Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Stock expire?
Unopened store-bought stock typically has a solid shelf life and should be good for 1-2 years if the packaging is undamaged and stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 4-5 days. For homemade stock, it's a bit different. You should use it within 3-4 days when stored in the fridge. If you freeze it, homemade or store-bought, it can last up to 4-6 months before it starts to lose its taste.
How do you tell if Stock is bad?
Firstly, if the packaging is bulging, leaking or has a strong unusual smell, discard it; these are signs of bacterial activity which is often harmful. For opened or homemade stock, the best method is to smell the stock. If it has a bad odor, sour taste, or if you see signs of mold, it's better to be safe and throw it away. Also, if its color gets darker, it's best not to use it.
Tips for storing Stock to extend shelf life
• Keep unopened stock in a cool, dark place like a pantry.
• For opened or homemade stock, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• If you're planning on freezing the stock, make sure to leave space at the top of your container for it to expand as it freezes. A handy trick is to freeze stock in ice cube trays, once frozen, move the cubes to a freezer bag for easy portioning.
• To defrost, place in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.