Swanson beef broth is a kitchen staple used to make flavorful soups, stews, gravies and more. Their convenient shelf-stable cartons and cans make Swanson broth readily available to cooks. But once opened, the broth has a shortened shelf life. So how long does opened Swanson beef broth last in the refrigerator?
In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide to maximizing the refrigerated shelf life of Swanson beef broth after opening.
Overview of Swanson Beef Broth
Swanson produces high-quality beef broths and stocks made from beef concentrates. Their original beef broth contains beef stock and natural flavorings, giving it a rich meaty taste.
Swanson broth varieties include:
- Original – made with beef stock and natural flavorings
- Organic – similar to original but USDA certified organic
- Natural Goodness – no added hormones or antibiotics
- Lower Sodium – 25% less sodium than regular
Swanson beef broth comes in 14.5 oz cans and 32 oz resealable cartons The cartons are more convenient for multi-use storage.
Shelf Life of Unopened vs. Opened
An unopened container of Swanson beef broth can stay fresh 2-5 years past its printed “best by” date if properly stored. But once opened, its shelf life decreases significantly due to oxygen exposure and potential bacteria growth.
Here’s how long opened Swanson beef broth lasts refrigerated:
- Canned broth lasts 5-7 days
- Carton broth lasts 7-10 days
For maximum freshness, use opened canned broth within 5 days and opened cardboard cartons within 7 days. Always refrigerate after opening.
How to Maximize Refrigerated Shelf Life
To extend the shelf life of opened Swanson beef broth, follow these tips:
- Transfer broth into airtight containers or mason jars
- Ensure lids seal tightly
- Fill containers leaving minimal headspace
- Avoid introducing extra air bubbles when pouring
- Refrigerate immediately after opening
- Use clean utensils each time
Proper refrigeration is key – store opened Swanson broth at 40°F or below. Freezing can also prolong shelf life an additional 2-3 months.
Signs Beef Broth Has Spoiled
Watch for these signs that opened refrigerated Swanson broth has gone bad:
- Sour, unpleasant odor
- Mold growth
- Fizzing or bubbling
- Drastic color/texture change
- Off tastes – sharp, tangy, bitter, metallic
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from consuming spoiled broth.
Tips for Using Swanson Beef Broth
To use up refrigerated Swanson beef broth while it’s still fresh:
- Make simple soup – add veggies, meat, or noodles
- Use as base for stews, chilies and gravies
- Cook grains like rice or quinoa in broth instead of water
- Deglaze pans with broth instead of wine
- Add to meatloaf, casseroles for moisture
- Flavor sautéed veggies, beans or lentils
- Use in braises, pot roasts, or pan sauces
For best flavor, use opened broth within 5-7 days. Freeze remaining broth for later use.
FAQs
How long can you store broth at room temperature?
Never leave Swanson beef broth at room temperature. Refrigerate promptly after opening.
Can you re-freeze thawed Swanson broth?
It’s best not to refreeze previously thawed broth, as this affects quality and taste.
Does Swanson beef broth need to be diluted?
Swanson’s broths are ready to use as is, with no need to dilute with added water.
Can Swanson broth be microwaved?
Yes, you can safely microwave Swanson beef broth to heat it up. But don’t microwave it in the original carton or can.
The Bottom Line
The key to enjoying Swanson beef broth while maintaining safety and quality is proper refrigerated storage. Keep opened broth chilled at 40°F or below. Use canned broth within 5 days and cartons within 7 days for best freshness.
Check for any signs of spoilage before consuming. And freeze unused portions for longer shelf life. Following these guidelines allows you to safely optimize the shelf life of delicious Swanson beef broth after opening.
Signs of Spoiled Beef Broth
Knowing when beef broth has gone bad is essential for your safety. Here are some common signs of spoiled beef broth:
- Smell: If the broth has a sour or unpleasant smell, it’s no longer safe to eat….
- Color Changes: Fresh beef broth has a clear, brownish color. If it gets cloudy or a strange color, you should throw it away.
- Mold: If you can see mold on the outside or inside of the container, you should throw out the broth right away.
- Taste: Don’t use the broth in your recipes if it tastes funny or sour.
By following these tips and knowing how to tell when something is going bad, you can keep your opened beef broth fresh and safe to use in your cooking.
Recipes to Enjoy Beef Broth
Here are some delicious recipes that make excellent use of beef broth:
- Beef broth, barley, diced beef, onions, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaves, and celery
- Instructions: Sauté diced beef until browned. Add carrots, celery, and onions; cook until softened. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Put in the bay leaves, thyme, and barley. Simmer until the barley is soft.
- Beef broth, egg noodles, mushrooms, onions, garlic, sour cream, and beef strips are what you need.
- Instructions: Sauté beef strips until browned. Add mushrooms, onions, and garlic; cook until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add beef broth; simmer until thickened. Stir in sour cream and serve over cooked egg noodles.
- Things you’ll need: baguette slices, Gruyère cheese, onions, butter, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and beef broth
- Instructions: Sauté onions in butter until caramelized. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaves; cook for another minute. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Toast baguette slices and top with Gruyère cheese. Put toasted baguette slices on top of the soup in bowls and broil until the cheese melts.
Handling beef broth safely is essential to prevent contamination and ensure it remains fresh. Here are some key practices to follow:
- Clean Tools and Containers: When working with beef broth, always use clean tools and containers. This minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria.
- Refrigerate Right Away: Once beef broth is opened, put it in the fridge right away. Leaving it at room temperature can accelerate spoilage.
- Use Containers That Don’t Let Air In: Put the broth in a container that doesn’t let air in. This will keep it from going bad.