Question
Q
How long does pectin keep if the box has not been opened?
Answer(s)
A
Pectin has an expiration date on the box. It is recommended to use it within one year or before the expiration date. It's not so much that it will hurt you, (meaning causing problems with food safety) it's more that the quality of the pectin decreases once the expiration date has passed. The jam/jelly or whatever product you may be making will not gel as well, in short, the pectin won't work like it's designed to.
If you'd like more information, check out the following website:
http://missourifamilies.org/quick/nutritionqa/nutqa159.htm
It provides links to another state's extension website and a USDA website that go into further details.
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