How do you know if chicken base is bad?

Determining if chicken base has gone bad can be tricky. Chicken base is a highly concentrated chicken broth that is usually made by cooking chicken parts, bones, and vegetables to extract maximum flavor. Because of its concentrated nature and minimal ingredients, chicken base can last unopened for up to a year past its “best by” date in the pantry. However, once opened it has a much shorter shelf life. Here are some tips on how to tell if your opened chicken base has gone bad.

Check the Expiration Date

The first thing to look for is the expiration or “best by” date printed on the container. This will give you an idea of how long the chicken base should last unopened. Typically, unopened chicken base will stay good for 9-12 months past this date when stored in a cool, dry place.

However, once opened the timeline changes. An opened container of chicken base will usually last 4-6 months past its printed date if refrigerated. If you notice the chicken base is past its expiration date and you’ve had it open for longer than that timeframe, it’s best to discard it.

Look at the Color

Fresh chicken base should have a pale to medium yellow color. As it starts to spoil, the color will become darker and look more orange. Grayish or brownish discoloration is a sign the product has likely gone bad.

However, color change alone isn’t always a perfect indicator. Things like spices and vegetables in the base can affect its shade. But a darker than normal color can be a red flag that it may be time to throw it out.

Smell It

Your nose is one of the best tools for determining if chicken base has spoiled. Give it a good whiff – your chicken base should have a mild chicken aroma without any sour, funky, or unpleasant scents. Rancid chicken base will have a distinct, rotten smell.

Trust your senses on this one. If at any point the chicken base develops an “off” odor, it’s not worth taking chances – get rid of it.

Check the Texture

The texture is another way to gauge freshness. Properly stored chicken base will be smooth and glossy. As it starts deteriorating, the consistency becomes thinner and watery. You may also see sediment or particles floating in the base if it has sat for too long.

Significant changes to the chicken base’s viscosity or the appearance of solids means it’s time to say goodbye. Those are clues that unwanted bacteria has started growing.

Examine the Packaging

Inspect the packaging closely. Look for any bulges, tears, or cracks that could indicate contamination. The container should be vacuum sealed without any air gaps or puffiness.

Make sure the sealing ring on the lid is intact and clean. Dirty seal areas or broken seals are red flags for potential spoilage. Any compromised packaging raises the risk of exposure to microbes and oxygen.

Watch Out for Mold

Visible mold growth is one sure sign your chicken base has gone bad. You may see fuzzy or discolored spots on the surface or floating in the liquid. Even if you don’t see obvious mold, it can still be lurking below the surface.

Do not scoop out the mold and use the rest! Any amount of mold indicates the whole product is contaminated. Chicken base with mold should be immediately discarded.

Avoid Using Past Use-By Date

The use-by date indicates when the chicken base is no longer at peak quality. The flavor and nutritional value progressively declines past that date, even if it’s not necessarily a food safety risk. It’s best not to use chicken base that has passed its use-by date.

Look Out for Freezer Burn

If you’ve frozen your chicken base, another sign of it going bad is freezer burn. This appears as dry, flaky patches or areas of discoloration. Freezer burn means the food has been exposed to air and started oxidizing, impacting flavor.

While freezer burnt chicken base is technically still safe to eat, the taste and quality will be diminished. It’s better to toss it out at that point.

When in Doubt, Throw it Out

If you notice several of the warning signs or there is any rotting smell, don’t taste questionable chicken base to find out if it’s still good. With the health risks of foodborne bacteria, it’s better to be safe than sorry and discard it.

Proper Storage Extends Shelf Life

To maximize chicken base’s freshness and shelf life:

  • Keep unopened chicken base in a cool, dry place like the pantry.
  • Refrigerate opened chicken base in an airtight container.
  • Use within 4-6 months of opening.
  • Make sure container is tightly sealed after each use.
  • Do not store at room temperature once opened.
  • Check expiration dates and use the older cans first.

Signs Chicken Base Has Gone Bad

Here is a quick summary of the signs that opened chicken base may be spoiled and should be discarded:

  • Expired date
  • Darker, dull color
  • Unpleasant sour or rancid smell
  • Thinner, watery texture
  • Mold growth
  • Damaged or leaking packaging
  • Exposure to air and freezer burn

Play It Safe with Fresh Chicken Base

Chicken base is very versatile and can add great flavor to soups, stews, gravies, sauces, casseroles, rice dishes, and more. But no one wants to deal with the consequences of using spoiled chicken base in their cooking.

Be diligent about proper storage and learn the signs of bad chicken base. When in doubt, don’t chance it – get rid of older chicken base and start fresh. With the right handling, you can enjoy chicken base’s shelf life to the fullest while avoiding any foodborne illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if opened chicken base is still good?

Check for changes in color, odor, texture, and packaging. Fresh opened chicken base will be pale yellow, smell mildly like chicken, have a smooth glossy texture, and an airtight vacuum seal. Signs it has gone bad include darker orange color, foul sour smell, watery or thin consistency, mold, and damaged packaging.

What happens if you eat bad chicken base?

Consuming rotten, spoiled chicken base can cause food poisoning resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, chills, fever, and headaches. In more severe cases it can lead to dehydration, organ damage, or even death in those with weakened immune systems. Always discard chicken base at the first signs of spoilage.

Can you get sick from old chicken base?

Yes, you can get sick from using old, expired chicken base. Chicken base can grow bacteria like salmonella, listeria, campylobacter, or E. coli if left open and unrefrigerated for too long. These bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels and cause foodborne illness when ingested, especially for at-risk groups like children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immunity.

How long does chicken base last in the fridge?

Properly stored, opened chicken base will generally last 4-6 months past its printed expiration date when kept refrigerated at or below 40°F. Write the date opened on your chicken base. Beyond this timeframe, it’s risky to consume and best to discard.

Can you freeze chicken base?

Yes, chicken base can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Make sure it is tightly sealed and place in an airtight freezer bag or container. Frozen chicken base will keep for 3-4 months in the freezer at 0°F. Thaw in the refrigerator before using again.

What is the shelf life of chicken base?

Unopened chicken base has a 1 year shelf life from the printed “best by” date if stored in a cool, dry pantry. Once opened, chicken base will last 4-6 months in the refrigerator. For maximum freshness and shelf life, keep chicken base sealed and properly refrigerated after opening.

The Bottom Line

Chicken base is prone to spoilage once opened, so proper storage is key. Check expiration dates, inspect the color, smell, texture, and packaging closely. Discard at the first signs of spoilage. Follow safety guidelines, and you can safely enjoy chicken base’s savory flavor before it goes bad.

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