Pâtés are preserves that can generally be kept for several years at room temperature in their cans or jars. However, it should be noted that foie gras is not a pâté in itself, even though pâtés can contain varying amounts of foie gras, usually a mixture between 20 and 50%. Products labeled whole foie gras or foie gras block are 100% foie gras.

How long does a pâté keep?

The shelf life of a pâté can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of pâté (whether it is homemade or store-bought), the ingredients used, the type of meat (pork, duck, or goose), the cooking temperature, and how it has been stored. Here are some general guidelines:

• Store-bought pâté (canned or sealed in a jar): Canned or jarred pâtés can generally last quite a long time if stored in a cool, dark place, like the pantry, and can be kept for several years.
• Homemade or Fresh Pâté (Refrigerated) : Whether you prepared your pâté at home or bought it fresh from the store, it will generally keep for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator once opened. It is important to cover it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

How long does foie gras keep?

The preservation of duck or goose liver also depends on the type of foie gras in question:

• Foie gras terrine : Although homemade preserves, such as foie gras terrines, are generally exquisite and of better quality, they usually do not last as long due to a less effective cooking and sterilization process. Feel free to store foie gras terrines in the refrigerator but avoid storing them in the freezer.
• Fresh foie gras : Fresh or semi-cooked foie gras must be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a few months. Once opened, it should be consumed within 1 to 2 days.
• Frozen foie gras : If you bought fresh foie gras and froze it, it can be stored 1 to 3 months in the freezer without losing too much flavor or texture. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container or a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.
• Foie gras in a can (in a can or in a hermetically sealed glass jar): It can be stored for several years if kept in a cool place, like the pantry, however nothing prevents you from keeping an unopened can or jar in the refrigerator, ready to offer an excellent appetizer to unexpected guests.

"It is always important to follow the storage instructions on the specific packaging of the pâtés and foie gras you have purchased and to pay attention to the expiration dates."

There are on the market excellent pâtés well known (for example, liver pâtés) and popular recipes like pâté en croûte that can be truly exceptional when prepared by master artisans who care about quality. These experts know when to finely chop or, on the contrary, coarsely grind certain meats, the exact amount of fat to include in a recipe, and are experts in seasoning with herbs like garlic, onions, rosemary, and thyme.  

Avoid overly fatty pâtés. While the inclusion of fats is essential for achieving a pleasant texture, it is always better to consume a smaller portion of an excellent pâté.

Foie gras can be found everywhere in France (especially at Christmas) and in the rest of the world, particularly in large cities or capitals, as it is easy to find a wide variety of products from any country.

Duck or goose liver easily adapts to different dishes, recipes and special occasions; however, there are many different qualities of foie gras on the market. It is important to consider the origin of the foie gras (the best comes from the southwest of France), the ingredients, the type of foie gras (block, whole, etc.), and of course that it is indeed 100% foie gras.

All French people will tell you that good foie gras on a good fresh baguette, good cheese, and a glass of wine (without ice, of course!) make for a perfect picnic or takeaway lunch.