Used as a healing soup for thousands of years, bone broth is an easy way to savor the flavors of your Thanksgiving table while promoting a healthy immune system during the height of cold and flu season.
Making your own turkey broth from leftover bones and carcasses is a great way to extract maximum flavor and nutrition from your holiday bird But like any homemade stock, proper storage is key to maintaining quality and safety. So how long does turkey broth last in the fridge? Follow these guidelines for maximizing shelf life
Factors that Determine Turkey Broth’s Fridge Life
Several factors impact how long turkey broth keeps in the refrigerator:
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Ingredients used – Broth made with more perishable veggies and herbs will have a shorter shelf life than broth made with just bones.
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Cooking method – Properly simmering the broth helps kill potential bacteria for longer fridge stability
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Container – Storing in an airtight, non-reactive container prevents contamination.
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Temperature – Consistent fridge temps between 34-40°F slow spoilage.
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Handling – Contamination can occur from repeated opening, dipping utensils.
Taking steps like properly cooking, cooling, and storing your turkey broth gives you the best chance of longer fridge life.
How to Tell if Turkey Broth Has Spoiled
Watch for these signs that your turkey broth has gone bad:
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Change in appearance – Unnatural darkening, cloudiness, or layer of scum on top
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Off odors – Sour, rancid or funky smell
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Change in texture – Broth appears slimy or has bits floating
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Mold – Discard immediately if you see any fuzzy mold growing.
If you notice any of the above, it’s best to throw out the broth. Don’t take chances with potentially spoiled stock.
Recommended Fridge Life for Turkey Broth
For optimal freshness and food safety, here are general guidelines for fridge life:
- Homemade turkey broth – 3 to 4 days
- Commercial, unopened – 1 week past sell-by date
- Commercial, opened – 5 to 7 days
The shorter shelf life for homemade broth is due to lack of preservatives. Always rely on your senses too – if it seems off, toss it out.
Storing Turkey Broth for Maximum Fridge Life
Follow these tips to help turkey broth last as long as possible:
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Cool broth rapidly before refrigerating. Divide into shallow containers.
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Use clean, airtight containers to prevent contamination. Mason jars work great.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave broth at room temp.
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Store broth in the back of the fridge where temps are most consistent.
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Discard broth if it exceeds recommended fridge times – don’t take chances.
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Handle broth properly with clean utensils to prevent introduction of bacteria.
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Avoid repeated openings which allows air circulation and potential spoilers.
Freezing Turkey Broth for Even Longer Storage
For extending shelf life even longer, turkey broth can be frozen for 4 to 6 months. Here are some freezing tips:
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Cool broth completely before freezing – don’t freeze piping hot broth.
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Use freezer-safe containers leaving headspace to allow for expansion.
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Divide into usable amounts so you can thaw just what you need.
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Label containers with type and date before freezing.
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Utilize the freezer within recommended times for best quality.
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Thaw frozen turkey broth overnight in the fridge before using.
The Takeaway on Turkey Broth Storage
When properly handled and stored, homemade turkey broth can keep 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before quality and safety decline. For max fridge life, start with sanitary preparation and divide cooled broth into airtight containers. Monitor carefully for any signs of spoilage. For even longer storage, turkey broth can be frozen for 4 to 6 months. Follow these simple guidelines to enjoy your delicious homemade turkey broth for extended times.
The difference between stock and bone broth:
Bone broth is simmered for an extended time so as to extract the collagen from the bones and joints. When cooled, bone broth will thicken and gel whereas stock will remain liquid and thin in consistency. The benefits of bone broth go beyond its flavor. It is full of collagen and gelatin which are great for hair, nail and skin health as well as healthy joints. It’s also full of nutrients that can contribute to improved gut and immune system health.
