Preserving tradition: Mastering the art of storing chicken broth
Chicken broth is a nutritious soup and a symbol of hospitality and tradition. It is a dish that has been prepared since the time of our ancestors and is appreciated for its unique taste and health benefits. However, making chicken broth requires time and commitment, so it's worth ensuring it can please our palates for as long as possible.
Chicken broth is a classic, loved for its taste, health benefits, and versatility. Preparing this soup is a ritual that often takes several hours, requires numerous ingredients, and demands attention to detail. Unsurprisingly, we usually cook larger quantities to enjoy its flavour, not only for one day. But how do you store chicken broth to retain its flavour and nutritional value even for several weeks? There are proven methods to extend its shelf life.
How long can you store chicken broth in the refrigerator?
Thanks to its simple, natural recipe, chicken broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, provided that certain key rules are followed. The first step is to cool the soup thoroughly after cooking. Then, it is necessary to strain the vegetables and meat, as their presence can accelerate spoilage. It is worthwhile pouring the clear broth into glass jars with tightly fitting lids.
The tightness of the jars is crucial. If the lids are damaged, they let air in, which leads to faster spoilage, even at low temperatures. This method allows you to keep the broth fresh for several days, but consider other methods, such as canning, to extend its shelf life further.
Jars – a traditional way for long-term storage
One of the most popular ways to store chicken broth is canning. Pour the hot, strained stock into sterilized jars, seal them well, and pasteurize them. The broth can then be stored for several months in a cool, dark place.
Canning is a proven method for storing chicken broth in the refrigerator for several weeks. The process is simple and does not require specialized equipment.
How to can chicken broth?
- The jars and lids should be thoroughly washed and sterilized to minimize the risk of bacteria.
- The clean, hot broth must be poured into dry jars, leaving about 1 to 2.5 centimetres (1/2 to 1 inch) of free space from the top.
- Immediately after pouring, seal the jars and turn them upside down. To ensure slow cooling, leave them to cool in a warm place, such as under a thick cloth or blanket.
- If you want to store the jars for a longer period, you can boil them in a pot of water at about 90°C (194°F) for 15–25 minutes.
When well prepared, chicken broth can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks without losing its flavour or nutritional value.
Freezing broth – a convenient way for longer storage
Another reliable way to store chicken broth is freezing. The soup can remain fresh for up to six months with this method. The key to success is proper preparation:
- As with refrigerator storage, the broth should be thoroughly cooled and strained of any meat and vegetable remnants.
- Sealable freezer bags, plastic containers with lids, or special freezing jars work best. The containers should not be filled to the brim, as freezing causes the broth to expand, which can cause the glass to break or the containers to unseal.
- A good idea is to divide the broth into smaller portions. This way, you can defrost exactly as much as you need without defrosting an entire soup pot.
- Labelling each package with the freezing date is worth labelling to ensure the soup is fresh. While chicken broth can be stored in the freezer for half a year, it’s best to consume it earlier to avoid a loss of intense flavour.
If you often use broth as a base for other dishes, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, you’ll have homemade broth cubes perfect for quick preparation of sauces, other soups, or one-pot dishes.
