How Long Does Bone Broth Last in the Fridge – Storage Tips and Signs It’s Bad

You've been savoring the rich, nourishing flavor of your homemade bone broth, but are now left with a dilemma. **How long does bone broth last in the fridge?** Maybe you've heard varying opinions or found conflicting information. Trust me, I've been there, scratching my head, wrestling with the same uncertainty. You definitely don't want to waste your precious broth, yet you're equally cautious about food safety. Well, let me assure you, you've come to the right place. This article will provide you with evidence-based answers, unpacking everything from the bone broth shelf life to the optimal refrigeration time. So, let's navigate this together and demystify the recommended storage period for bone broth in the fridge!

**Key Takeaways**

1. **Bone broth storage time** - We'll discuss the factors affecting how long bone broth can be refrigerated and provide practical tips for maximizing its freshness duration in the refrigerator.

2. **Bone broth shelf life** - Discover the science behind the fridge life of bone broth, and understand the signs that indicate it's time to say goodbye to your broth.

3. **Storing bone broth in the fridge** - Learn the best practices for keeping bone broth in the refrigerator, including the ideal containers and temperature settings.

## How Long Can Bone Broth Be Refrigerated?

Have you ever found a container of bone broth in the back of your fridge and wondered, "Can I still use this?" We've all been there. Bone broth is a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal, but it can be challenging to know how long it lasts in the fridge.

Today, we're going to dive into the topic of bone broth storage time and give you some guidelines to ensure you're enjoying your broth at its best.

### Bone Broth Storage Time

Let's start with the burning question: how long can bone broth be refrigerated? Well, the answer isn't as straightforward as we'd like it to be.

The storage time of bone broth depends on various factors, such as whether it's homemade or store-bought, the specific brand, and how it's stored. But fear not, my friend, I've gathered some knowledge to help shed some light on this subject.

### Recommended Storage Period for Bone Broth in the Fridge

Based on what I've seen, homemade bone broth typically lasts around 5 days in the fridge. That's not too bad, right? It gives you a few days to enjoy your broth and incorporate it into different recipes.

On the other hand, store-bought bone broth can last anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on the brand and any preservatives used.

### Bone Broth Freshness Duration in the Refrigerator

Now, let's talk about the freshness duration of bone broth in the refrigerator.

From my knowledge, it's best to use bone broth within the recommended storage period to ensure optimal freshness and taste.

However, if you find yourself with leftover bone broth nearing its expiration date, don't panic just yet.

There are a few things you can do to extend its shelf life.

## What's the Optimal Refrigeration Time for Bone Broth?

The optimal refrigeration time for bone broth can make things interesting. Here are some tips and guidelines to keep your bone broth fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

### Keeping Bone Broth in the Refrigerator

Storing bone broth in the fridge requires adherence to a few simple guidelines. First, it's important to transfer the broth to an airtight container or jar.

This action helps combat any odors from infiltrating your broth and extends its freshness.

Believe me, the last thing you want is your bone broth having a hint of last night's garlic stir-fry.

### Fridge Life of Bone Broth

Now, let's talk about the fridge life of bone broth.

As I mentioned earlier, homemade bone broth typically lasts about 5 days in the fridge.

However, some store-bought brands may recommend slightly longer storage times, like 7 or 14 days.

It's always a good idea to check the label for specific instructions. Remember, these recommendations are just guidelines, and it's essential to use your senses to determine if the broth is still good.

### Bone Broth Refrigeration Guidelines

To ensure your bone broth stays fresh as long as possible, here are a few refrigeration guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Store bone broth in an airtight container or jar to prevent odors from affecting its taste.

2. Keep your fridge temperature at or below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth.

3. Use clean utensils when handling the broth to avoid contamination.

4. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold growth, it's best to discard the broth.

## How Long Does Homemade Broth Last in the Fridge?

Homemade bone broth, made by simmering bones, vegetables, and herbs, is rich and flavorful.

But you might wonder how long it lasts in the fridge. Here's the scoop.

### Homemade Bone Broth Storage

From my knowledge, homemade bone broth lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

It's important to note that homemade broth doesn't contain any preservatives, so it tends to have a shorter shelf life than store-bought options. But don't worry, there's a solution to help you enjoy your homemade broth for longer.

### How Long Does Bone Broth Last in the Fridge Overnight

If you find yourself with leftover homemade bone broth that you won't be able to finish within 4 days, the best option is to freeze it. Freezing bone broth helps preserve its freshness and extends its shelf life. You can freeze it in individual portions or in larger containers, depending on your needs.

Just make sure to label the containers with the date to keep track of how long they've been in the freezer.

## Can You Use Bone Broth Beyond the Expiration Date?

We've all encountered that container of bone broth lurking in the back of the fridge, long past its expiration date. So, can you still use bone broth beyond the printed date?

