How should bone broth be stored for maximum freshness?
Written by
Leilani Ibeh
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Storing bone broth correctly maintains its nutrients and avoids spoilage. Refrigerating broth is a way to keep it fresh for immediate use, while freezing broth preserves it for a much longer period. Pressure canning also provides shelf-stable options for long-term storage. Each method requires the correct depletion temperature and container. Following each protocol will preserve flavor and health benefits.
Refrigeration Protocol
- Cool broth to 70°F (21°C) before refrigerating
- Store below 40°F (4°C) in airtight containers
- Separate fat layer acts as natural preservative
- Maximum 5 days freshness
Freezing Techniques
- Use BPA-free plastic or glass containers
- Leave 1 inch (2.5cm) headspace for expansion
- Label with preparation date and contents
- Maintain 0°F (-18°C) for optimal preservation
Shelf-Stable Options
- Pressure canning at 240°F (116°C) for 90 minutes
- Process pints for 20 minutes quarts for 25 minutes
- Use only tested canning recipes
- Inspect seals before storage
Use cooling methods before refrigeration or freezing. If the pot of hot broth is large, submerge it in an ice bath to quickly cool it down. Stir it occasionally to speed up the process. If you have a large batch, pour it into shallow containers. It is unsafe to put a pot of steaming hot broth directly in the refrigerator because it will cause the temperature to be in the danger zone where bacteria thrive.
Thaw frozen broth safely using the correct methods. Try moving the containers to the fridge 24 hours before you need them. You can tell the broth is thawing more quickly by submerging sealed containers in cold water, rather than placing them in the refrigerator. Do not warm the frozen broth in the microwave oven. When reheating broth, raise the temperature gently to 165°F (74°C) to preserve nutrients. Never use if ice crystals are discolored.
Identify signs of spoilage for safety. Fresh broth will smell clean and meaty, not sour. Properly stored broth remains colorless and clear, with no cloudiness or weird coloring. Any molded or film fleshy/fuzzy whites, or surface film, indicates trouble. Noticing carbonation or fizzing is a sure sign of fermentation. When in doubt, trust your instincts - toss any batch you're not sure about.
Read the full article: 7 Powerful Benefits Bone Broth Revealed
