How Long Is Beef Broth Good for After Expiration Date
Experienced cooks know certain tricks to ensure flavorful food. One of the most popular is substituting broth for water. This tasty liquid does much to impart a stronger and delicious flavor to food.
This ingredient however needs to be carefully handled to last. So how does one store beef broth?
And does beef broth go bad?
These are the questions we will seek to answer here. We will consider both store-bought and homemade beef broths.
Let's begin by considering how best these need to be stored.
How to Store Beef Broth?
Store-bought beef broth typically comes canned. This preservation method is quite shelf-stable.
It means you can just as easily store the cans on your own pantry shelves. This, or a kitchen cabinet, will do.
They should ideally be kept in a cool and dry space. It should not be subjected to fluctuations in temperature.
Sometimes you can open a can and have leftovers. You should transfer the contents into an airtight freezer container and refrigerate.
While you can also cover the can and refrigerate it, the contents are better preserved in an airtight container. This better preserves the flavor of the contents and ensures a longer shelf life.
But you need to ensure the container is clean to avoid any contamination. Remember that commercial canning is done under sterile conditions so this state needs to be preserved.
The container should be tightly sealed also to prevent contamination. It will also prevent the absorption of odors from other foods and avoid spillage.
There are also a few brands that offer beef broth in the frozen foods section. Like with any other food from here, you need to do your best to maintain the cold temperature.
If from the refrigerator, get it to your fridge quickly. Same with products from the freezer. Follow the instructions on the packaging on what temperatures to maintain and for how long.
The homemade beef broth should immediately be placed in the fridge once cooled.
Freezing is best if you intend to keep the supply for a long time. It is best to do this in small portions.
You can use an ice cube tray to make many cubes. Then be extracting the amount you need just when cooking.
So how long can you expect beef broth to last?
How Long Does Beef Broth Last?
Canned foods do come with an indicated "best by" date. It is ideal to try and consume the contents by this date to enjoy it while at peak flavor.
But this is just an indication of by when the contents should be consumed. It does not mean the contents expire on that date. Just that the flavor will likely begin to decline from then.
The canning process includes the use of preservatives. These preservatives do much to prolong the shelf life of foods.
If the cans are kept unopened and well stored, they can last a long time. The contents may remain safe to eat for up to 1-2 years past the "best by" date.
However, once opened, the leftovers should be consumed within 4-5 days. And, must be kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
Homemade beef broth deteriorates faster due to a lack of preservatives. It should be consumed within 3-4 days of making. And should be kept refrigerated throughout.
For frozen beef broth that is store-bought, do check the packaging for its "best by" date. Try to consume it before this time to enjoy the best flavor. It may still be safely consumed past this date but will likely not be as good.
Homemade beef broth can also be frozen. It can remain at peak flavor for as long as 6 months. Thereafter the flavor profile can begin to decline.
The defrosted beef broth should be good for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
So how can one tell when their beef broth has gone bad?
How to Tell If Beef Broth Has Gone Bad?
Damage to the can may indicate a problem. Bulging, leakage, and rust spots are signs the canning has been compromised. You should throw out this stock.
If, however, the can remains intact, then you should be able to safely open it. A dent does not necessarily mean the contents have suffered.
When you open the can, ensure the contents have the right appearance. The beef broth should have a deep brown coloring. It should also have a pleasant aroma.
If you notice a change from this, the contents may be spoilt. Throw them out. The same will apply to any refrigerated leftovers.
If you find indications of mold on the broth, also throw it out. Your sense of sight, smell, and taste will be the strongest indicators if there is spoilage.
Uses for Beef Broth
As said, beef broth is often used as a substitute for water in many recipes. It manages to meet the liquid requirements while adding flavor to the dish. But it can also be enjoyed on its own.
Made from simmering meat, bones, and vegetables, it can make a delicious soup on its own. It is however used as a base for more enriched soups, gravies, and sauces. Beef broth also makes for a great liquid to boil foods like rice and potatoes.
It is highly nutritious. It contains minerals such as magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc, and phosphorous. These can help to build stronger bones, support joint health boost thyroid function.
Because the nutrients enter into the liquid, it becomes a healthy way to absorb them without weight gain. Those looking to lose weight can enjoy and boost their metabolism.
The gelatin in the broth can also aid in relieving digestive problems. Beef broth may also have anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties.
Conclusion
Beef broth should be preserved much the same way as chicken broth. For those who buy or make it in bulk, it is helpful to know how best to store it. And when to tell it has gone bad.
Remember to keep any leftovers and homemade stock in the fridge and consume quickly. For long term storage needs, you will need to freeze it if not already canned.
As soon as you sense a negative change in smell, look or taste, dispose of the stock. When it comes to potential spoilage it best to be safe than sorry.
Source: https://www.chefsresource.com/does-beef-broth-go-bad/