Bacon enthusiasts find that its deliciously powerful taste brightens their day!
But did you know that bacon grease can also be great for your skin and hair?
And when you use it as a cooking oil, it can even help you lose weight.
But what happens if you don’t keep it properly?
Does it go bad over time?
Can you still use it if it smells bad?
Let’s find out!
How do you know if bacon grease has gone bad?
You probably won’t notice any difference between fresh and old bacon grease unless it’s been sitting around for a while.
It will start smelling rancid after about six months and become darker in color.
If it’s been sitting longer than that, it’ll have a stronger odor.
The only way to tell if bacon grease has gone bad is by using one of these tests:
Check the color
A fresh batch of bacon grease looks clear or pale yellow, but old grease tends to get darker.
You can also test it by putting a dab on a white paper towel and seeing if it absorbs any grease.
Smell it
If it smells like rotten eggs, it’s definitely starting to go bad.
Old grease has a strong odor, so it may take some time to detect.
Test it with an acid solution
For example, mix a drop of ammonia into a cup of water and add a couple drops of vinegar.
If the mixture turns pink, it’s likely okay.
If it doesn’t turn pink, it’s bad.
What are the signs that bacon grease has gone bad?
Here are some other signs that indicate that you need to toss your bacon grease:
It has an off-putting odor
There’s no doubt that old bacon grease stinks, but it shouldn’t be too overpowering.
If it smells like rotten eggs, it’s probably going bad.
It’s discolored
The color of bacon grease varies depending on the type of meat used.
Some bacon grease is brownish red, others are more orange.
If the color changes from its original shade, it’s probably bad.
It has a strange consistency
If you squeeze it, it feels sticky and oily.
This could mean that it’s moldy, which is another sign that it’s going bad.
It has a “stringy” texture
When you rub your fingers through it, it comes away in clumps.
This means it’s old and probably going to spoil soon.
It’s cloudy
Bacon grease gets cloudy over time because it contains particles of fat.
If it’s cloudy, it’s probably bad.
How long does bacon grease last?
Since we’re talking about food here, it’s important to remember that bacon grease is perishable.
If you keep it in the refrigerator, it’ll last much longer than at room temperature.
However, it can go bad quickly once it’s exposed to air.
According to Good Housekeeping, bacon grease can last for up to a year in the fridge.
That said, it’s best to consume it within three months.
After that, it’s not good anymore.
What is the shelf life of bacon grease?
Shelf life refers to how long something lasts before it goes bad.
In general, foods with higher moisture content (like meat) tend to have shorter shelf lives than those with lower moisture content (like vegetables).
A pound of bacon grease has a shelf life of about eight months, according to Food Safety News.
While this seems like a long time, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
It’s better to use it up sooner rather than later.
How long does bacon grease last?
Freshly made bacon grease has a shelf life of about two weeks.
Once it’s opened, however, it can go bad very fast.
According to Food Safety News, bacon grease can last for up to a month if it’s refrigerated, but it’s best to consume it within three months.
What is the shelf life of bacon grease?
If you’ve ever had a bottle of olive oil open for years without spoiling, you know that it can last forever.
As long as you keep it in a cool, dry place, it should last indefinitely.
Can bacon grease be stored in the fridge?
Yes, bacon grease can be kept in the fridge.
Just make sure you keep it in a tightly sealed container.
Otherwise, it might leak out and ruin everything in the kitchen.
How should bacon grease be stored?
Store bacon grease in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place where there’s little to no air circulation.
Make sure the container has tight lids and is free of leaks.
Don’t put bacon grease in the refrigerator, since it’ll change the flavor.
What happens if you eat bad bacon grease?
Bacon grease isn’t just tasty—it can actually do wonders for your body.
If you eat it regularly, you can expect to see benefits like weight loss, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of heart disease.
However, if you’re eating bacon grease that’s expired, it could cause problems.
Not only will it taste bitter, but it could also cause digestive issues and other unpleasant side effects.
So, if you plan to use it as part of your diet, make sure you buy only the freshest stuff.
Is it safe to cook with bacon grease?
While it’s true that bacon grease is high in saturated fats, it’s also rich in essential fatty acids like omega 3s and monounsaturated fats.
These beneficial nutrients can improve your overall health and well-being.
In fact, studies show that people who eat lots of bacon grease tend to live longer than those who don’t.
So yes, it’s safe to cook with bacon grease.
How can you tell if bacon grease has gone bad?
To avoid wasting money on bacon grease that’s past its prime, you can test it yourself.
Simply pour a small amount onto a piece of white paper and wait for it to absorb any excess grease.
If it doesn’t absorb any, then it’s time to dispose of it.
Turkey bacon is an alternative to conventional pork bacon. Without any splatters, turkey bacon may be cooked in the microwave with ease.
What do you do with bad bacon grease?
There are plenty of ways to use up old bacon grease.
Here are a few options:
Use it as a replacement for vegetable oil in baking recipes.
Make homemade whipped cream with it.
Put it in salads instead of butter or oil.
Use it on top of pancakes or waffles.
Add it to salad dressings.
Sauté veggies in bacon grease instead of oil.
Make homemade pizza dough with it.
Use it to fry chicken or fish.
Use it to coat meats before grilling them.
Pour it on popcorn.
Microwave Owen Cooked Turkey Bacon
Equipment
- 1 microwave
Ingredients
- 4 bacon
Instructions
- Remove the lid from the tray. Arrange three to four bacon strips evenly throughout the tray grooves.
- Place the tray in the microwave oven and cover with the lid.
- Microwave the food for the appropriate amount of time for the level of softness to crispiness you desire. Below is a list of suggestions on how long to microwave bacon. The time varies from 1 to 3 minutes.
- Take the bacon tray out of the microwave once it is done cooking. Remove the lid with caution, as it may be warm and the steam may be hot. Enjoy your turkey bacon.
Video
Nutrition
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