How To Store Pumpkin Puree?

To store pumpkin puree, place any extra or canned pumpkin in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about a week.

If you won’t be using it within that timeframe, consider freezing it for up to a year. Simply pack it into a labeled zip-top freezer bag and store it in the freezer.

As per information from the USDA website, opened low-acid canned goods, like pumpkin puree, remain good for up to four days when refrigerated.

To keep your pumpkin easily stored, consider freezing it in an ice cube tray or muffin tin. Once it’s frozen, transfer the pumpkin cubes or pucks into a bag for freezer storage. When you want to use them, just thaw the portions you need.

How To Store Leftover Pumpkin Puree In The Fridge

After using around 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree for your pumpkin muffins or any other sweet pumpkin treat, you might be wondering how to store the remaining 1 1/2 cups.

Is it fine to simply cover the still-full can with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge? Can you also freeze the leftover puree? Your questions are common, and we’re here to provide answers.

Many of us have experienced placing a partially used can of pumpkin puree in the back of the fridge, only to rediscover it a month later and question its freshness. That’s why we sought a definitive answer from USDA.

As per information from the USDA website, low-acid canned goods, like pumpkin puree, remain fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator. Admittedly, this isn’t a lengthy period.

Alternatively, if you’re not in the mood for more baking, incorporating pumpkin puree into your breakfast is simple: either swirl it into yogurt or blend it into a smoothie.

Furthermore, the USDA advises that while it’s safe to keep opened canned foods in their original containers, transferring them to a glass or plastic airtight storage container can enhance and maintain their flavor.

What About Freezing Leftover Pumpkin Puree?

To prolong the shelf life of your remaining pumpkin puree throughout the entire decorative gourd season, freezing is an excellent option. Pumpkin puree maintains its texture and flavor seamlessly after thawing.

Simply place the leftovers in a sealed freezer bag. If you prefer pre-portioning, spoon 1/2 cup servings into a muffin tin or create 1 tablespoon portions in an ice cube tray.

Smooth out the servings, freeze them, remove them when solid, and transfer to a sealed freezer bag.

With this method, your leftover pumpkin puree will be readily available for your next impromptu fall baking endeavor, rather than ending up in the trash.

3 Ways to Freeze Pumpkin Purée Explained

This time of the year is a delight for pumpkin enthusiasts as canned pumpkin becomes widely available and incredibly affordable between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Now is the prime opportunity to fill your freezer with homemade pumpkin puree, and we’ve got some tips to maximize your pumpkin investment.

Rest assured; these suggestions are equally helpful if you find yourself with a surplus of canned pumpkin that you’d rather not waste.

While fresh and opened canned pumpkin puree has a limited shelf life of one week in the refrigerator, freezing extends its longevity to months.

Freezing the pumpkin puree in portions you commonly use makes storage, thawing, and eventual usage more convenient. Here are three of our preferred methods to achieve just that.

1. Using an Ice Cube Tray:

Make your smoothies tastier and creamier with a few frozen pumpkin cubes (ever tried a pumpkin pie smoothie?). Brighten up your mornings by filling an ice cube tray with extra pumpkin puree.

Just like with the half-cup portions, fill each section, let it freeze completely, and then move the cubes to a bag or sealed container for storage. Each cube has about one tablespoon of puree!

2. In a Muffin Tin:

If you only need a small amount of pumpkin for a soup or a batch of muffins, this is the perfect size for you. Fill a muffin tin with 1/2-cup portions of pumpkin puree, smooth it out, and freeze.

Once frozen, take out the pumpkin pucks and transfer them to a reusable zip-top bag for long-term storage.

3. In a Zip-Top Bag:

The amount of pumpkin puree in a can is about 15 ounces by weight, fitting perfectly inside a quart-sized zip-top bag. Freeze the bags flat on a baking sheet, and you can then store them upright like a file.

These flat bags thaw easily at room temperature, or you can quickly thaw them in the microwave. We often use this portion for baking pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie.