Beef broth is a flavor-loaded cooking liquid made with meat and veggies or enjoyed on its own. Left with a bowl of beef broth and wondering how long it will stay fresh in the fridge? Well, go through this article and clear your doubts!
Store-bought beef broth can last up to 4 to 5 days in the fridge. When it comes to homemade beef broth, it can last up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Beef broth is a perfect one to accompany stews meat, noodle soups, and sauces. The addition of beef broth to food elevates its tastes and flavors. Not only this, but it also loads your body with the goodness of nutrients and vitamins.
This article will provide you with elaborate information about how long beef broth lasts and how you can keep it safe! But make sure you keep it intact and store it properly. These two steps must be done first. So, let’s jump right into the details.
Let’s look at the table below to get a simple idea of the shelf life of beef broth in different scenarios.
| Conditions | Counter | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Boxed Beef Broth | Not recommended | 4 to 5 days | Up to 3 months |
| Opened Canned Beef Broth | Not recommended | 4 to 5 days | Up to 3 months |
| Homemade Beef Broth | Not recommended | 3 to 4 days | Up to 3 months |
How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge?
Well, storing the beef broth in the fridge does not have much effect on its shelf life. But storing this method is still better than storing it in the pantry.
Beef broth can last up to 3 to 4 days, but I suggest you must use it within a few days. I know this might be surprising for you, but it is not a good option to keep it longer if you want to enjoy the quality of the broth.
Well, homemade beef broth is not an exception. It also lasts for 3 to 4 days. So I advise you to cook a limited amount of beef broth so you do not have leftovers.
Can you Freeze Beef broth?
Want to keep beef broth for a longer period, say a month? Well, don’t worry! Yes, you can freeze the beef broth, which is the best and easiest way to keep it fresh. Freezing can keep the beef broth used for about 2 to 3 months.
I suggest you use small containers such as ice trays and store them in small portions. In addition, thaw the beef broth in the fridge if you maintain its flavors and taste.
How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Freezer?
Here is a simple answer to this question. Beef broth lasts up to 3 to 4 months. You just need to make sure that it is stored properly.
Store your leftover broth in the freezer using freezer bags or an airtight container. Store-bought beef broth can stay fresh for a longer period as compared to homemade beef broth.
Does Beef Broth Go Bad?
Yes, beef broth goes bad within a few days. It might have gone bad if you are not experiencing the fresh aroma of spices.
The pleasant smell, change in color, bulging of the can, weird texture, and presence of mold are the signs of the spoilage of beef broth.
How To Tell If Beef Broth Is Bad?
Well, beef broth is a great way to infuse your body with the goodness of nutrients and vitamins. Beef broth can easily get spoiled if not stored properly. Here are the signs of spoilage, so you must discard beef broth properly whenever you find any of them.
1. Unpleasant smell
Who doesn’t love the aroma of beef broth? It is filled with herbs and veggies, which makes it delicious and creates a fresh fragrance.
The beef broth has a pleasant meaty aroma that makes it irresistible. But if somehow you experience any unpleasant smell, then it gets rancid. A sour smell of the broth indicates that it is not good for consumption, and you must toss it away.
2. Change in color
The most visible sign of beef broth getting spoiled is the alteration in its color. The original color of the beef broth is slightly dark brown. But if you notice any change in appearance, such as darkening and the appearance of blue spots, it’s the right time to throw it away.
The alteration in color clearly shows that the quality of the broth has been destroyed and has an adverse effect on health. If it appears to be green or greenish brown, then you must not consume it. This is a clear sign of putrefaction.
3. Leaking or bulging can
Whenever you buy a can or box of beef broth, ensure it does not contain any leakage. Moreover, if the can is bulged out or has rust, you must avoid buying it.
If you notice any of these signs, you must consider that the broth has been spoiled.
In addition, pay attention to the expiration dates; if they surpass the expiry date, you must toss them away.
4. Opened for too long
If you have beef broth kept in the fridge for a long time, then you must discard it as soon as possible. Storing broth for a longer period makes it unhealthy and destroys its quality.
You might have to find molds or change their color. But if you do not find any visible sign of spoilage, you still need to throw it away after 4 to 7 days.
5. Change in taste
What else is better to test anything rather than its taste? If you want to discover whether your broth is spoiled, just taste it with a spoon.
Make sure you take less quantity for testing. If it has meaty and spicy flavors, it is good to use, but if it has a sour taste, then my friend, it is time to say goodbye. Just discard it away.
6. Weird texture
Another visible sign of spoilage is to check the texture of the broth. If there are any kind of clumps or molds present in the beef broth, you must discard it away. Molds are a clear indication of bacterial attack and must not be consumed as it makes broth unfit for consumption.
How To Store Beef Broth To Extend Its Shelf Life?
The way of storing beef broth has a great effect on its shelf life. So I suggest you avoid placing it at room temperature and keep it in the fridge or freezer. Here are some best ways to store beef broth to extend its shelf life.
1. Refrigerate the Broth
Rather than keep the beef broth on the counter, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. It will extend its shelf life for a few days. The cool temperature helps the broth to maintain its flavors and taste.
2. Freeze the broth
Freezing the beef broth is one of the effective ways to extend its shelf life by 3 to 4 months. Just keep it in the freezer in an airtight container or freezer bag. But before using it in the meals, just make sure you check all the signs of
3. Dark and cool places
It is better to store beef broth in dark and cool places. Placing it in dark and cool places helps it to stay away from moisture and heat.
4. Keep it away from the sunlight
Direct sunlight and heat speed up the decay process of the beef broth. So keep it away from sunlight and the stove. Heated areas can destroy their quality quickly.
5. Keep it away from moisture
Moisture can create a way for bacterial attack and thus eventually spoil it. So, use plastic bags or airtight containers to avoid broth from being spoiled by molds and clumps.
Tips To Extend The Shelf Life Of Beef Broth
Well, I hope all your doubts regarding the storage and spoilage of beef broth are cleared now. Here are some tips you must follow while storing beef broth.
- Store beef broth in the fridge to make it last for 3 to 4 days.
- Keep it out of reach from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Do not place it near the stove or other heat-producing objects.
- To extend its shelf life, place it in the freezer.
- You can also store it in portions in the freezer.
Conclusion
This is all about how long beef broth lasts in the fridge and how to check whether it is good for consumption or not! Storing the broth is key to extending its shelf life.
Beef broth is believed to offer an abundance of nutrients and vitamins to your body. Having a good knowledge about how to store beef broth really helps you to retain it for a longer period. So, prepare beef broth and enjoy it with your family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you freeze beef broth?
Yes, you can freeze the beef broth, which is the best and easiest way to keep it fresh. Freezing can keep the beef broth used for about 2 to 3 months.
Does Beef Broth Go Bad?
Yes, beef broth goes bad within a few days. If you are not experiencing the fresh aroma of spices, it might have gone bad.
How To Tell If Beef Broth Is Bad?
The pleasant smell, change in color, bulging of the can, weird texture, and presence of mold are the signs of the spoilage of beef broth.
How long does beef broth last in the fridge?
Store-bought beef broth can last up to 4 to 5 days, and when it comes to homemade beef broth can last up to 3 to 4 days.
How to store beef broth to extend its shelf life?
You can refrigerate the beef broth, place it in the freezer, use an airtight container, and keep it away from sunlight and heat. Use these tips to extend the shelf life of beef broth.
