It might make things taste delicious but it’s not exactly something you can eat daily. Once you’ve opened the jar (or rendered your own), is there a better way to store it?
Can You Freeze Duck Fat?
Yes, you can freeze duck fat for up to 6 months. Pour it into an ice cube tray once cooled and then pop this into the freezer until the fat is solid and can be bagged up.
Do Does Duck Fat freeze well? Yes
Can you refreeze Duck Fat? Yes
How to Freeze Duck Fat
Freezing duck fat is a great way to preserve it for future use, especially for making dishes like confit or just simply enhancing the flavour of your vegetables. Here’s my method for doing so:
- Cool
After rendering your duck fat, let it cool completely at room temperature. - Portion
Portion the fat into manageable amounts. Think about how you usually use duck fat and portion accordingly. You can use ice cube trays or silicone moulds for smaller portions or freezer bags or containers for greater amounts. - Freeze
If you’re using ice cube trays or moulds, place them in the freezer. Once the duck fat is frozen solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for longer storage. If you’re using freezer bags or containers, put them in the freezer. - Label
Always label your storage bags or containers with the date. Duck fat can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months without losing its flavour.
Infuse Beforehand
Warm up your duck fat with herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic, then strain it and freeze. When you thaw it, you’ll have beautifully infused duck fat that adds flavour to any dish you’re making.
Yes, you can freeze duck fat roast potatoes. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and they can be kept frozen for up to 1 month without significant loss in quality.
How Long Can You Freeze Duck Fat?
Duck fat can be safely frozen for up to 6 months.
When stored correctly, freezing helps preserve the flavour and quality of duck fat. Over time, however, the quality of the fat can start to degrade.
Although it’s still safe to use beyond the 6-month mark, you might notice a slight change in flavour or aroma, making it less effective in adding that coveted richness to your dishes.
Duck fat can last for up to 6 months in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container. However, for the best quality and flavour, it’s recommended to use it within the first 3 months.
How Do You Defrost Duck Fat?
When it comes to defrosting and using frozen duck fat, the process is simple. There are a few options to choose from though:
Defrost in the Fridge
The safest way to defrost duck fat is in the fridge. Simply take out the amount you need and let it thaw in the fridge overnight in a bowl. This ensures that the fat remains at a safe temperature throughout defrosting.
Room Temperature Thaw
If you’re in a rush, you can thaw duck fat at room temperature. Remember, it should be used immediately after thawing to ensure safety and quality.
Straight From the Freezer
For many recipes, there’s no need to thaw duck fat before using it. If you’ve stored the fat in small portions (like an ice cube tray), you can pop a cube directly into your hot pan or pot.
The fat will melt quickly and be ready to use in your cooking.
Once defrosted, use the duck fat as directed in your recipe. It’s excellent for frying or roasting vegetables, confiting meats, or even spreading on toast (no one said it had to be healthy).
Yes, you can defrost duck fat in the microwave using the defrost function, but do so with caution to avoid overheating or splattering. Remember to use it immediately after microwaving to maintain the best quality and safety.
Can You Refreeze Duck Fat?
Yes, you can refreeze duck fat, but it’s generally better to avoid it if possible.
Every time you freeze, thaw and then refreeze food, you risk potential changes in texture and flavour. Although duck fat is less susceptible to these changes than other foods due to its high-fat and low water content, it’s still ideal to avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles.
Does Duck Fat Freeze Well?
Yes, duck fat freezes exceptionally well. Its high-fat content helps it maintain its texture and flavour during freezing, making it an ideal candidate for long-term storage.
Unlike some other fats, duck fat doesn’t contain much water, which can crystallize and affect texture during freezing. Instead, it stays relatively stable, maintaining its rich, savoury flavour even after several months in the freezer.
It’s essential, however, to store it properly to avoid exposure to air, which can lead to oxidation and changes in flavour over time.
Sources
We have verified the information on this page using the following resources:
