Freshness Guide: How to Store Your Bone Broth (And Why It Must Be Refrigerated)

1. Why the Fridge is Non-Negotiable

We are so used to supplements living in the cupboard that we often forget Collanature Concentrate is real food. Unlike dry powders which are preserved with desiccants, or ultra-processed sauces loaded with artificial preservatives (like Potassium Sorbate), our broth is preserved naturally through thermal reduction.

Once the vacuum seal is popped, the clock starts. Just like you wouldn't leave an open jar of fresh pesto or a pot of homemade stock on the counter, you cannot leave this concentrate out. It must go straight into the fridge (below 4°C). The cold temperature inhibits bacterial growth and maintains the gelatinous structure. If you leave it out overnight, it may spoil.

2. The "Clean Spoon" Rule: Preventing Mould

The number one reason for premature spoilage is "Double Dipping." Bone broth is a nutrient-dense environment. Bacteria love it just as much as you do. If you lick a spoon and put it back in the jar, or use a spoon that has touched coffee or crumbs, you are introducing enzymes and bacteria into the sterile environment.

The Golden Rule: Always use a clean, dry teaspoon. Never dip a wet spoon back in. Moisture introduces water activity, which allows mould to grow. Treat the jar with the same hygiene respect you would give to a jar of raw honey or fresh jam.

3. Shelf Life: Unopened vs. Opened

Understanding the dates prevents waste.

• Unopened: The jar is shelf-stable for 12 months from manufacture. You can keep it in your cupboard or pantry until you are ready to use it. This is possible because we remove the water activity during the simmering process.
• Opened: Once the seal is broken, it must be refrigerated and consumed within 60 days (approx. 8 weeks). The Sniff Test: Because it is a natural product, trust your senses. It should smell rich and beefy (like a Sunday roast). If it smells sour, unpleasant, or "fizzy," it has likely been contaminated or left out too long—discard it.

4. The Freezer Hack: Zero Waste

If you are an occasional user or going on holiday, freeze it. You don't have to race against the 60-day clock. The concentrate freezes beautifully.

The Method: Spoon the entire jar into a silicone ice cube tray. Freeze solid, then pop the "Broth Cubes" into a freezer bag. These cubes will last for 6 months. When you want a drink or need to add flavour to a stew, just grab a cube. It melts instantly in hot water. This is the smartest way to ensure you never waste a single gram of premium nutrition.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it so hard to spoon out?

In the fridge, natural gelatin sets into a firm solid. This is the "Wobble Test" of quality! It isn't "stuck"; it's just set. Dip your spoon in hot water for a second before scooping, and it will glide through the jelly effortlessly.

2. Can I keep it in the cupboard if it's cold in my kitchen?

No. Even a British kitchen varies in temperature. The fluctuations can cause the fat to melt and separate, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. The fridge provides the consistent temperature required for safety.

3. Why do stock cubes last forever?

Stock cubes are dehydrated and packed with salt (a preservative) and often palm oil. They are "dead" food. Collanature is "living" food. The shorter shelf life is the trade-off for the higher nutritional quality.

4. There is a white layer on top. Is it mould?

Look closely. If it is hard, white/creamy, and melts when touched, it is Tallow (healthy beef fat) that has risen to the top. This is normal and good! Mould is usually fuzzy and green/grey. Do not confuse the protective fat layer with spoilage.

5. Can I eat it past 60 days?

The "Best Before" after opening is a guideline for optimal freshness. If you have practised strict hygiene (clean spoon) and it smells fine, it may last longer, but we recommend sticking to the 8-week window for safety.

Final Thoughts

Treat your jar like a fresh steak, not a multivitamin. By following the simple rules of refrigeration and hygiene, you ensure that every spoonful is as potent and safe as the day it was made.

👉 Shop here: Collanature – Natural Bioactive Bovine Collagen.