Storing Bacon Jam | College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (2024)

From the recent conversation about bacon jam, we understood that the prepared product was stored at room temperature. Please do not store bacon jam at room temperature. Storing bacon jam at room temperature poses the risk of botulism, a serious foodborne illness caused by the nerve toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a spore forming bacteria. How could this happen?

Our search identified several bacon jam recipes. For example, see:

All bacon jam recipes included bacon, onions, garlic, sugar and an acid source (cider or sherry vinegar). Some recipes contained spices.

  • Bacon contains salt and sodium nitrite; these preservatives in combination with refrigeration are at levels designed to prevent growth of Clostridium botulinum.
  • Onions and garlic are grown in the soil where Clostridium botulinum spores are found and are low acid foods. Garlic-in-oil stored at room temperature has caused outbreaks of foodborne botulism.
  • Although acid is added, the pH of the final product is unknown. A pH below 4.6 is necessary to limit growth of Clostridium botulinum and formation of the botulism-causing toxin.
  • Although the bacon jam is cooked during preparation, there is no final heat process to destroy contaminating yeasts and molds after the jam is added to jars. Growth of molds and yeasts in acid products can raise the pH (reduce the acidity) and make a favorable environment for Clostridium botulinum to germinate, grow and produce toxin.

Some bacon jam recipes indicate that the prepared jam is to be refrigerated or frozen. Some give no directions for storage. For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage.

Why is botulism such a big deal? Botulism is as serious as food poisoning gets. It can result in respiratory failure and death. Even when patients survive, they may be hospitalized, they may be on a ventilator for months, and they may suffer permanent nerve damage.

Storing Bacon Jam | College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (2024)

FAQs

How do you store bacon jam? ›

Bacon jam can be safely refrigerated for two to four weeks. Any amount that you keep in the fridge will need to be used within that length of time. You can store bacon jam in any refrigerator-safe container. Many bacon jam enthusiasts choose to use mason jars for aesthetic reasons.

Does bacon jam expire? ›

For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage.

How to reheat bacon jam? ›

Store and reheat if needed

Use immediately, or spoon it into an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to four weeks. Serve warm. To reheat, zap it in the microwave for about 45 seconds or warm it in a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Can you pressure can bacon jam? ›

Meat has to be pressure canned to be safe in a sealed jar at room temperatures, and a bacon jam mixture is so dense that there would be major heat penetration issues in sterilizing the contents of the jar. If anyone gives you a pressure canner processing time, they are just guessing at a time.

How should bacon be stored? ›

How to Store Bacon In the Fridge. You can store raw, opened bacon in its original package, backed up with a large zip-top bag or a few layers of aluminum foil. You can also store bacon in an airtight container for up to a week. Store cooked bacon in an airtight container, immediately after use, for four to five days.

How do you store jam for a long time? ›

Uncooked jams must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. They'll last for several weeks in the refrigerator and up to a year in the freezer. Once you open the container, keep refrigerated and use the jam within 2-3 weeks. If you keep them at room temperature, they will mold or ferment in a short time.

How do you store and reheat bacon? ›

Move the bag of bacon to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost for at least eight hours. If you're in a rush, you can also defrost it in the microwave. At this point, you can choose from a variety of reheating methods. If you're aiming for a savory crunch, the oven is the ideal option.

Can you reheat jam that hasn't set? ›

If you've made jam and waited for it to cool, but it is still runny, pour the jam back into a saucepan and bring it back to a boil. Boil until the jam starts to reduce and therefore thickens.

Does bacon jam freeze well? ›

Storage Tips

Freeze: For longer storage, pack your cooled Bacon Jam into straight-shouldered mason jars, leaving about 1-inch of headspace, and store it in your freezer.

Why is my bacon jam not thickening? ›

To achieve a thick texture, all of the liquids need time to reduce. Make sure you're cooking your bacon jam without a lid over your Dutch oven, so your bacon jam can evaporate. If it's still not thick enough, it just needs more time.

Can mason jars hold bacon grease? ›

To safely store bacon grease, you must first get rid of any small bits of bacon that are left behind: Place a coffee filter or cheesecloth over the mouth of a glass container, like a Mason jar, or a container made for bacon drippings. Press the filter down so that it fits snugly inside the mouth of the jar.

Do you keep jam in the fridge or cupboard? ›

To protect the shelf-life and quality of your jams and jellies, it's best to store them in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will significantly slow down the growth of microorganisms, according to Alvin Lee, Ph. D., associate professor of food and nutrition at Illinois Institute of Technology.

Does homemade jam need to be refrigerated? ›

Sealed jars of homemade preserves can also be stored at room temperature. Once the jam or jelly is opened, however, it is best to refrigerate them. Richard explains that this prevents mold and yeast from growing.

How do you store jam after cooking? ›

Jam-making, after all, is a controlled evaporation of water, so if you accidentally take too much out, you can always add a little back in. If you don't have jars or other glass containers, allow the jam to cool in the pot, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

How do you store homemade bacon bits? ›

Fry over a medium high heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. You can freeze this for later use by placing the bacon bits in a single layer on a cooking sheet. Once they are frozen, place them in a zip lock bag for use in recipes, salads or baked potatoes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5619

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.