How to Store Heinz 57 Steak Sauce

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Heinz 57 sauce has been a flavorful addition to steak, chicken, pork and other main dishes since 1911, when the original condiment was introduced to the American public as the Heinz Beefsteak Sauce. A combination of tomato puree, corn syrup, two types of vinegar, oil and spices, Heinz 57 sauce is just one of the condiments produced by the Heinz company. Stored properly, it can stay on the shelf for one year or more or in the refrigerator for three to six months.

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Origins of the Heinz 57 Name

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It was in 1869 that Henry J. Heinz began marketing his horseradish, dill and spicy pickle products, vinegar and other condiments to the public in Pennsylvania. Heinz began marketing his Heinz ketchup (previously called either catsup or ketchup by consumers and competitors) and sweet pickles in 1876, which became world famous by the end of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

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Twenty years later, H.J. Heinz added the slogan "57 varieties" to the company, though he actually sold more than 60 products at that time. He chose the number 57 allegedly because he thought it was lucky, and considering the popularity of Heinz products, he was probably correct. It was 1940 when the Heinz beefsteak sauce was renamed Heinz 57 sauce and 1969 when it became Heinz 57 steak sauce. Lee & Perrins Worcestershire sauce was added to the secret blend of Heinz 57 steak sauce's herbs and spices in 2007.

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Unopened Heinz 57 Sauce

Storing unopened Heinz 57 sauce is a simple matter of placing it in a cupboard. Like other tomato-based condiments, such as ketchup, salsa, barbecue sauce, chili, cocktail sauce or taco sauce, it is best when used within one year of purchase or by the expiration date on the label.

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In general, if the label says "best if used by" or "best if used before" a specific date, it indicates that the flavor or quality may diminish after that date; it is not an expiration date. If the label says "use by" a specific date, that is the last date recommended for use.

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When inventorying your stock of condiments at home, if the glass bottle is cracked, the lid is loose or bulging or the tamper-resistant safety seal is missing, discard it or take it back to the store for a replacement or refund. The same warning applies to all foods in glass or metal containers. When in doubt, throw it out.

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Opened Heinz 57 and Other Condiments

Once opened, Heinz 57 steak sauce and other condiments should be refrigerated per the instructions on the label. Label the bottle with a permanent marker when you open it so you know when it's past its recommended refrigerated life. Heinz 57, like other tomato-based condiments, should be discarded after three to six months when kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you see mold or the product emits a bad smell when opened, don't risk food poisoning by taste testing it. Just throw it away.

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Other Heinz products, such as barbecue sauce and mustard, vary in their recommended storage times. Most commercially prepared barbecue sauces are fine on the cupboard shelf for up to a year, but once opened and refrigerated, they should be discarded within three to four months. Unopened mustard is good for up to two years in the cupboard when unopened or up to one year in the refrigerator once opened. Salsas and taco sauces should be discarded within one month after opening.

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