How long can sofrito last in fridge compared to XO sauce?

[torolover]

I made a big batch of Ivan Ramen sofrito made of only onions, garlic, ginger and apples cooked in oil for 4 hours with no salt.  How long can I keep this in the fridge?

 

David Chang has a recipe for XO sauce (shallots, garlic, dried shrimp, dried scallop, country ham) which he saids can keep forever in the fridge.  Why does the XO sauce last so long compared to my Sofrito?  Is it because of the salt content and preservatives of the dried shrimp/scallops?

 

Thanks!

[FeChef]

2 weeks

[TheCulinaryLibrary]

I agree with FeChef. I keep sofrito up to 2 weeks in fridge then freeze if I don't use. XO is not like worcestershire as it has chilli rather than acid so 4 weeks is about the safe limit I think.

[cdh]

The water and sugar contents are probably most important in explaining a difference in keeping time... the wetter and more full of bug-friendly digestables something is, the faster spoilage bugs will get to it.

[btbyrd]

In the book, The recipe says it will last "at least 2 weeks in the refrigerator."

[gulfporter]

When I make something that I want to store for as long as possible, I use storage bags and press them until all the air comes out, as opposed to putting the stuff in a plastic container with lid.  

 

Something like sofrito I'd trust for 2-3 week, but I give it a good long look and smell, after 2 weeks.  My DH and I have lead guts usually so we don't worry that much for ourselves, however, for guests, I err on the side of extreme caution, especially with older friends and relatives.  

[torolover]

Why does XO sauce last indefinitely?  Is it because there are preservatives in the dried scallops, dried shrimp or the ham?  

 

XO sauce is basically sofrito with added dried scallops, dried shrimp and sausage or country ham. 

Edited April 18, 2015 by torolover (log)