How long is bacon fat good for in the fridge?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “How long is bacon fat good for in the fridge?” and methods to store bacon fat, detect spoilage, as well as freeze bacon fat.
How long is bacon fat good for in the fridge?
Bacon fat can be placed in the fridge for six months. Store-bought bacon fat can probably last for more than six months. Homemade bacon can spoil quickly because it might not be filtered of bacon bits.
Bacon fat can be used instead of vegetable oil or butter. Before using bacon fat, check it properly for signs of spoilage.
How to store bacon?
- After you have cooked, allow the bacon to cool for a while at room temperature. Strain the bacon grease using a cheesecloth or sieve in a container.
- Pour the bacon grease into an airtight container and wrap it with aluminum foil. After using up the grease, clean the container properly and then add the new grease.
- If the grease becomes solid and you are unable to pour it into the container because of that, you can place the grease in a pan and heat it.
- You can add the bacon to the container and strain out the bigger pieces of bacon. Even if you observe some sediments, it is fine. The sediments would settle to the bottom of the container.
- Use dry and clean utensils or spoons to remove bacon fat or else there can be an increased risk of contamination.
- Clean the outsides of the bacon container to avoid the pests from spoiling the bacon container especially if you are planning to store it outside.
- If you are planning to place the bacon fat on a kitchen counter, you can place the bacon fat in a ceramic container. Consume the bacon fat within one to two months of its storage especially if you are placing it outside.
- If you are planning to store the bacon fat in the pantry, place it in a cool and dry place. The bacon fat can be kept at a temperature of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you have bought store-bought grease, place it in the pantry or the kitchen counter as it has a longer shelf-life than the homemade bacon fat. Store the bacon fat away from areas emitting high temperatures like an oven or a stove.
- If the bacon fat has been store-bought, it is not necessary to refrigerate them unless the label in the container instructs you to do so.
How to detect spoilage in bacon fat?
- If you smell or taste rancidity in the bacon fat, it is a sure shot indicator of spoilage. If bacon is kept at room temperature for a long time or has not been sealed properly, rancidity is likely to develop.
A sour or fishy odor is an indication of spoilage in bacon fat.
- If you observe mold growth on bacon fat, it is better to avoid consuming it.
- Any discoloration in bacon fat is an indicator of spoilage. If you observe green, gray, or brown discoloration, it is another indicator of spoilage.
- You can also try touching the bacon fat with your hands. If you observe that it is slimy or sticky, it is a sign of spoilage too.
- Tasting the bacon is the last step to detecting spoilage. Bacon fat has a salty and pleasant flavor. If it has a bad taste, it is an indicator of spoilage.
Can bacon fat be frozen?
Frozen bacon can have an extended shelf-life of at least a year. Place bacon in an airtight container in the freezer.
If you wish to defrost bacon fat, place the container in the fridge overnight. It should be used in a few days.
Avoid refreezing bacon fat after it has been thawed. This is because changes in the temperature of the bacon fat can cause it to become rancid and alter the flavor of the bacon fat.
It is not necessary to freeze bacon fat as it lasts in the refrigerator anyway for a long time if stored well.
You can store bacon fat more efficiently in the fridge by dividing them into portions and freezing them in ice cube trays. The cubes can then be placed in an airtight container.
Bacon fat can also be cooled in a container and with the help of a melon baller and these fat balls can be placed in an airtight container. Avoid refreezing bacon fat, once it has been thawed.
Other FAQs on bacon that you might be interested in.
How to get bacon grease out of clothes?
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “How long is bacon fat good for in the fridge?” and methods to store bacon fat, detect spoilage, as well as freeze bacon fat.
