Bone broth is a popular health drink that’s packed with essential nutrients and minerals. It’s made by simmering animal bones in water for several hours, extracting the gelatin and minerals from them. Bone broth can be stored in the fridge for several days, but many people wonder how long it stays fresh. In this blog post, we’ll cover how long bone broth stays fresh in the fridge, as well as how to tell when it has gone bad.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a nutritious drink made by simmering animal bones (such as chicken, beef or fish bones) in water for several hours. This process extracts gelatin, minerals and other essential nutrients from the bones for an intensely flavorful broth that’s ideal for soups, stews and other dishes – or you can drink it straight up as a health beverage! Bone broth has many uses: as the base of soups or stews; it can also be enjoyed on its own as a health drink!
Bone broth is packed with beneficial nutrients such as collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Studies have linked these elements to numerous health advantages like improved joint health, digestion improvement and immune function.
Bone broth is low in calories and fat, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.
How to Make Bone Broth
Making bone broth is a straightforward process that involves simmering animal bones in water for several hours. Here is an easy recipe for creating this delectable broth:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds of animal bones (chicken, beef, or fish)
- 8-10 cups of water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the bones in a large pot and cover with water.
- Add the vegetables, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 12-24 hours.
- Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Remove the bones and vegetables from the pot and strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Storing Bone Broth
Once you have made your bone broth, you can store it in either the fridge for several days or freezer for months. Here are some tips on storing bone broth:
- Once the bones broth has cooled to room temperature, pour into airtight containers or mason jars.
- Allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
- Label the containers with the date so you know how long it’s been stored for.
- Store at the back of your fridge where it will stay coldest: this helps ensure freshness when refrigerated or frozen.
- Do not store bone broth in the fridge for more than 5-7 days.
- Avoid freezing bone broth for longer than 6 months.
How to Spot If Bone Broth Has Gone Bad
Knowing how to tell if bone broth has gone bad is essential, as consuming spoiled broth can lead to food poisoning. Here are some signs that your broth has gone off the rails:
If you detect any of these warning signs when tasting bone broth, do not consume it – discard it immediately.
Can Bone Broth Be Freezed?
Yes, bone broth can be frozen and kept for several months. Freezing bone broth helps extend its shelf life and ensure you always have some on hand. Here are some tips for freezing bone broth:
Pour the bone broth into airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave some room at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.
Label the containers/bags with the date so you know how long it has been stored.
Store bone broth in the freezer up to 6 months.
Reheating Bone Broth
Reheating bone broth is an easy process that can be completed on either the stovetop or microwave. Here are a few tips for successfully reheating bone broth:
Place the bone broth into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
Heat over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Do not overheat as this may destroy some of its nutrients and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Bone Broth
Bone broth is an incredibly nutrient-dense food, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Here are some of the many health advantages associated with bone broth:
- Collagen: Bone broth is an excellent source of collagen, a protein essential for skin, hair and nail health.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Found in bone broth, these compounds have been demonstrated to improve joint mobility as well as reduce inflammation.
- Minerals: Bone broth is an excellent source of minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus which are vital for bone health and other bodily functions.
- Glycine: This amino acid found in bone broth has been linked to improved sleep quality and brain function.
- Immune Function: Studies have demonstrated that the nutrients found in bone broth can promote immune health and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
In conclusion, bone broth is an incredibly nutritious and flavorful beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or as the base for soups, stews, and other dishes. It’s essential to store bone broth properly so it stays fresh; by following these tips in this blog post you can guarantee your bone broth’s safety while retaining all its beneficial properties.
FAQs
Q: How long is bone broth good in the fridge?
A: Bone broth can be stored in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Q: Can bone broth be frozen?
A: Yes, bone broth can be frozen for up to six months.
Q: How can you tell if bone broth has gone bad?
A: Signs that bone broth has gone bad include a foul smell, cloudy or slimy appearance, mold or other growths, an unpleasant taste and gas or bloating after drinking the broth.
