Preserve tradition: Tips for long-lasting chicken broth

Thanks to its simple, natural recipe, chicken broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, provided certain key rules are followed. The first step is to cool the soup thoroughly after cooking. Then, strain out the vegetables and meat, as their presence can accelerate spoilage. Pouring the clear broth into glass jars with well-fitting lids is worthwhile.

The tightness of the jars is extremely important. If the lids are damaged, they let air in, which leads to faster spoilage of the soup, even at low temperatures. This method allows you to keep the broth fresh for several days, but to extend its shelf life further, consider other methods such as canning.

One of the most popular ways to store chicken broth is canning. Pour the hot, strained stock into sterilized jars, seal them well, and pasteurize. The broth can then be stored for several months in a cool, dark place.

Canning is a proven method for storing chicken broth in the refrigerator for several weeks. The process is simple and does not require specialized equipment.

How to can chicken broth:

1. Thoroughly wash and sterilize the jars and lids to minimize the risk of bacteria.
2. Pour the clean, hot broth into dry jars, leaving about 0.5 to 1 inch of free space from the top.
3. Immediately after pouring, seal the jars and turn them upside down. To ensure slow cooling, leave them to cool in a warm place, such as under a thick cloth or blanket.
4. If you want even longer storage, you can additionally boil the jars in a pot of water at about 194°F for 15–25 minutes.

Chicken broth can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks without losing flavor or nutritional value when well-prepared.

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:

1. As with refrigerator storage, the broth should be thoroughly cooled and strained of any meat and vegetable remnants.
2. Sealable freezer bags, plastic containers with lids, or special freezing jars work best. The containers mustn't be filled to the brim, as the broth expands during freezing, which can cause glass to break or containers to unseal.
3. 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 pot of soup.
4. It's worth labeling each package with the freezing date to ensure the soup is fresh. While chicken broth can be stored in the freezer for six months, it’s best to consume it earlier to avoid losing intense flavor.

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 that are perfect for quickly preparing sauces, other soups, or one-pot dishes.