Preserving tradition: Storing chicken broth for months
Chicken broth is a nutritious soup and a symbol of hospitality and tradition. It is a dish that has been cooked since the times of our ancestors and is appreciated for its unique taste and health properties. However, preparing chicken broth requires time and commitment, so it's worth ensuring it pleases our palates for as long as possible.
Chicken broth is an absolute classic, cherished for its flavour, health benefits, and versatility. Preparing this soup is a ritual that often takes several hours, requiring numerous ingredients and attention to detail. It’s no wonder we usually cook larger quantities to enjoy its flavour, not just for one day. But how do you store chicken broth for several weeks to retain its flavour and nutritional value? There are proven methods that allow you 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 out the vegetables and meat—their presence in the broth can accelerate spoilage. It is worthwhile pouring the clear broth into glass jars with well-fitted lids.
The tightness of the jars is extremely important. 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. We pour the hot, strained stock into sterilised jars, seal them well, and pasteurise them. This way, the broth can be stored in a cool, dark place for several months.
Canning is a proven method for storing chicken broth in the refrigerator for several weeks. The process is simple and does not require specialised equipment.
How to can chicken broth?
- The jars and lids should be thoroughly washed and sterilised to minimise the risk of bacteria.
- The clean, hot broth needs to be poured into dry jars, leaving about 1 to 2.5 centimetres of free space from the top.
- Immediately after pouring, we seal the jars and turn them upside down. Leave them to cool in a warm place, such as under a thick cloth or blanket, which ensures slow cooling.
- If you want even longer storage, you can additionally boil the jars in a pot of water at about 90°C for 15–25 minutes.
The chicken broth can be well-prepared in the refrigerator for several weeks without losing 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. It is important not to fill the containers to the brim – during freezing, the broth expands, 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's freshness. While chicken broth can be kept 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.