Leftover Turkey Carcass ~ use it all including the skin and cartilage (bones from chicken or beef also work well, adapt and use what you have). Vegetable scraps ~ celery leaves, carrot shavings, onion skins, stalks of greens, herbs, anything you’ve got! (Think ahead and save your veggie scraps when prepping for your Thanksgiving meal or pop your scraps in the freezer weeks in advance to use when you’re ready). Water ~ enough to cover everything in the pot but be sure it wont boil over or exceed your pressure cooker limits. 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for every 8 cups of water. Another option is to squeeze-in the juice of a lemon and throw in the peel, or pour the last sip of wine in from the bottle. The acidity helps break down the bones releasing nutrients like collagen and minerals into the broth.
Combine all the ingredients into a large stockpot, slow cooker or pressure cooker
Cook:
- Pressure Cooker: high pressure for 2 hours or 120 minutes. Allow pressure to naturally release
- Slow Cooker: simmer on low for 24 hours
- Stove Top: cover and simmer on low heat for 24 hours * keep adding water to keep the ingredients covered
Strain: Pour the stock through a colander into a large bowl to cool. Toss the solids in the compost.
Store:
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight jars for up to 5 days in the fridge
- Freezer: Allow the broth to fully cool before freezing. Freeze in airtight jars or freezer bags for up to 3 months (Note: leave 1/4 of the jar empty to allow room for the liquid to expand in the freezer. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible and freeze flat for optimal storage).
Flavor Notes: Potato skins will make a stock cloudy, but if it’s going into a stew or a risotto then cloudy can work. Tomatoes will make it bitter, asparagus can make it sharp, but these may be flavors you like. Experiment, and use what scraps you can. Food goes farther when you turn those kitchen scraps into delicious, nutritious stock.
A Thanksgiving Tradition to Savor
Used as a healing soup for thousands of years, bone broth is an easy way to savor the flavors of your Thanksgiving table while promoting a healthy immune system during the height of cold and flu season. Rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals, regularly consuming bone broth has been linked to improved gut health, immune system functioning, and joint pain relief. It’s also something you can easily make at home by converting otherwise wasted food scraps into nutrient rich flavorful broth you can keep for a long time in your freezer.
How Long Does Bone Broth Last In The Fridge #foodstorage
FAQ
How long can I keep turkey broth in the fridge?
Turkey stock can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 4 months. Note: If your turkey was brined or heavily salted, you may need less salt. Taste the broth when it is close to done. You can always add more salt towards the end!
How long will homemade broth last in the refrigerator?
Chicken broth can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and frozen (for best quality) for 2-3 months.
Is turkey still good after 5 days in the fridge?
Cooked ground turkey can typically be safely consumed within 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). After 5 days, the risk of foodborne illness increases, and it’s generally recommended to discard it to ensure safety.
How long is homemade turkey soup good for in the fridge?
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Safety first:After 3-4 days, the risk of bacterial growth increases, so it’s best to consume the soup within that timeframe.
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Check for spoilage:Always smell and visually inspect the soup before eating; if it has an off odor or appearance, discard it.
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Freezing option:If you won’t eat the soup within a few days, you can freeze it for longer storage.
How long does turkey broth last in the fridge?
Turkey broth can last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge when stored properly. However, it’s crucial to follow proper storage and handling techniques to ensure the broth remains safe and fresh for consumption. Storage and Handling Techniques: To extend the shelf life of turkey broth in the fridge, follow these storage and handling techniques:
Can you store turkey broth?
Yes! You absolutely can store your turkey broth. In fact, storing your homemade broths is not only convenient but also an excellent way to prevent waste and save money by using up every last bit of your ingredients!
How long can you keep Turkey Soup in the fridge?
Any soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days. A good alternative is to freeze your soup for later use. How long can you keep turkey soup in the frig? Turkey soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days. A good alternative is to freeze your soup for later use.
Can you store turkey broth in glass jars?
Yes, storing turkey broth in glass jars is a great option, as it keeps the broth fresh and allows you to easily see its condition. Just ensure the jars are properly sealed. 8.
Can I use turkey broth past the expiration date?
It is not recommended to use turkey broth past its expiration date, as it may not be safe to consume. Always check the expiration date before using. 5.
Can turkey broth be left out overnight?
No, it is not safe to consume turkey broth that has been left out overnight, as it can promote bacterial growth. Discard any broth that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. 11. Can you add salt to turkey broth before refrigerating?