How Long Does Pancetta Last In The Fridge? Answered

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

Pancetta, a delicious Italian meat, comes from the pork belly. Adding this special treat to traditional recipes brings **pasta carbonara** to life and makes **risotto** absolutely amazing.

Unlike bacon, which is typically cooked before eating, Pancetta is typically eaten raw or cooked. One of the questions many people have regarding Pancetta is how long it lasts in the fridge. 

Our team will discuss the shelf life of Pancetta, how to store it properly, and how to tell if it has gone bad.

How Long Is Pancetta Good For In The Fridge?

Unopened and packaged Pancetta [1] can last up to 6 months in the fridge. 

Once opened, it should be consumed within 1-2 weeks.

However, checking the use-by date on the package is always recommended, as it might vary depending on the brand and the processing method.

“I do all of the grocery shopping in my little family. I buy cheese, of many different kinds, sliced packaged meats and poultry, bagels, immense quantities of eggs, pre-made fried chicken. Milk. Bacon. It is insane how much dairy, deli and bakery stuff I buy.”

– Ben Stein, American Writer

To ensure that your Pancetta stays fresh for as long as possible, it is important to store it correctly. The best way to store Pancetta is to keep it wrapped tightly in plastic or aluminum foil [2] to prevent it from drying. 

If you want to keep it longer, you can vacuum seal it.

Storing Pancetta in this way will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted flavors or odors from other foods in the fridge.

It’s also important to keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back of the bottom shelf.

Read:

• What Is Uncured Pancetta?
• Is Pork Sausage The Same As Ground Pork?
• Can You Eat Bacon Right Out Of The Package?

Can You Freeze Pancetta?

Yes, you can freeze Pancetta. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of Pancetta and keep it fresh for longer periods.

To freeze Pancetta, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. This will help to protect the meat from freezer burn and keep the texture and flavor intact. 

Next, place the wrapped Pancetta in a freezer-safe bag or container and put it in the freezer. You can store the Pancetta in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When ready to use the Pancetta, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator. 

It’s best to slice or chop the Pancetta before freezing, as it will thaw faster and more evenly. 

Keep in mind that the texture of the Pancetta may change slightly after being frozen, and it may not be as crisp as before.

Signs That It Might Have Gone Bad

1. Smell: If the Pancetta has an off smell, it has likely spoiled. A strong, sour, or rancid smell indicates that the Pancetta is no longer safe to eat.
2. Discoloration: Fresh Pancetta is usually a pale pink color. If it turns gray or brown, it’s a sign that the Pancetta has gone bad.
3. Slimy texture: If the Pancetta feels slimy to the touch, it indicates that it has begun to spoil.
4. Mold: If there is any visible mold growing on the Pancetta, it should be discarded immediately.
5. Taste: If the Pancetta has a sour or off-taste, it’s a sign that it has gone bad.

Tips For Storing Pancetta

1. Keep it wrapped: Keep the Pancetta wrapped tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing any unwanted flavors or odors from other foods in the fridge.
2. Vacuum sealing: Vacuum sealing the Pancetta will also help keep it fresh by removing the air and sealing the package.
3. Store it in the coldest part of the fridge: Keep the Pancetta in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually the back of the bottom shelf. This will help to slow down the curing process and keep the Pancetta fresh for longer.
4. Use it within a week: Once the package is opened, use the Pancetta within 1-2 weeks to ensure freshness.
5. Slice or chop before freezing: If you want to freeze the Pancetta, slice or chop it before freezing. It will thaw faster and more evenly, and you’ll be able to use only the amount you need.

FAQs

In Conclusion

The shelf life of Pancetta depends on the date of production, the packaging, and the storage conditions.

Unopened, packaged Pancetta can last for up to 6 months in the fridge, but it’s always recommended to check the use-by date on the package as it might vary depending on the brand and the processing method. 

Once opened, it should be consumed within 1-2 weeks.

Proper storage is essential to keep the Pancetta fresh and safe to eat. It’s important to keep it wrapped tightly in plastic or aluminum foil, vacuum sealed or in an airtight container, and in the coldest part of the fridge. 

It’s also important to pay attention to the signs of spoilage, such as off smell, discoloration, slimy texture, mold, or sour taste. If you notice any of these signs, discard the Pancetta, as consuming spoiled Pancetta can lead to food poisoning.

It’s not recommended to leave Pancetta at room temperature for an extended period, as bacteria can grow rapidly in the danger zone of temperature between 40°F and 140°F and cause food poisoning. 

References:

1. https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-pancetta
2. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/things-you-should-never-do-with-aluminum-foil/