Freezing Beef Bones for Later Use: How Long Do They Keep?

Hey folks! I’m back with the answer to another meaty question I got recently how long can you freeze beef bones to use later for making broth and stock?

As someone who loves making home cooked bone broth for soups and stews, I’m always saving bones in my freezer to compile a batch. But I never knew if bones had a shelf life in the freezer or not. Time for some deep investigating!

Here’s everything you need to know about properly freezing beef bones for long term storage and later use in bone broth…

Why Freeze Beef Bones for Later Use?

Freezing beef bones allows you to

• Stockpile – Save bones over time until you have enough for broth No waste!

• Preserve freshness – Freezing locks in flavor and quality longer than refrigerating.

• Gain convenience – You can make broth on your schedule, no rush with fresh bones.

• Maximize value – Make the most of bones from roasts, steaks, and other cuts.

Freezing gives you time to accumulate beef bones for future culinary endeavors. Now let’s talk about how long they actually last in the freezer…

What is the Shelf Life of Frozen Beef Bones?

After checking with food safety resources, the consensus is:

• 6 months to 1 year -Beef bones stay fresh and usable in the freezer for about 6 months up to 1 year when stored properly.

• No exact expiration – Unlike other meats, bones don’t have a definitive use by date. Their shelf life depends on handling.

• Watch for freezer burn – Toss bones if they become dried out, icy, or smelly.

So beef bones can be frozen for several months. Follow proper storage and handling to get the max time frame.

Storing Beef Bones for the Freezer

To freeze beef bones for maximal freshness, be sure to:

• Wrap tightly – Exclude as much air as possible by double wrapping in plastic wrap and foil.

• Portion bones – Freeze broth bones in usable amounts like 1-2 pounds versus a huge bag.

• Seal airtight – Use freezer bags and press out excess air before sealing.

• Label – Mark contents, amount, and freeze date for easy ID later.

• Freeze rapidly – Get bones from 40°F to 0°F fast so no ice crystals form.

Proper prep is key to preventing freezer burn over time. Now let’s go over how to use those frozen beef bones for bone broth…

Thawing and Using Frozen Beef Bones

When ready to use frozen beef bones for bone broth:

• Thaw slowly – Thaw bones in the refrigerator over 24-48 hours, not at room temp.

• Use quickly – Cook thawed bones within a few days for best flavor and nutritional value.

• Simmer thoroughly – Ensure bones reach a full rolling boil for 15-20 minutes to extract collagen.

• Don’t bother thawing and refreezing beef bones. Use completely thawed bones promptly.

And that’s the key to harnessing your frozen beef bone stash when the time comes!

Key Takeaways on Freezing Beef Bones

To recap, remember:

• Frozen beef bones keep 6-12 months with proper storage.

• Wrap tightly in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Portion bones in usable amounts before freezing.

• Thaw slowly in the fridge before using within a few days.

For now, I’m off to rummage through my freezer stash for some beef bones. The perfect day for simmering up a pot of bone broth!