Bone broth from Christmas leftovers 🦴🥣

Hey everyone! So glad you're here to learn about my homemade bone broth journey. After I whip up a delicious batch using my Instant Pot for a tummy reset, like I mentioned, the next big question is always, 'How long can this liquid gold truly last?' It's super important to store your homemade bone broth correctly to keep it fresh and potent, ensuring you get all those amazing benefits for your skin and gut without any waste. Let's dive into the most common question: How long is homemade bone broth good for in the fridge? Generally, properly stored homemade bone broth will last for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator. This is a good rule of thumb to follow. To maximize this shelf life, make sure you cool down your broth as quickly as possible after cooking. I usually let it sit at room temperature for an hour, then transfer it to the fridge once it's no longer steaming. Don't leave it out for more than two hours, as this can encourage bacterial growth. Signs Your Bone Broth Has Gone Bad: It’s always best to trust your senses. If your bone broth smells sour, yeasty, or just "off," it's time to toss it. Look for any mold growth, unusual discoloration, or a cloudy appearance that wasn't there before. If you're ever in doubt, it's safer to discard it than risk an upset stomach. Tips for Optimal Fridge Storage: Use Airtight Containers: I always use glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. This prevents contamination and keeps odors out. Cool Quickly: As mentioned, get it into the fridge within two hours. You can even place the pot in an ice bath to speed up cooling before transferring. Don't Overfill: Leave a little headspace in your containers, especially if you plan to freeze some later, as liquids expand. Want to extend it even longer? Freeze it! If you've made a big batch (which I often do!), freezing is your best friend. Homemade bone broth can last for 3-6 months in the freezer without losing its quality. Ice Cube Trays: For smaller portions perfect for sautéing veggies or adding to sauces, freeze broth in ice cube trays. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Freezer Bags: For larger portions, pour cooled broth into freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Lay them flat to freeze, then store upright to save space. Glass Jars: If using glass jars for freezing, make sure they are freezer-safe (like canning jars) and leave at least an inch of headspace to prevent cracking. Thawing and Reheating Your Bone Broth: When you're ready to use your frozen bone broth, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge, or gently reheat it from frozen on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid microwaving in plastic, and always bring it to a gentle simmer before consuming. By taking a little extra care with storage, you can ensure that every single nourishing drop of your homemade bone broth is safe, delicious, and ready to give your body that wonderful reset it needs, just like when you 'Make some bone broth with me' right after you cook it. Enjoy!