How Long is Lemon Curd Good For?

Lemon curd is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a burst of flavor and brightness to your desserts and breakfasts. But how long is lemon curd good for? And how can you tell if it has gone bad? In this post, we will answer these questions and more, covering both store-bought and homemade lemon curd.

What is Lemon Curd?

Lemon curd is a thick and smooth custard-like sauce that is made from lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. It has a tangy and sweet flavor that balances the richness of the butter and eggs, and a vibrant yellow color that comes from the lemon zest and egg yolks. Lemon curd originated in England in the 19th century, where it was served as a spread for bread or scones, or as a filling for cakes and pies. Today, lemon curd is widely used in various desserts, such as cheesecakes, tarts, muffins, cupcakes, and more. It can also be enjoyed on its own or with yogurt, whipped cream, or fresh fruits.

Shelf Life of Store-Bought Lemon Curd

If you buy lemon curd from the store, you can expect it to last up to six months if unopened. However, this may vary depending on the brand and the ingredients used. Therefore, it is important to check the “best by” date on the label to ensure that you are consuming fresh and safe lemon curd. Once you open the jar of lemon curd, you should refrigerate it immediately and use it within one to two months. Refrigeration helps prevent bacterial growth and preserve the quality of the lemon curd. You should also keep the jar tightly sealed when not in use to prevent moisture and air from entering.

Shelf Life of Homemade Lemon Curd

If you make your own lemon curd at home, you should know that it has a much shorter shelf life than store-bought lemon curd. This is because homemade lemon curd does not contain any preservatives or stabilizers that can extend its longevity. Homemade lemon curd can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. You should also avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils when scooping out the lemon curd. Homemade lemon curd can also be frozen for up to three months, but this may affect its texture and flavor slightly.

How to Tell if Lemon Curd has Gone Bad

Whether you have store-bought or homemade lemon curd, you should always inspect it before using it to make sure that it is still good. Some signs of spoilage include:

Mold or fungus growth on the surface or inside the jar
Sour or rancid smell
Change in color or texture (such as darkening, separation, or clumping)
Bubbles or fizzing (indicating fermentation or gas production)

If you notice any of these signs, you should discard the lemon curd immediately and do not consume it. Eating spoiled lemon curd can cause food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Refrigeration

One of the most important things to do when storing lemon curd is to refrigerate it as soon as possible. Refrigeration helps slow down the growth of bacteria and mold that can spoil the lemon curd. Whether you have store-bought or homemade lemon curd, you should always keep it in the refrigerator after opening or making it. Store-bought lemon curd can last up to two months in the refrigerator, while homemade lemon curd can last up to two weeks. To ensure proper refrigeration, you should follow these tips:

Store lemon curd in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from entering.
Use clean utensils when scooping out the lemon curd to avoid cross-contamination.
Label the container with the date of opening or making the lemon curd to keep track of its freshness.

Freezing Lemon Curd

Another way to store lemon curd is to freeze it. Freezing lemon curd can extend its shelf life even further, up to several months. However, freezing may affect the texture and flavor of the lemon curd slightly, making it less smooth and creamy. To freeze lemon curd properly, you should follow these steps:

Let the lemon curd cool completely before freezing.
Transfer the lemon curd to a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag, leaving some space for expansion.
Squeeze out as much air as possible from the container or bag and seal it tightly.
Label the container or bag with the date of freezing and use within three months for best quality.

To thaw frozen lemon curd, you should follow these steps:

Transfer the frozen lemon curd to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Stir the lemon curd well before using to restore its consistency.
Use thawed lemon curd within one week and do not refreeze.

Canning Lemon Curd

A third way to store lemon curd is to can it. Canning lemon curd can help preserve it for up to a year when stored properly. Canning involves heating and sealing the lemon curd in glass jars to kill any harmful microorganisms and create a vacuum seal. To can lemon curd safely, you should follow these steps:

Sterilize the jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
Fill the jars with hot lemon curd, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth and place the lids and bands on them.
Process the jars in a water bath canner for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a towel.
Check the seals by pressing on the center of the lids. If they do not pop up, they are sealed properly.
Label the jars with the date of canning and store them in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Conclusion

Lemon curd is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can enhance your desserts and breakfasts. However, it also has a limited shelf life that depends on whether it is store-bought or homemade. Understanding how long lemon curd is good for is important for both quality and safety reasons. You should always check the “best by” date on the label of store-bought lemon curd and consume it within one to two months after opening. Homemade lemon curd should be consumed within two weeks of making it. You should also always refrigerate lemon curd after opening or making it to prevent spoilage.

If you want to extend the shelf life of lemon curd even further, you have some options. You can freeze lemon curd for up to three months, but this may affect its texture and flavor slightly. You can also can lemon curd for up to a year, but this requires some equipment and skills. Whichever method you choose, you should always inspect the lemon curd before using it to make sure that it is still good. If you see any signs of spoilage, discard the lemon curd right away and do not eat it.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your lemon curd safely and deliciously.

FAQs

How long does store-bought lemon curd last?

Store-bought lemon curd can last up to six months if unopened. However, this may vary depending on the brand and the ingredients used. Therefore, it is important to check the “best by” date on the label to ensure freshness. Once you open the jar of lemon curd, you should refrigerate it immediately and use it within one to two months.

How long does homemade lemon curd last?

Homemade lemon curd has a shorter shelf life than store-bought, lasting up to two weeks at most in the refrigerator. This is because homemade lemon curd does not contain any preservatives or stabilizers that can extend its longevity. You should also avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils when scooping out the lemon curd.

Does lemon curd need to be refrigerated?

Yes, lemon curd needs to be refrigerated as soon as possible after opening or making it. Refrigeration helps prevent bacterial growth and preserve the quality of the lemon curd. You should also keep the jar tightly sealed when not in use to prevent moisture and air from entering.

Can lemon curd be frozen?

Yes, lemon curd can be frozen to extend its shelf life even further, up to several months. However, freezing may affect the texture and flavor of the lemon curd slightly, making it less smooth and creamy. To freeze lemon curd properly, you should let it cool completely before freezing, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag, squeeze out as much air as possible from the container or bag and seal it tightly, label the container or bag with the date of freezing and use within three months for best quality.