Someone gave me a jar of strawberry preserves that was canned in 1998. Is it safe to eat?

How long do preserves and other homemade canned goods remain edible?

Products that are vacuum sealed usually last about 2 years, if left unopened. Once opened, I would refrigerate. It still can be eaten after the expiration date; this date means the last day it can be sold in the store. Although, it was produced in 98′, expired around 2000 but its 2007! I always say, when in doubt, throw it out! I would definitely toss it.

This entry was posted in preserves. Bookmark the permalink.

9 Responses to Someone gave me a jar of strawberry preserves that was canned in 1998. Is it safe to eat?

  1. Eric C says:

    Don’t trust it.
    References :

  2. sirdunny says:

    Preserves are usually very high in sugar content, jam for instance, and the sugar acts as a preservative, it should be ok, even when jam grows mould on it, you can scrape the mold off and the jam is safe to eat.
    References :

  3. ^ says:

    make them eat it first
    References :

  4. jsabor25 says:

    As long as it hasn’t been opened, and when you open it if it has a white crust on it don’t eat it, if it’s doesn’t it’s still good. And when you open it for the first time put it in th frig when your finished with it.
    References :

  5. cihccihtog says:

    They should still be good. I mean hey the worst that can happen with something canned is that it grew a little mold or even better that it fermented so i guess then you would end up with strawberry wine? Liquor? O well it’s all good.
    References :

  6. Lucid says:

    Products that are vacuum sealed usually last about 2 years, if left unopened. Once opened, I would refrigerate. It still can be eaten after the expiration date; this date means the last day it can be sold in the store. Although, it was produced in 98′, expired around 2000 but its 2007! I always say, when in doubt, throw it out! I would definitely toss it.
    References :

  7. linlyons says:

    i agree with dunny. sugar is a good preservative. it’s likely okay. has it been opened? if not, it’s probably fine. but then, if you really want to be careful, toss it. and buy another. what’s it worth, $1. is that going to break you?
    References :

  8. Irish Maiden says:

    No problem with the jam. Even if there is a bit of mold just use a butter knife and scrape it away. The rest is very useable. If your worried about it just reheat it. Clean the original jar well and pour the jam back into the jar. But it really is okay to use without all that muss and fuss.
    Most canning products are safe for ever almost as long as they are sealed.
    References :

  9. Tim says:

    no, you should through it out. after 1 year the preserves start going bad because of all the high sugar which dissolves the food.
    References :