Let's find out.

### Bone Broth Shelf Life

From what I've gathered, bone broth can retain its quality for at least three months beyond the printed expiration date if stored properly. However, it's best to use bone broth within three months for optimal taste and freshness.

If the broth is older than that and shows no signs of spoilage, it's generally safe to use.

Just remember to use your senses and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

### Using Beef Broth After 14 Days

Some store-bought bone broths may have a longer recommended storage period, such as 14 days. If you have beef broth that has been in the fridge for 14 days but still looks and smells fine, it's generally safe to use. However, always trust your senses and discard the broth if you notice any signs of spoilage.

### Using Bone Broth After 7 Days

As for homemade bone broth, it's generally recommended to use it within 4 days. However, if you've stored it properly and it still looks and smells good after 7 days, you can still use it.

Again, trust your senses and use your best judgment.

## How to Store Bone Broth in the Fridge?

Now that we've covered the storage periods and guidelines, let's talk about how to store bone broth in the fridge properly. Proper storage ensures that your bone broth remains fresh and safe to consume.

### Storing Bone Broth in the Fridge

To store bone broth in the fridge, follow these simple steps:

1. Transfer the bone broth to an airtight container or jar.

2. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any odors from affecting the broth.

3. Place the container in the fridge, preferably in the coldest part, such as the back or bottom shelf.

### Refrigerated Bone Broth Storage

Storing bone broth in the fridge requires keeping a few key points in mind:

1. Keep the fridge temperature at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.

2. Store bone broth in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent odors from seeping in.

3. If you're storing leftover bone broth, make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

Following these storage tips will help ensure that your bone broth stays fresh and safe to consume.

### How to Store Bone Broth After Opening

Once you've opened a container of bone broth, it's crucial to handle it properly to maintain its freshness. Here's how to store bone broth after opening:

1. Seal the container tightly after each use to prevent air from entering and spoiling the broth.

2. Return the container to the fridge as soon as possible to minimize the time it spends at room temperature.

## Can You Freeze Bone Broth without Killing Nutrients?

If you find yourself with a surplus of bone broth or want to make a big batch to have on hand, freezing is a great option. But you may wonder, does freezing bone broth kill its nutrients?

Let's find out.

### Freezing Bone Broth

Freezing bone broth is a convenient way to extend its shelf life without sacrificing its nutritional value. When freezing bone broth, it's essential to transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags.

This helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the quality of the broth.

You can portion the broth based on your needs, whether you prefer individual servings or larger quantities for soups and stews.

### Does Freezing Bone Broth Kill Nutrients?

No, freezing bone broth does not kill its nutrients.

In fact, freezing can help preserve the nutritional value of the broth.

However, it's important to note that the longer bone broth is frozen, the more the quality may deteriorate.

For the best results, try to use frozen bone broth within 3 to 4 months.

This ensures that you're enjoying the highest quality and nutritional benefits.

## How to Tell if Bone Broth is Still Good?

Now that we've covered storage, refrigeration, and freezing, let's talk about how to tell if bone broth is still good. It's important to know the signs of spoilage to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

### Checking Bone Broth Quality

To check the quality of bone broth, use your senses. Here's what to look out for:

1. Smell: If the broth has a sour or off smell, it's a sign that it may have spoiled.

2. Appearance: Look for any mold growth or discoloration in the broth.

3. Taste: If the broth tastes off or has a strange flavor, it's best to discard it.

By using your senses, you can determine if your bone broth is still good or if it's time to say goodbye.

### Signs of Bad Bone Broth

If you notice any of the following signs, it's a clear indication that your bone broth has gone bad and should be discarded:

1. Foul or off smell: If the broth smells sour, rancid, or otherwise unpleasant, it's a sign of spoilage.

2. Mold growth: If you see any mold or unusual growth in the broth, it's best to play it safe and throw it away.

3. Unpleasant taste: If the broth tastes off, bitter, or has an unusual flavor, it's time to bid farewell.

## FAQ

### Can you use bone broth after 7 days?

While it's generally recommended to use bone broth within 4 to 5 days, you can still use it after 7 days if it looks, smells, and tastes good. Trust your senses and use your best judgment.

### How can you tell if bone broth is still good?

To determine if bone broth is still good, check for any signs of spoilage such as a foul smell, mold growth, or an unpleasant taste. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the broth.

## How Long Does Homemade Broth Last in the Fridge?

Homemade bone broth typically lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze it for later use.

### Can you use beef broth after 14 days?

If your beef broth has been in the fridge for 14 days but still looks and smells fine, it's generally safe to use. However, always trust your senses and discard the broth if you notice any signs of spoilage.