how long can you store syrup

[CTsugarMan]

How long can syrup stay fresh if you bottle it after it hits 185-190f. I use glass bottles, and although im a small maker, think that i will get at lest 3-5 gallons this year (first year). Im going to gift some away, but i wanta have this years batch last till next year. \

What are the best practices to store syrup?

[happy thoughts]

It will easily last at least a year in a cool place unopened as long as you got a good seal after bottling. I still have a few jars left from last year in my pantry and they look as good as ever. Refrigerate it after opening. You can also store unopened in the fridge to prolong shelf life if you have the room. You can also freeze it for even longer keeping.

When bottling use basic good practices as with any canning. All equipment clean and sanitized including lids and containers, good hand washing etc.

Make sure to fill the containers as much as possible. The less air left in the bottle the better. The volume of syrup in the container will shrink as it cools.

If you want to go the extra steps you can further process jars in a boiling water bath as you would for basic canning of fruits and jellies. I haven't gone that far yet though I do boil all my jars, lids, funnels, ladles etc for 15 minutes right before using them. If any jars don't seal I either reheat/rebottle or store them in the fridge to use first. That's just my way of doing things. I'm sure others will have plenty of good ideas for you.

[Russell Lampron]

As soon as you cap your bottles lay them on their sides so that the cap and seal can get sterilized too. As mentioned before, store your syrup in a cool place and it will last longer than a year. Refrigerate it after opening but it is not necessary to keep it refrigerated before the seal is broken.

[maple maniac65]

I have a can that was bottled in 1957. No visible rust and is not blown up. I always have wanted to open it but just like a good bottle of wine it some what spoils it after that.