Your nose knows. Trust it. If your jar of drippings smells like old crayons, play dough, or just funky, it’s time to say goodbye. Fresh bacon fat smells like bacon—smoky, meaty, and inviting.
Also, look for changes in color. Fresh fat is a lovely pale gold or light amber. If it’s turning dark brown, greenish, or has any mold spots on the surface, do not pass go. Toss it out and start fresh next Saturday morning.
And here’s a fun little fact: Bacon fat can be frozen for up to a year. Yes, you can freeze it in ice cube trays, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag. That way, you always have a single-serving portion ready for a quick sauce or a hash brown upgrade.
