Stock and broth. More and more people are learning about how powerful this food is because it gives us so much of what our modern diets lack. This is why people notice such quick health improvements soon after starting to incorporate them into their diets.
A few years ago, I wrote a short guide on why we should use stocks and how to make basic stocks like chicken, fish, and beef. It’s here.
And I’ve been asked a whole bunch of questions in between on facebook. I thought it would be helpful for everyone who is making stock, whether they are new to it or have been doing it for a while. We can always use more tips and ideas. The most important thing to remember is HOW EASY STOCK IS!!! Some bones, some veg, some herbs. Simmer for an hour for fish, two to twelve hours for chicken, or two days for beef, pork, and lamb. If you can, use filtered water. Done. But, because we do like to indulge a little obsession into ‘doing it right’….
Fish broth is a flavorful and nutritious addition to many recipes. But once you open a container of fish broth, how long does it actually last before it goes bad? This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about properly storing opened fish broth to maximize its shelf life.
Overview of Fish Broth
Fish broth, also known as fish stock is made by simmering fish bones fins, and aromatic vegetables in water. This extracts flavors, minerals, collagen, and nutrients from the fish parts into the cooking liquid. The resulting fish broth provides a boost of nutrients and a full-bodied umami flavor to recipes.
Commercially packaged fish broth can be purchased canned, cartoned, or in aseptic shelf-stable packaging. This fish broth has typically already been cooked and can be used as is. Once opened, fish broth is perishable and has a limited shelf life. Proper storage is key to ensuring opened fish broth stays fresh as long as possible.
Refrigerator Storage
Once opened, fish broth should be transferred from its original packaging into an airtight glass or plastic container. Make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid to prevent refrigerator odors from seeping in. Then store the container of fish broth in the refrigerator.
Refrigeration is critical for preserving the quality and safety of opened fish broth. The cold temperature slows down microbial growth and oxidation reactions that can quickly cause fish broth to spoil.
When stored properly in the refrigerator, opened fish broth will maintain best quality for 4 to 5 days.
Pay attention to any changes in the color, smell, or texture of the fish broth during refrigerator storage:
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The broth should maintain a clear, light golden color. It may darken slightly over time but should not become cloudy or murky.
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The aroma should retain its characteristic fishy fragrance. It should never smell foul, sulfurous, or unpleasantly fishy.
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The broth texture should remain thin and fluid. It should not become excessively thick or develop a slimy mouthfeel.
If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to discard the fish broth rather than risk foodborne illness from consuming spoiled broth.
Freezer Storage
For long term storage, opened fish broth will keep significantly longer in the freezer compared to the refrigerator.
To freeze fish broth, first transfer it into freezable airtight containers, leaving about 1⁄2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion as the broth freezes. Sturdy plastic freezer bags also work well.
Then place the containers in the freezer, being sure to freeze the broth as quickly as possible. Avoid letting it linger at room temperature before freezing. Quick freezing helps prevent large ice crystals from forming and damaging the texture of the broth.
Properly stored in a 0°F freezer, fish broth will maintain best quality for 4 to 6 months. But it remains safe to consume indefinitely when kept frozen continuously at 0°F.
The freezer storage times for fish broth are for quality only. Freezing stops spoilage reactions and bacterial growth so the broth won’t become dangerous to eat. However, its flavor and texture will gradually deteriorate over the months in the freezer.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Broth
To use frozen fish broth, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the broth to gently defrost while keeping it at a safe, cool temperature.
You can also thaw in the microwave using the “defrost” setting if you’re pressed for time. Take care not to overheat it.
Once thawed, use the fish broth within 3 to 4 days for best quality. Don’t refreeze thawed fish broth. Refreezing causes more damage to the taste and texture.
When reheating thawed or refrigerated fish broth for use in cooking, bring it to a gentle simmer on the stovetop or microwave. Avoid boiling it vigorously as this can impact the flavor.
