I often make bone broth, so I don’t keep it in the fridge very often, even though it can stay there for up to three days. I get mad when I lose broth because I’m not organized or forget about it, so when I make new batches, I eat them right away. Broth is safe in the freezer for two to three months(1). I store broth in three ways: glass jars, BPA-free bags, and BPA-free plastic/glass containers. I follow these guidelines for storing fresh broth.
As of late, ancestral storage techniques for broth have come back into vogue. With these methods, you can store broth in containers for a long time with a nice layer of fat on top, without having to go through the trouble of pressure canning. The broth can then be stored in a refrigerator or a cold pantry.
I personally do not like the flavor of broth stored this way, but perhaps you might like it. It tasted, hmm, sort of fermented. I would recommend having a spotless refrigerator before trying this sort of storage technique. In my experiments, somehow the fat managed to pick up other flavors from other food nearby. That made me mad because I believe chickens get fat so we can fry onions in their fat. So, I stopped liking the idea of storing things the old-fashioned way when it made my chicken fat taste bad. As always, your mileage may vary.
This is how to reheat broth that has been stored in glass mason jars. It’s great to be able to grab a mug of broth from the freezer, heat it up, and be sitting on the couch with it in minutes. Once the lid is off (very important if you don’t want broken glass and broth all over your ceiling), there are a few different ways to heat the mugs up:
Learn how to store broth in BPA-free plastic bags. I keep my broth in bags that are 1, 2, 4, and 8 cups in size. (Speaking of the holy war regarding the use of plastic bags: I’m not going there, either. They were the right amounts for me because they match the amount of broth I need most often and help me waste less broth. Use the best quality freezer bags that you can obtain. Many bags that are labeled ‘storage’ are insufficient and will crack or leak. I always choose bags that are designated for the freezer. Sometimes freezer bags have a matte white area on the side that can be used to write on. I write down the type and amount of broth in each bag, as well as any flavors I added or left out when I made the broth and, most importantly, the date it goes bad. (The FDA recommends keeping broth in the freezer for no more than three months. Sometimes I ignore this, but that is a personal choice. Mark your bags with a Sharpie ahead of time to know how much should be in each one. Writing on bags already filled with broth is like trying to walk across a water bed. Take special care when preparing plastic bags for the freezer. There is much you can do to prevent bag leaks, which are frustrating and disheartening.
How to Heat Up Broth That Was Stored in BPA-Free Plastic Bags It’s very easy to heat up broth that was stored in plastic bags. You have several options:
In BPA-free plastic or glass containers with lids, it is best to store broth. Containers with flexible lids and/or plastic sides are less likely to break or leak. Follow the instructions for.
How to Heat Up Broth from BPA-Free Plastic or Glass Containers with Lids This is also a simpler way to do it.
Beef bones are often saved to make delicious bone broths and stocks But many home cooks wonder – how long can you keep beef bones in the freezer before they go bad? This article will provide answers on the maximum freezer life for beef bones, proper storage methods, and signs of spoilage to look out for.
Why Freeze Beef Bones?
Freezing extra beef bones allows you to save them until you have enough to make a batch of bone broth. Since bones are often a byproduct of breaking down whole cuts of beef most people don’t have enough at once to make broth. Freezing bones over time is a great way to collect enough to make mouthwatering broths and stocks.
Freezing also allows you to preserve the bones longer. Refrigerating bones only keeps them fresh for 3-5 days. But properly frozen bones can last many months.
How Long Do Beef Bones Last in the Freezer?
If you keep beef bones in the freezer the right way, they can last for the following amounts of time:
- Raw beef bones – 9-12 months
- Cooked beef bones – 3-4 months
Because the marrow inside raw beef bones is high in collagen and gelatin, they can be frozen for longer than cooked bones. You can still use raw bones that have been frozen for more than a year, but they may not taste as good.
Proper Packaging for Freezer Storage
To get the maximum freezer life out of beef bones, use these storage tips:
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Place bones in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Vacuum sealing is ideal.
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You can also wrap bones tightly in plastic wrap or foil before bagging.
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If storing a large batch of odd shaped bones, place in a rigid freezer container.
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Make sure to label bags with contents and freeze date.
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Freeze bones as soon as possible after purchasing or collecting.
Proper packaging prevents freezer burn which causes drying and textural changes.
Thawing and Using Frozen Beef Bones
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For broth making, there’s no need to thaw bones first. Frozen bones can go straight into the pot.
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The frozen collagen will break down into gelatin and flavor the broth.
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Add extra cooking time if starting with frozen bones. Simmer until bones are completely softened.
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Let cool completely before refrigerating to avoid temperature issues.
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You can also thaw bones in the refrigerator over 24-48 hours before using.
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Avoid thawing at room temp more than 2 hours.
The collagen and fat from long frozen bones still provides rich flavor and body to broths, stews or gravies.
What to Look For When Using Frozen Bones
Be sure there are no signs of spoilage before using bones that have been in the freezer for many months:
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Mold or very dry, shriveled bones may indicate freezer burn.
