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I have some dehydrated store-bought broth mix (chicken and vegetable) that has clumped into a large solid block. I haven't been able to find any information on the Internet about how to fix this.

I suspect it is a matter of hydration (too hydrated or too dehydrated). I could experiment by adding drying agents/water, but I figured I should ask first before making my broth go funky.

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    This product is a powder when you first purchase it? Did it clump inside its original packaging, or only after you opened it? How long has it been after the package was opened? – John Feltz Jan 12 '17 at 2:12
  • Your question asks about how to prevent dehydrated broth from clumping; the details ask how to fix broth that has clumped. Those are two separate questions. – verbose Jan 12 '17 at 9:04
  • @verbose: good point – Alan Trick Jan 13 '17 at 6:25
  • @JohnFeltz In one case was originally powder, came in a can, and it clumped after using it while camping. I don't think significant moisture would have entered, but I'm not sure. In another case it clumped after it was moved into a plastic container. – Alan Trick Jan 13 '17 at 6:27
  • @AlanTrick : I know this sounds strange, but if it's a cardboard 'can' (like baking powder comes in), it might be better to leave it in the can -- the cardboard helps to regulate the moisture a bit. The exception to that is when you only have a little bit left, and you're in a humid place ... as every time you open the can, moist air moves in. – Joe Jan 13 '17 at 12:58
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The clumping is a result of air and moisture entering the container with the substance. This especially happens if you pour the mix directly from the container over a hot dish - the steam enters and immediately clumps the spices. What you can do is to transfer your mix into a new dry and airtight container. Hope this helps :)

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  • A truly "airtight container" sounds like a great idea, but the jars I use, moisture still gets in. This stuff (broth powder, or bouillon powder) just sucks moisture out of the air. I don't even think you need to open the jar; over time it will cake up. Maybe putting in some of those dessicant or silica gel packets might help. – Lorel C. Jan 13 '17 at 18:39
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    You can always disolve it and portion it in an ice cube tray, then freeze. After it's frozen, transfer into freezer bag to optimize space and take a broth cube to flavor as you need it. – Adelina Jan 13 '17 at 20:15
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To break the clumps up, just use physical force.

Put the stuff in a sealed, heavy-duty plastic bag and whack on it with a rolling pin or a heavy bottle until it is in smaller lumps, then use your hands to break them down into the original powder.

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