Ever had the chance to taste gnocchi in different recipes? Why not?
Gnocchi is a nutritious meal that is made out of so many ingredients, potato inclusive hence the name gnocchi potato dumplings.
It originates from Italy and can come in different types, you can substitute gnocchi for pasta and you can equally take it in between meals just for its name.
Now, whether you make or buy gnocchi from the stores, one thing might lead to another that would warrant you preserve them. And so, you ask how long does gnocchi last?
Gnocchi is not pasta and therefore can only last for some days or even months.
However, this is dependent on some factors that we will unravel as we go on, in this article you’ll learn how long gnocchi lasts and some proven tips to preserve them.
Let’s dive right in!
Contents
How Long Does Gnocchi Last?
Gnocchi can last varying from the time you made or bought them to some other factors. And this to an extent impacts the storing process.
Let’s see these unavoidable factors.
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Factors that Affect How Long Gnocchi last
Gnocchi would range from vacuum-packed gnocchi to cooked and uncooked gnocchi.
They affect how long you can keep them.
- For Vacuum Packed Gnocchi- vacuum-packed gnocchi can last up to 3 months but in a dry cupboard or drawer. Provided you do not intend to open it for some time. However, in some circumstances that you might not be in charge of, which might lead to opening the pack. Be sure to store in the fridge and cook before 4 days.
- For Raw Gnocchi- raw or uncooked gnocchi can last up to few hours, 3 to 4 hours ideally before it starts to gum together. There are some reasons gnocchi sticks. However, you are of great advantage if you leave them in the freezer. And it can last from 4 to 6 weeks in the freezer.
- For cooked Gnocchi- initially, you intend to finish your cooked gnocchi, maybe you needed to try out things and somehow you lost appetite. Would you throw it? Well, it’s all up to you, but what if you intend to save your gnocchi for another time?
Cooked gnocchi cannot last for more than 3 days, unless, you get to refrigerate them.
It is advisable to put cooked gnocchi in the freezer. Why? You can only freeze raw gnocchi; freezing cooked gnocchi can cause it to become sticky and icky.
These are the factors that affect how long gnocchi last.
And now that you know how long gnocchi lasts respectively. You’ll need a guide to preserving them.
Can’t wait to have these guides? Here they are!
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How to Preserve Gnocchi
For vacuum-packed gnocchi- you shouldn’t have to worry about storing this, it is completely safe in a dry cupboard unless, of course, you get to open it as said earlier in this guide.
That said if you have them safe in the dry cupboard. Remember to label them, to keep the date, so you get to note when it is 3 months.
Step-by-Step Guide to Store your Raw Gnocchi
You can preserve the texture of raw gnocchi when you store them in the freezer. So to store raw gnocchi;
- Shape your gnocchi before freezing
- Leave it on the tray to dry at room temperature for at least 40-45 minutes. This is to help your gnocchi stay intact till it’s time to cook.
- Toss your raw gnocchi with flour and place it separately in the tray.
- Put the tray alongside your gnocchi in the freezer.
- Allow it to freeze until solid
- Get a sealable freezer bag and place the frozen gnocchi in it.
If you follow this process they wouldn’t stick together. Remember to label it; it should only last for 4 to 6 weeks in the freezer.
Note: just as you wouldn’t store cooked gnocchi in the freezer, do not store raw gnocchi in the fridge.
What happens when you store raw gnocchi in the fridge?
Your gnocchi would lose its texture and shape and would become sticky and mushy. And this would make it stick on anything you keep them.
And by the time the potato in it oxidizes, gnocchi tends to change color- gray.
Let’s help you preserve your cooked gnocchi!
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Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Plain Gnocchi
Let’s say you couldn’t finish your cooked gnocchi. If you intend to store it, do so without the sauce, if you do have them in your sauce, separate them, and if for some reason you cannot separate them, then leave it be, however you can only store it for 2 days lest it gets mushy.
To store plain cooked gnocchi in the fridge;
- Cook the gnocchi
- While heating it, fill a clean bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
- When it’s cooked remove your gnocchi from the pot.
- Gently put the gnocchi in the bowl of ice water to cool.
- Drain it once it is cool
- Place it in an airtight container; sprinkle some oil to keep the gnocchi apart.
- Then refrigerate for 2 days.
You might wonder if you can reheat your gnocchi after refrigerating or putting it in the fridge.
Can you reheat gnocchi? Of course! You don’t need to go through the stress of boiling cooked gnocchi again, just warm in any sauce of any choice. You can microwave it too!
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Conclusion: How Long Does Gnocchi Last?
Gnocchi can last from the day you got it to 3 months depending on some underlying factors as discussed earlier in this guide.
Note: you might not be in charge of the circumstances that would warrant how long gnocchi lasts for you.
So, if you should have problems preserving them after opening the vacuum-packed gnocchi, or having so many raw gnocchi, or even cooked gnocchi.
Simply refer back to this guide.
Good luck preserving your gnocchi! Now you know how long gnocchi lasts
Remember to share your experience with us.