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Rancid or off odors when thawed likely means spoilage.
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Extremely sticky, slimy marrow or bones can signal decomposition.
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Discolored marrow turning gray, brown or black is a bad sign.
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Soft, bendable bones that don’t become firm during cooking can mean deterioration.
If bones exhibit any of these signs, it’s best to discard them rather than risk ruining the dish or broth.
Storing Beef Bones in the Refrigerator
Before freezing bones, you may need to store them in the fridge for a few days after collecting or purchasing. Observe proper refrigerator storage:
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Place beef bones in a container or bag to prevent leaks.
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Use within 3-5 days for best flavor and freshness.
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Keep refrigerator at 40°F or below.
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Store bones towards the back, not on the door where the temp fluctuates.
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Never store raw bones above other cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
Refrigerating for more than 5 days risks bone marrow turning rancid before use.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Beef Bones?
It’s best not to refreeze raw beef bones after they have completely thawed in the refrigerator. Refreezing can damage the cell structure through ice crystal formation.
However, if bones were thawed in the refrigerator but never reached room temperature, they may be safely refrozen.
You can also refreeze bones that were cooked or used to make broth, stock or gravy. The high heats kills pathogens and makes it safer for one refreeze.
Key Takeaways on Freezing Beef Bones
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Raw beef bones can be frozen 9-12 months; cooked 3-4 months.
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Always package bones airtight to prevent freezer burn.
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Frozen bones don’t need thawing before broth making.
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Cook bones completely until softened.
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Refrigerate only 3-5 days before freezing.
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Don’t use if moldy, rancid smelling or very dry and brittle.
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Refreezing previously thawed raw bones isn’t recommended.
With proper freezer storage techniques, beef bones can be kept for many months and provide rich flavors to soups, braises and broths. Follow these guidelines to keep your bones fresh and ready for cooking anytime!
Common Freezer Questions
Here are answers to some common questions on freezing beef bones:
How can you tell if frozen beef bones went bad?
Signs of spoiled frozen bones include mold, rancid odors, very dry texture, bendable or slimy bones, and discolored marrow.
Can beef marrow bones be frozen and thawed multiple times?
It’s best to freeze raw marrow bones only once to maintain quality. Bones used for cooked dishes can be frozen and re-thawed once.
Do bones lose nutrients after being frozen for months?
Some nutrient loss may occur after prolonged freezing over 9-12 months but bones still provide collagen, gelatin and flavor.
Is it necessary to wrap beef bones in anything before freezing?
Wrapping in plastic wrap, foil or vacuum sealing before bagging helps prevent freezer burn. But bones can be frozen in just a bag too.
Can you freeze raw bones and cooked bones together?
It’s best to freeze raw and cooked bones separately to avoid cross-contamination. Raw bones may harbor bacteria.
How can you use beef bones that have been frozen over a year?
Simmer them extra long in broths or stews to extract nutrients. Use in bean or vegetable dishes for flavor rather than bone nutrition.
Is it safe to use discolored frozen beef bones?
Discoloration of the marrow to gray, brown or black indicates spoilage. Don’t use bones with off-colored marrow.
Can you make beef bone broth from frozen soup bones?
Yes, soup bones like oxtails, knuckles or neck bones can be used frozen or thawed in broth. Simmer until fully softened.
Can you freeze beef bones that were already cooked?
Yes, you can freeze already cooked beef bones for later use in soups or gravies. Their freezer life will be shorter than raw.
Following proper freezing and storage advice will help you get the most out of your beef bones for making delicious broths, sauces and enhancing various dishes.
How long should you keep meat in the fridge or freezer?
FAQ
How long will bones last in the freezer?
What is the shelf life of beef bones?
How long can you freeze bones for broth?
How long can you keep beef neck bones in the freezer?
How long can you Freeze frozen beef?
We’re here to help you find what you’re looking for. How long can you freeze beef? Frozen beef will be safe indefinitely. However, for best quality, use uncooked steaks, roasts, or chops within four to 12 months, uncooked ground beef within four months, and cooked beef within two to three months.
Can meat bones be frozen?
Yes, meat bones can be frozen so that you can make bone broth in future. However, bones will take up a lot more room in the freezer than the broth. You’re better off making the broth beforehand. Was this helpful?
Can you freeze chicken bones?
The advantage, as you point out, is that you can collect the bones until you have enough to make a flavorful stock. They freeze well, but will last even longer (avoiding freezer burn) if you can remove as much air as possible from the package. I often do with with chicken bones, necks, and skin until I accumulate a decent amount for a stock. Yes.
Can bone broth be frozen?
Leave an inch of room at the top of the jar. Freeze with the lid off. Once the broth is frozen, put the lid on. Homemade bone broth will keep for 4-5 days in a sealed container in your fridge. But bone broth freezes very well! For longer storage, freeze the broth. We like to use reusable Stasher freezer bags to store our broth.