How long is the shelf life of deer antler Does deer antler have a shelf life

April 27, 2023
My family bought a little deer antler more than a year ago and never ate it, but I suddenly remembered it today. What is the shelf life of deer antler.

Does antler have a shelf life?

Antler has a shelf life. Although deer antler is a tonic herb, it also has a shelf life, and because it is a medicinal herb, it has a longer shelf life than other foods.

What is the shelf life of deer antler?

1-2 years. The shelf life of herbs is about 1-3 years; the shelf life of woody plants is about 2-4 years, and the shelf life of minerals is about 5-10 years, while animal herbs like antler can be preserved for 1-2 years if they are well preserved.

What does deer antler look like when it expires?

1. Look at the appearance

The surface of normal deer antler is reddish brown with honeycomb-like holes, hard and brittle, while the surface of expired deer antler may be darker, dark brown, or dark brown on the fracture surface, commonly known as "oiling", or there may be mold or insect eggs on the surface.

2. Smell

Deer antler is the unboned antler of the stag, so it has a slight fishy smell, while expired antler may have a mildewy smell and harsh smell.

3. Taste

If the antler is hard and brittle and tastes slightly sweet and salty, but if the antler has a sour or other taste in your mouth, it is likely to be expired.

Can you still eat antler after it has expired?

If the antler has been used for 1-2 years, but there is no mold or worm eggs, you can continue to eat it, but its medicinal effect may be weaker than before. If the antler has become moldy, it is not recommended to continue eating it, as it may produce some mold or other microorganisms that are harmful to the body and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc., which is not good for health.

How to preserve deer antler

Because deer antler is an animal herb, it should be stored in the following ways to prevent moisture and insects.

1、Save it together with rice

Pack the antler in a sealed bag or moisture-proof paper, and then bury it under the rice, because rice can absorb moisture, which is good for antler moisture prevention.

2、Save it together with pepper

Pepper has a strong flavor and is difficult for insects to get close to. After packing the antler, sprinkle some pepper on the surface of the antler to effectively help prevent insects.
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