Have you ever found yourself at the grocery store and super stoked because they have a BIG sale on heavy cream? Yes, me too. But then the worry crept in for me because I wasn’t quite sure how to store heavy cream and how long heavy cream would last in the fridge.
Well, now I know the crucial details and am here to quickly share all the answers with you.
Let’s dive into the important details.
How Long Does Heavy Cream Last After Opening?
Once opened, heavy cream can last for about 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator. However, this can vary depending on when you opened it and how you stored it.
Always trust your gut – if it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it.
Tip: Since heavy cream only lasts for a short time after opening it, consider buying multiple smaller containers. Instead of buying the 32 oz container, buy two 16 oz containers.
How Long Does Unopened Heavy Cream Last in the Fridge?
Unopened heavy cream can generally last up to a month in the fridge. But remember, always check the expiration date or the best-by date on the carton.
Time passes quickly, and that use-by date may have passed if you aren’t careful.
What Does Best By Date Mean For Heavy Cream?
The date that they put on heavy cream containers can be confusing. What does best by date mean on a heavy cream carton anyways? In the case of heavy cream, it means that it will be at its best quality and taste if you use it by that date.
It doesn’t mean that it has gone bad on that date, but it does mean that you should decide if it is still good if you are opening it after that date.
I recommend throwing out any heavy cream 30 days past the Best By Date. If it is only one week past that date, inspect it to see if it is still good.
Signs of Spoiled Heavy Cream
Knowing the signs of spoiled heavy cream can save you from a culinary disaster. Look out for changes in color, texture, or smell. If your cream has a yellowish hue, clumps, or a sour smell, it’s time to say goodbye.
How To Store Unopened Heavy Cream
Store unopened heavy cream in the refrigerator. You want to keep it as cold as possible, so you should keep it in the main part of the fridge, not in the door, where temperatures can fluctuate.
Keep it towards the back of the refrigerator so that it won’t be as impacted by the door opening and closing throughout the day.
And remember, always check the expiration date first before using.
How To Store Opened Heavy Cream
Once opened, heavy cream should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly sealed. This is easy if the heavy cream comes with a screw-top lid.
If your heavy cream is just a pull-to-open carton, then I recommend transferring the heavy cream to a container with a well-sealed lid, such as some Tupperware, glass bottles or mason jars.
This can help your cream stay fresh for up to a week.
Can You Freeze Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can! Freezing heavy cream can extend its life by up to four months. Most heavy cream brands, such as Daisy, don’t recommend freezing heavy cream, but they do say it is possible.
However, be aware that freezing can affect the texture, making it a bit grainy when thawed.
It’s better to use heavy cream in cooked dishes, like soups or sauces, where the texture change won’t be noticeable.
The bottom line
There is quite a bit to consider when storing heavy cream. The most important thing to consider is that you need to keep it really cold and watch for signs of spoilage.
