Canning Pesto Sauce

by Sally
(Philippines)

Can pesto sauce be canned? if the sauce didn't pass through pressured can, is it safe to chill and store it for 2 to 3 months?

Sally,

Since I have no experience with canning pesto I'll refer to National Center for Home Food Preservation.

"Pesto is an uncooked seasoning mixture of herbs, usually including fresh basil, and some oil. It may be frozen for long term storage; there are no home canning recommendations."

From this I'd say the only long term storage solution would be to freeze it.

Comments for
Canning Pesto Sauce

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Storing pesto.
by: Anonymous

Pesto will keep for over a year in the Refer.
My Sicilian Grandmother has been doing it for years. Saving her summer time crop of Basil to give away as gifts come Christmas time.

Our family has been saving pesto for years , know has become sick yet. after one year in the Refer. it still taste SOOOO good !

Pesto preserving
by: Sean

When we make Pesto at the end of growing season, we keep in the refrigerator. After making the pesto and letting it chill for a couple of days I will open the jar back up and add a 1/8 inch layer of olive oil over the sauce.

I have read that olive oil was used as a preservative back in ancient times. Like the previous post, it's fresh tasting and no one has gotten sick.

pesto
by: pam in wis.

I have been canning pesto in a pressure canner for a number of years. 10 lbs. of pressure for 45 minutes for 1/2 qt jars. for the smallest jars, they hold only about 1/4 cup, I brought the time down to 30 min. so far all is well

canning pesto - bad idea
by: Anonymous

Fwiw , garlic is one of the leading causes of botulism in the us. This is why people are instructed to never store garlic infused olive oil for any extended period of time...ditto for pesto. Freezing is the method most often recommended, and ice cube trays make great portion sizes...

Frozen Pesto Sauce
by: Barbara S

I have been freezing pesto sauce for decades. Using baby food jars seems to be the right size for my family. I use one or two jars each time I need the sauce. I make enough for one year plus a few extra. Use the sauce on pasta or toss roasted potatoes with the sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Barbara S.

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