Only reheat the amount you’ll be using immediately and refrigerate or discard any remaining broth. Don’t let it sit out at room temperature.
Food Safety and Shelf Life Questions
You may see package dates on commercially packaged fish broth, but what do they actually mean? Are they expiration dates that indicate unsafe food if passed?
The package dates applied to fish broth are actually just the manufacturer’s best estimate for peak quality. Fish broth manufacturers typically use labels like “Best By”, “Use By”, or “Best if Used By” to indicate this date.
These dates do not indicate spoiled or unsafe fish broth. As long as the unopened fish broth is not damaged (e.g. rusting or leaking packages), it is still fine to consume past this date based on a visual inspection and smell test.
Once opened, provided it has been stored according to the refrigerator and freezer guidelines above, fish broth lasts past its package date. Follow the timelines for maximum quality opened fish broth. Discard only if there are signs of spoilage.
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Store unopened, shelf-stable fish broth based on the package date for peak freshness
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Once opened, rely on the refrigerator and freezer timelines depending on storage conditions
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Discard only if there is evidence of spoilage
Proper storage is the best way to maximize the shelf life and use of your fish broth. Follow these guidelines to keep opened fish broth safe and delicious for use in your recipes.
Quick Fish Broth Storage Summary
- Refrigerator: 4-5 days
- Freezer: 4-6 months for quality
- Freeze for long term storage
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before use
- Discard if mold, odor, or texture changes
- Store opened in airtight containers
- Past package dates OK if unopened and not damaged
Storing your fish broth correctly ensures you get the most out of this nutritious and tasty pantry staple. Follow these tips for keeping fish broth fresh and flavorful after opening.
2 What about the water you add?
The water must be filtered. At the very least chlorine/pesticide, which your standard filter will do. Best case scenario, however, is a filter that removes excess metals, as much bacteria as possible, endocrine disruptive chemicals and fluoride. Metals and fluoride accumulate in being heated, and you don’t want heavy metals present in water to intensify. You can get under the sink solutions but for a simple countertop solution, my water filter at home is the big benchtop one from the WatersCo team. So good! My parents have this beautiful water filter and they’re also super happy with it.
1 If I have joint pain, how much do I drink?
You can’t be sure about this, and most of the proof comes from people telling their own personal miracle stock/broth stories on the internet. I know someone who had an MRI showing zero cartilage left on his knees. He started eating the way people used to, made stock, and drank it. He was scanned again, and his cartilage has fully recovered. He didn’t take any supplements, just the minerals, gelatin, glucosamine, and high-quality fermented cod liver oil that were in the stock. I’m serious. It shocked him just as much as everyone else to see the results! With all the over-the-counter pain relievers and supplements for joints, nature usually has the answer! Of course, every case is different, so if you’re not sure, talk to your doctor.
HOW LONG does CANNED FOOD last? Survival Tip
How long does bone broth last?
Kept in the fridge, bone broth can last up to four days, but there are factors that can influence this and cause the bone broth to last longer, or go off sooner, so it is important to know the different factors that affect the shelf-life of bone broth.
How long does it take to see benefits of drinking bone broth?
Immediately after taking bone broth, you will notice that it is helping to keep you full and reduce food cravings. For other benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, bone and joint health improvement and sleeping quality, it takes from 3 to 6 weeks.
How long can you leave bone broth out at room temperature?
However, you should not leave bone broth out at room temperature for longer than two hours. If you will not use the bone broth within this time frame, then you can freeze it in suitable portion sizes for up to three months. Take note of how to tell if bone broth has spoiled, to ensure that you only enjoy fresh bone broth at home!
Should bone broth be refrigerated?
It is recommended to place bone broth in the refrigerator once it has been made or once you have opened the can or box. If the bone broth is hot, it needs to be cooled to room temperature before being placed in the fridge, but it cannot be left at room temperature for longer than two hours.