Reuse of duck fat

[mayuchico]

I made duck confit with duck fat. I want to reuse the fat for the future. How many times can I do that? Should I stop after using a couple of times?

[trentyzan]

It's high in monounsaturated fat and thus resistant to rancidity. In the fridge with a teaspoon of salt it shouldn't go rancid for several months if kept cool and away from light and excess air. You can wrap some to keep out other odors and freeze if for maybe a year also. If you're reusing it as a deep-frying oil, though, keep a closer eye (and nose) on it.

[MMRuth]

I've reused refrigerated duck fat a year later (gasp, probably) with great results. The back of my fridge is pretty cold though.

What does the added salt do, by the way - for my future reference?

[trentyzan]

Helps preserve it from rancidity by reducing oxidation, like you'd expect. You can do without it, though, especially if it's low in the back of your fridge.

[karykat]

We're planning on keeping ours for a month anyway. Maybe more in seeing the feedback here. Have used it three times so far. We strain it really well after each use.

[kemi5]

I've reused my duck fat 3 times since NYE09 after the initial batch of confit. I strain it thoroughly after each use, and store it tightly covered in my fridge. So far so good. No rancid smell or taste. BTW 99 Ranch Market is a great source for whole duck legs. They carry it on a regular basis.

[runwestierun]

I freeze mine. It keeps many many months that way andit's always there for fryin' taters.

[teflontom]

Over the years, it seems, I have kept mine longer then I care to admit. Yes, even longer than a year, and not frozen. Yes, very cold. And I do agree the salt slows decay. Yet I have kept unsalted rendered fat as long, I just tend to use that batch quicker. But I must say more importantly, that not unlike anything which involves a shelf life question, trust your smell, and then, ultimately your tongue.
TATSE IT ! Before you use it.

Rancid is hard to miss, in smell and especially in taste. The tongue is an amazing. thing. It gives you pleasure and happiness, yet at the same time a necessary defense mechanism against poisons.
You'll know if the fat is bad. Same for any fat,. animal or vegetable.
Trust yor tongue. You will know.