Once you are finished making and straining your broth it is time to store your broth.
Step #1: Cool Your Broth
The first thing you need to do is to completely cool your broth before storing it. You can use an ice bath to cool your broth after making it. Once your broth is cool enough you can store it in an airtight container or storage bag.
How to Use an Ice Bath:
- Get a bowl filled with mostly ice and a little water.
- Add a second bowl on top of the ice bath and fill it with the hot broth.
- Stir the broth with a spoon until it is cold enough for the fridge. The broth must be cooled to below 41F/5C within six hours. The temperature much reach at least 70F/21C within the first two hours of cooling your broth.
Step #2: Removing Fat
Keep in mind that protein and bone broth when cooled may have a layer of fat that forms on the surface of the broth. You need to skim off this thick layer of fat on the top of the broth and throw it away. You can use a spoon to scoop off the fat, once it is cooled it should be easy to do this.
Removing the excess fat from your broth makes a cleaner tasting, clearer colored, and healthier broth.
If your broth is hot and you don’t have time to skim the fat later, then add some ice cubes or cold water to the stock after it is done simmering. This will make the fat and any particles harden and rise to the top. Then you can scoop off the fat using a mesh strainer and throw it away.
Freezer & Fridge Broth Storage
If you plan on storing the broth in the freezer, then do not fill the container all the way to the top. Leave about 15-20% of the container empty so that the container doesn’t crack when the broth in the container freezes and expands. You can keep broth in the freezer for 1-6 months.
If you store the broth in the fridge, then don’t worry about leaving some room at the top of the container you can fill the container completely. Just store the broth in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 4 days to 1 week.
