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Keeping Soy Sauce Fresher Longer

Methods of prolonging the life of this kitchen staple depends on whether it's pasteurized or unpasteurized.

Shelf Life:

1 year

Do store pasteurized soy sauce (the most common type) in the pantry and save room in the fridge for items that are more perishable.

Don't store unpasteurized soy sauce in the pantry; put it in the fridge. Though the high levels of salt, sugar, and acid in this fermented soybean liquid protect against rapid spoilage, in tests we found it took on a fishy flavor after a few months in the cupboard.

Pasteurized soy sauce can be kept in the pantry.

Keep unpasteurized soy sauce in the refrigerator to avoid off-flavors.

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