What is the shelf life of an opened box of commercial broth in the refrigerator, and are there ways to extend it (like boiling it before re-storing, or freezing leftovers)?

Question

How long does an open carton of broth last? Get the answer on its refrigerator shelf life and learn simple ways you might be able to extend it.

Answer 1

An opened box of commercial broth typically lasts for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Boiling it won't significantly extend its refrigerated shelf life, but freezing leftovers is an excellent way to preserve it for longer.

Detailed Explanation:

Once you open a box of commercial broth, it's exposed to air and potential contaminants, which can lead to spoilage. While the broth is pasteurized during manufacturing to kill harmful bacteria, this process doesn't guarantee indefinite preservation after opening. The recommended refrigerated shelf life of 5-7 days is based on preventing the growth of spoilage bacteria and maintaining the broth's quality and flavor.

Boiling the broth before re-storing it in the refrigerator might kill some bacteria, but it won't eliminate all of them, nor will it prevent future contamination. It also won't address enzymatic changes that can affect flavor and texture over time. Therefore, boiling provides minimal benefit in extending the refrigerated shelf life beyond the recommended 5-7 days.

Freezing is a much more effective method for long-term preservation. Freezing significantly slows down or halts microbial growth and enzymatic activity. You can freeze leftover broth in airtight containers or freezer bags for 2-3 months without significant loss of quality. Consider freezing the broth in smaller portions (e.g., ice cube trays) for easy use in recipes.

Pro Tip:

Always smell and inspect the broth before using it, even if it's within the recommended timeframe. If it has an off odor, unusual appearance (e.g., cloudiness, mold), or strange taste, discard it immediately to avoid potential foodborne illness.