I’ve known for a really long time that it was pretty much sacrilege to throw away the bones and carcass from the Thanksgiving turkey (or any roasted poultry, for that matter). However, I totally cop to being lazy for an equally long time. After spending days preparing for Thanksgiving, the last thing I want to do the next day or the day after that is spend more time in the kitchen. However, last year I finally bit the bullet and made sure I saved all of the turkey scraps, carcass and all, once we were done cleaning up Thanksgiving dinner. A couple of days later, I threw all of it, along with a bunch of vegetables and aromatics, into a pot and let it simmer for a couple of hours. The house smelled fabulous, and once everything was strained, I had about four quarts of homemade turkey stock. I froze a couple, gave one to my grandparents, and started using the other right away.
The stock is so flavorful, and, to my surprise, it really didn’t take much time at all. You really just throw everything into a pot and let it go. I think I spent the afternoon catching up on Homeland episodes while the pot simmered 😉
This Thanksgiving, don’t throw away the turkey carcass or leftover bones! If you aren’t going to make the stock immediately, put everything into a zip-top bag and keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of days, or freeze for a week or two. Then, while you’re relaxing or getting the house decorated for Christmas, throw everything in the pot and let it work its magic. When it’s done, you’ll have some fabulous turkey stock, which is perfect for any recipe that you’d use chicken stock, or in any of these dishes that are perfect for using up leftover turkey: Turkey, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup, Turkey Pot Pie, or Turkey Tetrazzini.
How Long Can You Keep Turkey Broth in the Refrigerator?
Turkey broth is a tasty and nutritious staple that can be used to enhance soups, stews, gravies, and more. But like any perishable food, proper storage is key for safety and quality So how long does homemade or store-bought turkey broth last in the fridge? Here’s a comprehensive guide to maximizing the shelf life of turkey broth
When homemade turkey broth can keep for 3-4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Here are some tips for storing your homemade turkey broth
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking – don’t leave broth out at room temperature
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Transfer broth to airtight containers and make sure lids are sealed properly. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work great.
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Leftover broth has a shorter fridge life – only 1-2 days.
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Check for signs of spoilage like off-smells, change in appearance or consistency before using leftover broth. Discard if any mold, sliminess or curdling occurs.
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For optimal quality, use turkey broth within 3 days. The flavor begins to fade after that.
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Never freeze and defrost broth more than once. The texture and taste really deteriorate.
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Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to help inhibit microbial growth. The acidity acts as a natural preservative.
Properly stored, your homemade turkey broth can retain its delicious flavor for 3-4 days refrigerated. But don’t let it linger longer than that for safety.
Commercial Turkey Broth Refrigerator Life
Store-bought turkey broth often contains preservatives that prolong its shelf life. Always check the expiration date on the package as a guide. Some tips for commercial turkey broth:
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Unopened cans or cartons can be stored in the pantry until the expiration date, usually 1-2 years.
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Once opened, transfer broth to an airtight container and refrigerate.
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Commercial turkey broth can last 5-7 days past its printed expiration date when refrigerated and unopened.
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Opened turkey broth lasts 5-7 days refrigerated. Discard any older than 1 week after opening.
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Don’t use turkey broth that smells unpleasant or looks abnormal. It’s not worth the food poisoning risk!
Following the recommended refrigerator times for store-bought turkey broth ensures it stays flavorful and free of pathogens. Discard any containers past the use-by date stated on the package.
Telltale Signs Your Turkey Broth Has Spoiled
Whether homemade or commercial, turkey broth shouldn’t be consumed if it shows any signs of spoilage. Look for:
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Off odors – broth with a sour, rancid or “off” smell should be discarded.
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Color changes – grayish, greenish or yellowish hues indicate spoilage.
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Texture changes – broth shouldn’t be slimy or have particles floating in it.
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Mold – discard broth at first signs of mold. Don’t try to skim it off.
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Weird bubbling – gas pockets and foaming can mean fermentation.
Don’t taste suspicious looking turkey broth! The toxins from microbial growth can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea if ingested. Play it safe and toss turkey broth at the first hints of spoilage.
Does Turkey Broth Go Bad?
Yes, turkey broth can absolutely go bad if left too long in the refrigerator or stored improperly. Signs that turkey broth has gone bad include:
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Strong, unpleasant odors
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Visible mold
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Unnatural colors like green, yellow or gray
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Cloudy appearance or particles floating
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Slimy texture or film on the broth’s surface
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Curdled look or weird bubbles/foam
When in doubt, throw turkey broth out! Consuming spoiled broth can cause food poisoning. Don’t rely on smell or taste alone to determine safety.
Can Turkey Broth Be Frozen?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of turkey broth for later use. Some freezing tips:
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Cool broth completely before freezing, within 2 hours of cooking.
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Use freezer-safe airtight containers or bags, allowing 1/2 inch headspace.
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Frozen turkey broth keeps for 4-6 months at 0°F. Mark containers with date.
