Do Pickled Pork Skin Expire? Everything You Need To Know

Pickled pork skin, also known as cueritos or cueritos en vinagre, is a popular appetizer in Mexican, Venezuelan, and Spanish cuisine It’s made by cooking pork skin in vinegar, spices, and vegetables to give it a tangy, salty flavor But once you open that jar of pickled pork skin, how long does it last in the fridge or pantry before it goes bad? Here’s what you need to know about pickled pork skin expiration.

How Long Does Pickled Pork Skin Last Unopened?

If you store it the right way, a jar of commercially packaged pickled pork skin that hasn’t been opened will usually last another one to two years after the “best by” or expiration date written on the label. Because vinegar is acidic, it stops bacteria from growing, so it can be kept for a long time as long as the lid stays on.

Once opened pickled pork skin lasts much shorter – only about 1-2 months in the refrigerator. But an unopened jar stays safe to eat for up to 24 months when stored in a cool dark pantry. The vinegar acts as a preservative, while refrigeration helps slow any growth of mold or bacteria.

If the jar is still vacuum-sealed and not leaking, rusting, or bulging, pickled pork skin that has not been opened will stay good for about two years after the date written on it. But if you’re going to eat something from an older jar, it’s always best to look at it and smell or taste it first. If the look, feel, or smell changes, it might be time to throw it away.

How To Store Unopened Pickled Pork Skin

To keep your pickled pork skin jars fresh for as long as possible, don’t open them.

• Store in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight. The fridge also works if space allows.

• Ensure the jars are not near any heat sources which could cause it to spoil faster.

• Keep the jars upright and tightly sealed – do not stack or turn them upside down.

• Make sure the jars show no signs of damage like rust, bulges, cracks, or leaks which could allow contamination.

• Write the purchase or open date on the lid with a marker to help keep track of age.

Following these storage guidelines, unopened pickled pork skin can safely stay good 12-24+ months past the printed expiration date depending on the brand. But be sure to inspect before eating and discard anything that smells or looks off.

How To Tell If Unopened Pickled Pork Skin Has Gone Bad

While properly stored unopened pickled pork skin can last up to 2 years, it won’t necessarily look very appealing or taste good when it gets old. Signs that your sealed jars of pickled pork skin have gone bad include:

• Mold growing anywhere inside the jar – on the skin itself, the liquid, or underside of lid

• Cloudy, fizzy, or frothy liquid instead of clear

• Strong vinegary smell when opened

• Soft skin that’s faded in color instead of firm, plump, and pinkish

• Off odors of rotten eggs or meat when the jar is opened

• Popped or bulging lid indicating gas buildup and bacteria growth

• Any rust or damage allowing air inside that could spoil contents

Always inspect jars carefully before eating them if they are past the printed date. Look at the contents from all sides and smell inside after opening. Even one spot of mold means the pickled pork skin must be discarded.

How Long Does Pickled Pork Skin Last After Opening?

Once you break the vacuum seal and open your jar of pickled pork skin, it will only last about 1-2 months in the fridge before going bad. The exposure to air starts the countdown for how long the contents will stay fresh. Follow these guidelines for maximizing shelf life after opening:

• Refrigerate promptly after opening. Keep the jar chilled at 40°F or below.

• Use clean utensils each time to avoid introducing new bacteria. Never dip utensils back into the jar after touching food.

• Store the opened jar towards the back of the fridge, away from the door where temperature fluctuates.

• Write the date opened on the lid so you know when it was first unsealed.

• Consume within 5-6 weeks for best quality and safety. Discard any leftovers after 2 months.

The vinegar and refrigeration help slow bacteria growth. But over time, the pork skin can dry out, get slimy, or even mold. Always inspect before serving and throw away any pickled pork skin that smells or looks off. Follow “first in, first out” organization to use oldest jars first.

How To Tell If Opened Pickled Pork Skin Has Gone Bad

Opened pickled pork skin doesn’t keep indefinitely in the fridge. Signs it may be time to toss include:

• Dry, shriveled, discolored, or rubbery pork skin

• Cloudy, fizzy, or slimy vinegar

• White film or mold anywhere in the jar

• Strange odors like sourness or rotten eggs

• Soft or mushy textures

• Floating skin or sediments in the liquid

Always inspect and sniff before serving. The acidic environment helps control bacteria but can’t prevent mold or spoilage forever. Discard the entire jar if you see any mold. For best flavor and food safety, use refrigerated pickled pork skin within 5-6 weeks of opening.

Can Pickled Pork Skin Be Frozen?

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of pickled pork skin. Both unopened jars and opened containers can be frozen:

Unopened – Wrap glass jars tightly in plastic wrap then foil or freezer bags. Freeze up to 1 year. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.

Opened – Transfer leftovers to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving again.

Properly frozen pickled pork skin remains safe to eat indefinitely but may suffer some degradation in quality over longer periods. Always discard if it develops any off colors, textures, or smells after thawing. For best results, frozen pickled pork skin is best consumed within 1 year.

Can Expired Pickled Pork Skin Make You Sick?

Eating spoiled pickled pork skin that is past its prime can potentially make you ill. If bacteria like mold, listeria, or salmonella grow, they can cause foodborne illness when consumed. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and chills starting 12-72 hours after eating.

To avoid getting sick from expired pickled pork skin, inspect thoroughly before consuming, especially if past the printed date or open for over 2 months. Look for:

• Mold growth anywhere – discard entire jar

• Cloudy liquid or slimy textures

• Unnatural odors

• Discolored, dried out, or mushy pork skin

• Bulging or leaking jars showing contamination

When in doubt, throw it out. The risk of food poisoning is not worth eating potentially