney with a strong taste excellent to accompany cold cuts and cheeses; whether they are sweet or savory, having preserves always at hand is an excellent habit in the kitchen. With the arrival of the cold months in particular, we try our hand at preserves and jams to keep in the pantry throughout the year, but do we really know how to store them without them losing their taste or, worse, deteriorating? Once our jars full of wonders have been opened, where to store them and for how long? Let's find out together.

How to store jams

Perfect for breakfasts and snacks, homemade jams are real gems of sweetness and fragrance; but, once opened, how and for how long can we store them? Let's start by saying two very important things; for a good storing it is important that jams and marmalades are placed in glass jars previously sterilized and hermetically sealed, and then the storage time depends on the amount of sugar used in the preparation.

Having said that, how do we store them? The answer is simple; the jams must be stored in the refrigerator, taking care to close the jars well.

How long? If your jam contains sugar and fruit in equal proportions, you can store it in the refrigerator for 2 or 3 months. If you used more fruit and less sugar in the recipe, the times are reduced to a maximum of 3 weeks. In any case, always observe any molds or imperfections; in that case your jam, alas, will no longer be good.

How to store vegetables in oil

In most cases, vegetables are preserved in extra virgin olive oil and are ideal for enjoying your favorite foods all year round.

How to store vegetables in oil? Also in this case, storing must follow some small rules;

when you open the jars and take out a portion of the vegetables, be careful to use a cutlery that is always clean and does not touch other foods, in this way you will not run the risk of "polluting" the contents of the jar and will ensure better storing;

before storing them, make sure that the contents are completely covered with oil; it is precisely the oil that allows food to keep its organoleptic properties intact and prevents the formation of mold;

once tightly closed, you can store your jars of vegetables in oil in the refrigerator and they can remain here for a period ranging from 1 to 2 months, but always making sure to add more oil when necessary.

How to store pickled vegetables

Whether it's for an appetizer, a tasty aperitif or a sweet and sour snack, having a jar of pickled vegetables available there is always a good idea. If you have enjoyed your artichokes at dinner but have not finished the jar, know that you can simply store it in the pantry, as long as the vegetables are completely covered with vinegar and that the lid is tightly closed.

Very long storage times: if you have followed our tips, the pickled vegetables will remain at your disposal for up to three months. Always pay attention, however, to the formation of any mold or bad smells, a sign that the pickled vegetables are unfortunately to be thrown away.

How to store chutneys

Chutney is a sweet and sour accompanying sauce made with fruit or vegetables, seasoned with vinegar and sugar; a recipe of Indian origin but also increasingly popular in our kitchens. If you have prepared a little more and want to keep it, you have two options:

in a glass jar, in the refrigerator for a maximum of 5-7 days;

in a previously sterilized and hermetically sealed container, in the pantry for up to 30 days.