Dashi questions

[ethnicchower]

A few questions about dashi:

- Does any of you make your own dashi from scratch?
- How long does dashi prepared from a package last in the fridge?
- How long does home made dashi last in the fridge?

Thanks!

[chefj]

From scratch.
As stated above it neither keeps long or well, but is fast and easy and the ingredients are dried or persevered so pantry stable. It can be stored for a few days in the fridge or longer in the freezer with out spoiling, but loses some of the subtleties of flavor.
That said it is eons better than the instant stuff even after being stored in the fridge or being frozen.

[janniecooks]

I make as much dashi as I need at the time. I don't believe it keeps, I've never tried. It's so quick to make and since you can very easily make as little or as much as you need, it's better made fresh when you need it. That's the beauty of dashi.

[PAO]

Alas, it doesn't last very long--just a few days, whether you make from scratch or a package. The divine smell starts to disappear.