DecodedGuides

How to store duck fat

Best place: the fridge. USDA gives duck fat a fridge time (30 days, from purchase) and no pantry time, so it belongs in the fridge as soon as you get home.

Pantry

No guideline

Fridge

30 days

from purchase

Freezer

No guideline

How to tell duck fat has gone bad

General signs for condiments, sauces & canned goods, the group USDA lists duck fat under.

  • Dented, bulging or rusted cans, especially at the seams
  • Hissing sound or spray when a can or jar is opened
  • Mould on the surface of a sauce or condiment
  • Separation, discoloration or a sharp off smell from the jar
  • Metallic taste or cloudy liquid in canned food

More on condiments, sauces & canned goods. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.

Storage habits that make the difference

Refrigerate opened condiments and sauces with their lids on tightly, and use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination. Store unopened cans in a cool, dry cupboard, and once opened, transfer leftover canned food to a covered container in the fridge rather than storing it in the can.

How to store other condiments, sauces & canned goods

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.