Jelly is usually used to make delicious desserts, and depending on the presentation, it is done in different ways, but have you ever wondered how to preserve jelly?
Jello powder should be kept in a dry, cool place at room temperature for 18 months. On the other hand, if the gelatin is already prepared, it can be refrigerated for between 7 and 10 days.
To know how to preserve gelatin correctly, you must continue reading, and I will guide you.
How to keep the unopened jelly powder
Storing the powder is very simple. You just have to place it in a dry and dark place, where it does not stick heat or direct light, such as the cupboard.
You must ensure that the packaging does not have any breakage that exposes the powder. For more security, it can be stored inside a container with a lid, although it is not necessary.
Gelatin powder can be stored for the period set by the manufacturer but can last up to 18 months. [1]
How to keep the jelly powder once opened
In case you have opened the packaging and you didn’t use it all, which usually happens with unflavored gelatins, you can store it as follows:
- Step 1: Wrap.
Wrap with plastic film the gelatin packaging to prevent it from being damaged.
- Step 2: Place inside an airtight container.
The airtight container reduces air circulation and protects the packaging from moisture.
- Step 3: Tag.
Put the storage date.
- Step 4: Store in the cupboard or fridge.
It can be left at room temperature or on the refrigerator door since the storage time will be the same.
The open gelatin packaging, well stored, can last about 3 or 4 months.
Store the prepared jelly
Ready-made jelly must be kept refrigerated to preserve it in optimal conditions. To do this, you have to do the following:
- Step 1: Wait for the gelatin to cool.
The preparation involves pouring the powder into the boiling water, so you have to wait for it to cool before putting it in the fridge.
- Step 2: Pour the contents into the container or mold.
In case of using a container, it must be airtight. In addition, both the container and the mold must be dry and free of grease stains.
- Step 3: Put in the fridge to solidify.
Leave the gelatin for a few hours inside the refrigerator to solidify.
- Step 4: Cover with plastic to wrap.
If a mold was used, you must cover it entirely with plastic film, thus preventing something from falling and affecting the jelly.
If you have used a container, cover using its own closure.
- Step 5: Store in the coldest area of the fridge.
Place the jelly at the bottom of the refrigerator, in the central part.
This way, the gelatin can last about 7 or 10 days in the fridge.
Store the commercial jelly
Given its preservatives and packaging, commercial jelly has a much longer shelf life as long as the packaging is not open.
Most packaged gelatins are stored in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 months or until the expiration date indicated by the manufacturer.
However, if you open any of these packaged gelatins, the best thing to do is to wrap the container with film paper and refrigerate, although it will reduce the shelf life to 7 or 10 days.
Can gelatin be frozen?
You can freeze gelatin, but it is not a storage method that is advised to implement since it will not extend the shelf life of gelatin.
But if it could negatively affect its consistency, and when thawed, it will be very watery. In addition, the taste of gelatin could also change if it freezes.
How to preserve agar agar
Agar agar is a natural gelling agent that also comes in powder form, but it is much more potent than ordinary gelatin powder and is not popular.
The storage form is similar to gelatin powder, so you should store the packaging in a dry and cool place.
You can keep it at room temperature for as long as each manufacturer indicates (no more than 12 months).
After opening, store it inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
How do you know if the jelly got bad?
To know if the gelatin is in bad form, it must have one of the following signs:
- Very watery: if the consistency of the gelatin becomes very watery, it indicates that it is beginning to be damaged, but it still feels safe to eat.
- Mold: If the gelatin surface has white or dark spots is evidence that it developed mold, so it should be discarded.
- Bad smell and taste: if it smells weird, such as rancid or fermenting, or if the taste is bitter or different from sweet, it is advisable to throw away all the gelatin because it was damaged.
- Moisture: if the jello powder is wet, it implies that the product was not stored properly.
- Color change: if you prepared the jelly and it loses color, it indicates that it is close to being damaged. In the case of gelatin powder, when it darkens, it means that it was damaged.
How long does gelatin last?
| Product | Duration |
| Jelly powder at room temperature (unopened) | 18 months |
| Jelly powder at room temperature (opened) | 3 – 4 months |
| Homemade jelly in the fridge | 7 – 10 days |
| Commercial jelly in the fridge (unopened) | 4 – 6 months |
| Commercial jelly in the fridge (opened) | 7 – 10 days |
| Agar agar at room temperature (unopened) | 12 months |
| Agar agar at room temperature (opened) | 4 months |
What is the best way to preserve jelly?
The answer to this question depends on the presentation of the gelatin. If powdered, the best way to store it is at room temperature.
In the case of prepared gelatin, there is no choice but to keep it refrigerated.
The prepared jelly you buy in stores lasts longer if you do not open them; otherwise, it will last the same as standard gelatin.
If you like this type of content, this website has a long list of topics on food preservation.
[1] https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/humannutrition/foodstorage-documents/Virginia348-960_pdf.pdf
