Bone broth has been a staple food in many cultures for centuries, and in recent years its popularity has surged as people discover its fantastic health benefits. With its high levels of collagen, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, it’s no wonder that bone broth has become known as a superfood. But with its newfound popularity, a question arises: does bone broth go wrong, and if so, how long does it last? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the shelf-life of this superfood, uncovering the answers to this pressing question. We’ll look at the different ways to store bone broth and the best practices for extending its shelf life. So, if you’re looking for a definitive answer to whether bone broth goes terrible, keep reading!
Does Bone Broth Go Bad?
Yes, bone broth can go wrong. It’s essential to pay attention to the expiration date on the package and store it correctly, as it can spoil just like any other food. When stored properly, most store-bought bone broth should last a few days in the refrigerator. If it’s been opened, it can last up to a week. If you’ve made your bone broth at home, it will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
The Health Benefits Of Bone Broth
- Bone broth is high in collagen, an essential protein that helps with digestion and joint health.
- It contains essential amino acids, including glycine and proline, which help to reduce inflammation and support healthy skin.
- Bone broth contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron.
- The gelatin found in bone broth can help to improve gut health by restoring the mucosal lining of the digestive system and promoting a healthy environment for beneficial bacteria to flourish.
- Bone broth has antiviral properties that can help fight off infection or illness caused by colds or flu viruses.
How To Store Bone Broth
- Refrigeration: The best way to store bone broth is in the refrigerator. Stored this way, it will typically last for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze your bone broth and store it for 6 months or longer. To do this, let your broth cool completely before transferring it into containers or freezer bags and freezing them. Leave some extra room at the top of each container, so the liquid has space to expand as it freezes.
- Canning: If you want a more permanent storage solution, you could consider canning your bone broth. This method will allow you to keep your broth for up to one year when stored correctly in a cool and dry place.
- Powdered or Concentrated: If you want an even longer-lasting storage solution, you could consider purchasing bone broth powder or concentrate. These products have been dehydrated and last much longer than their fresh counterparts — up to two years when stored properly.
Factors Affecting The Shelf-Life Of Bone Broth
- Type of Broth: The type of broth will determine how long it can be stored before going bad. For instance, store-bought bone broth usually has a much shorter shelf-life than homemade broth due to the way it’s processed and packaged.
- Storage Method: Whether you store your broth in the freezer or refrigerator, both methods require careful attention to ensure that your broth stays fresh for as long as possible. Freezing is generally the best option for extending its shelf-life, but even then, you should use airtight containers and try to consume it within 6 months.
- Temperature: It’s important to remember that storing your bone broth at an appropriate temperature (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit) is essential for preserving its quality and shelf-life. This means that it’s best to store your broth in the refrigerator or freezer, rather than leave it out at room temperature.
- Expiration Dates: As mentioned before, store-bought bone broth usually has a shorter shelf-life than homemade broth. Therefore, it’s essential to check the expiration dates on your products before consuming them to ensure they are still safe to eat.
- Additives: If you add extra ingredients such as herbs, spices, oils, etc., these can also affect the shelf-life of your bone broth. These additives should generally be added before consumption for optimal freshness and flavor.
Tips For Extending The Shelf-Life Of Bone Broth
- Opt for Freeze-Dried Bone Broth: Freeze-dried bone broth is a great way to extend the shelf-life of this superfood. Unlike traditional bone broth, freeze-dried products don’t require refrigeration and can last up to two years.
- Keep It Covered: Keeping your bone broth in the refrigerator or freezer will help it last longer. This helps prevent contamination from any outside sources and also keeps out extra moisture that can lead to spoilage.
- Avoid Cross Contamination: If you’re using a container for multiple batches of bone broth, clean it thoroughly before filling it with the next batch. Any bacteria left behind can quickly cause spoilage, reducing the shelf-life of your bone broth.
- Store at the Right Temperature: If you’re storing bone broth in the refrigerator, keep it between 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit. In the freezer, aim for 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- Use an Airtight Container: An airtight container is vital in prolonging the shelf-life of bone broth. This will prevent oxygen from entering the container and causing spoilage or odors.
- Consider Adding A Preservative: While preservatives aren’t recommended to extend shelf-life on their own, they can be helpful in combination with other storage methods like freezing and refrigeration.
Different Types Of Bone Broth
- Canned or pre-packaged bone broth: This is a popular option for those looking to get the benefits of bone broth without making it from scratch. These broths usually have a shelf life of around two years when stored properly.
- Refrigerated store-bought bone broth: Store-bought refrigerated bone broths may last up to five days when kept in the refrigerator, but be sure to check the expiration date on the label before consuming.
- Homemade bone broth: Homemade bone broth can last up to six months in an airtight container in the freezer if made and stored correctly.
Conclusion
Bone broth is an incredibly nutritious and versatile food with many health benefits. But does bone broth go bad? The answer is yes, but with proper storage and a few simple tips, you can extend the shelf-life of your bone broth and make sure it stays fresh and safe to consume for longer. So, the next time you wonder how long your bone broth will last, remember these tips, and you’ll be sure to get the most out of this superfood.
FAQ’s
Does Bone Broth Go Bad if It’s Left Unrefrigerated?
No, bone broth does not go wrong if it’s left unrefrigerated. However, it is best to store it in a cold environment to keep it fresh.
How Long Does Bone Broth Last if It’s Kept in the Fridge?
Bone broth can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I Freeze Bone Broth?
Yes, you can freeze the bone broth for later use. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in the freezer-safe wrap so that it remains frozen and intact.