How Long Does Relish Last?
Opened relish keeps its quality for about 6 months in the fridge. An unopened jar lasts about 1 year in the pantry. Refrigerate it once the seal is broken.
Relish — opened
shelf life- Unopened: 1 year in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Relish is finely chopped pickled cucumber, often with peppers and onion, packed in a sweetened or dill-flavored vinegar brine. The acid and sugar preserve it well, but because the pieces are small and the jar is opened often at cookouts, it is more exposed to contamination and softening than whole pickles are.
How to store relish
- Refrigerate the jar after opening and return it to the fridge promptly after a cookout instead of leaving it on the picnic table all afternoon.
- Spoon relish out with a clean utensil. A knife that has touched hot dogs, mayonnaise or mustard carries food into the brine.
- Keep the chopped pickle pieces pressed down below the liquid; relish left dry above the brine line darkens and can mold.
- With squeeze bottles, wipe the tip after use so sugary residue does not dry and attract mold.
- Store unopened jars in a cool, dark cupboard, since light fades the bright green color.
How to tell if relish has gone bad
- Fuzzy mold or a white film floating on the brine or clinging to the inside of the lid.
- A yeasty, alcoholic or rotten smell in place of the clean sweet-and-vinegar aroma.
- Pieces that have turned soft, slimy and mushy rather than crisp.
- A bulging lid, fizzing or a spurt of liquid when an unopened jar is opened. Discard without tasting.
- Color faded to dull olive-brown throughout, a sign of age and lost quality.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Relish shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opened | 6 months | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Refrigerate after opening. Freezing turns the cucumber pieces mushy. | |||
| Unopened | 1 year | Not recommended | 1 year |
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Does relish need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, refrigerate relish once it is opened. The vinegar brine makes it lower risk than most foods, but jar labels call for refrigeration after opening, and cold storage keeps the cucumber pieces crisp and stops yeasts and molds that tolerate acid.
How long is relish good for after the best-by date?
Unopened relish is usually still good for some months past its best-by date if the jar has been stored cool and the lid is still flat and sealed. The date reflects peak quality. After that the relish slowly softens and dulls in color, but it remains safe unless the seal has failed.
Can relish be left out during a barbecue?
A few hours on the table will not ruin relish, because its acidity slows bacterial growth. Still, keep it out of direct sun and return it to the fridge when the meal is over. Repeated long spells at warm temperatures shorten its life and encourage yeast growth.
Why has my relish turned dark?
Relish darkens from oxidation and light exposure as it ages, and pieces sitting above the brine darken fastest. Dull color alone is a quality change, not a safety problem. If the darkening comes with sliminess, mold or an off smell, throw the jar away.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickles Opened |
1–3 months | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Mustard Opened |
1 year | Not recommended | 1–2 months |
| Ketchup Opened |
6 months | Not recommended | 1 month |
| Hot Dogs Opened |
1 week | 1–2 months | Not safe |
| Mayonnaise Opened |
2 months | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Olives Opened |
2 weeks | Not recommended | Not safe |
More condiments: Horseradish.
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.