Theresa J. Marquez
Question: I just read the Recipe Rx on bacon/pancetta. How long is it safe to keep either product in the fridge and still consume?
Answer: The length of time for both bacon and pancetta is the same. Unopened, bacon and pancetta should keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks past the "use by" date. But if it the package has been opened, safe bet is it will keep for about one week after it has been opened.
There are some caveats to this though. Bacon and pancetta should be refrigerated pretty much at all times. Separate out what you will be using for your meal and wrap and refrigerate the remainder. Don't let it sit on the counter while you are cooking, getting all soft and warm. That can be a sure recipe for this yummy ingredient to go bad sooner than it needs to.
Another thing to do besides keeping in mind the "use by" date is look at the bacon before you cook it. Are the colors still bright? Or is the product starting to turn gray? Does it still smell fresh? Or is it starting to radiate tinges of sourness? Use your eyes, nose and common sense when deciding to use bacon or pancetta after it has been open for more than a few days.
Wrapped well and stored in the freezer, bacon and pancetta can be kept for up to six months.
Theresa J. Marquez graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2005 with high honors. She has worked for Cooking Light magazine and is a local personal chef and culinary coach. Recipe Rx is a regular feature that answers readers' questions about recipes. If you have a question you would like answered, email it to foodanddrink@poughkeepsiejournal.com; put "Recipe Rx" in the subject line.