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Thaw frozen broth overnight in the fridge before use. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
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Bring thawed turkey broth to a boil before consuming.
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Don’t refreeze thawed turkey broth. Use within 3-4 days.
Freezing homemade broth in small batches makes it easy to defrost just what you need for future recipes.
Safe Turkey Broth Defrosting
Properly thawing frozen turkey broth maintains its safety and quality. Follow these guidelines:
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Thaw broth in the refrigerator overnight, allowing about 12-24 hours.
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For quicker thawing, place sealed container under cold running water. Rotate occasionally.
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You can also thaw broth sealed in a bag submerged in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
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Microwave defrosting is OK but alters the broth’s taste and texture somewhat.
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Don’t leave broth or containers at room temperature to thaw – too risky.
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Bring thawed broth to a rolling boil before using. This kills any bacteria present.
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Use thawed turkey broth within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
Refrigerator thawing is ideal, but cold water and microwave methods work in a pinch. Just don’t ever defrost broth on the counter.
Safely Reheating Turkey Broth
Leftover turkey broth should always be reheated thoroughly before serving or using in recipes. Follow these reheating guidelines:
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Bring broth to a full rolling boil on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Heat broth rapidly; don’t use low heat. Boil for at least 3-5 full minutes.
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Stir regularly to evenly distribute heat and prevent scalding.
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Don’t cook in a slow cooker or simply warm broth. It must come to a boil.
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Discard any broth that doesn’t reheat fully or smells unpleasant after reheating.
Proper reheating helps protect against bacterial growth for safe broth consumption and prep. Never reuse turkey broth that didn’t reheat to a full boil. When in doubt, throw it out.
Storing Turkey Broth Safely
Storing turkey broth correctly is the key to preserving its safety and maximizing its shelf life. Follow these storage tips:
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Refrigerate broth within 2 hours of cooking; don’t allow it to cool on the counter.
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Use airtight, food-safe containers like glass jars or plastic containers. Lids should fit tightly.
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Glass is ideal since it doesn’t stain or absorb smells/flavors like plastic can.
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Leave 1 inch of headspace in containers for safe freezing expansion.
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Label containers with type of broth and date prepared. Use older broth first.
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Store broth in the back of the fridge, not the door where temperature fluctuates.
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Discard broth that smells, looks or tastes off instead of tasting it. Don’t risk illness.
Proper, prompt refrigeration and freezing keeps homemade or store-bought turkey broth safe and delicious for days to come. Follow the recommended storage times and containers for optimized turkey broth quality and safety.
Homemade Turkey Stock
- Turkey carcass and bones from 14-pound turkey
- 1 large yellow onion, halved (unpeeled)
- 1 carrot, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 5 sprigs fresh parsley
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1. Place the turkey carcass and bones in a large stockpot and cover with at least 5 quarts of water, or enough to ensure that the water covers it by at least 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim off any fat or foam that rises to the surface.
- 2. Add the onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf and peppercorns. Reduce the heat to low so that the stock is at a very slow simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours.
- 3. Add the parsley and thyme to the stock and simmer for an additional 2 hours.
- 4. Pour the stock into a large bowl through a fine-mesh sieve and discard all of the solids. Allow to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until a noticeable skin forms on the surface. Using a spoon, skim off the layer of fat, then let the stock cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- 5. The next day, remove the layer of fat that has collected on the top of the stock, then portion out the stock into quart-size containers or freezer-safe ziploc bags and store. The stock can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up 6 months.
How long is fresh turkey broth good for?
FAQ
How long can turkey broth stay in the fridge?
Can you use a 5 day old turkey in soup?
How long is homemade broth good in the fridge?
How long can homemade turkey soup last in the fridge?
How long can you keep turkey broth in the fridge?
Store them in the refrigerator safe zone (the back of a bottom shelf) where temperatures are consistent between 32°F-40°F. 5. Use within four days Remember these tips when cooling stock which will prevent bacteria growth: iii) Stir soup occasionally for quicker cooling. Freezing turkey broth is a great way to preserve it for more extended periods.
How long does homemade broth last if refrigerated?
Once refrigerated, the fat on top will harden and seal the broth below. The fat on top eliminates any air and will keep your homemade broth preserved in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. That’s really it. Just make sure that you don’t puncture the fat. Once air is let in, the broth will remain good for a few days in the fridge.
How long does turkey broth last after opening?
To maximize the shelf life of canned or packaged turkey broth after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container. How long does opened turkey broth last in the refrigerator? Turkey broth that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 4 to 5 days. Is turkey broth safe to use after the “expiration” date on the package?
Does the packaging of turkey broth affect the shelf life?
Yes, the packaging of the turkey broth impacts its shelf life. Store-bought cartons of turkey broth last longer than homemade broths because they are pasteurized and sealed in airtight packaging. 5. Can unopened turkey broth be stored in the refrigerator? Yes, unopened turkey broth can be stored in the refrigerator.