I just bought meat but I don’t think I can eat it this week. How should I store it?
Storing meat in the refrigerator is standard for those who food shop for the week, but it can be a little confusing to know exactly how long you can keep it before you should freeze it. Here are some guidelines that we recommend that you follow to get the most out of your products.
How long can you store meat in the fridge?
The amount of time you can store meat in the refrigerator depends on the type of meat and how it's been prepared. Generally, raw beef, pork, and lamb can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Ground meat, such as beef or turkey, should be used within two days. Raw poultry, including chicken and turkey, can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Cooked meat, on the other hand, can be stored for a little longer. Cooked beef, pork, lamb, and poultry can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
How long should you wait before freezing meat?
If you want to freeze meat, it's best to do so as soon as possible after you've purchased it or prepared it. You can freeze meat for several months, but the longer it stays in the freezer, the more likely it is to develop freezer burn or lose its quality. Know that you plan to freeze it? Ask us to vacuum seal it for you!
As a general rule, you should freeze meat within two days of purchasing it or preparing it. If you've stored it in the fridge for a few days, you should freeze it before it reaches its use-by date. One tip - if you have already defrosted meat, we don’t recommend refreezing it.
How to wrap meat to maintain its shelf life
Wrapping meat properly can help to maintain its shelf life and prevent it from spoiling or developing freezer burn. Here are some tips for wrapping meat:
Use plastic wrap or freezer paper: These materials are designed to keep moisture and air out, which can help to prevent freezer burn.
Double wrap meat: If you're concerned about freezer burn, consider double-wrapping your meat. Wrap it in plastic wrap or freezer paper, and then wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil.
Label and date the meat: Make sure you label the meat with the date it was frozen so you can keep track of how long it's been in the freezer.
Use freezer bags: Freezer bags are a great option for storing meat in the freezer. They're designed to keep moisture and air out, and they're easy to stack and store in the freezer.
Keep raw meat away from other foods. You want to avoid contamination and the spread of bacteria.
How best to defrost meat
Defrosting meat is a crucial step in the cooking process, but it can be a little tricky to get right. If you defrost meat improperly, it can lead to bacterial growth and no one wants that.
Defrost in the refrigerator - One of the safest ways to defrost meat is to do so in the refrigerator. Simply place the meat in a container or on a plate and let it defrost in the fridge overnight. This method is safe because it keeps the meat at a consistent, cool temperature, which helps prevent bacterial growth.
Use cold water - If you don't have time to defrost meat in the fridge, you can use cold water to speed up the process. Place the meat in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. This method is safe and effective, but it can take a bit longer than defrosting in the fridge.
Use the microwave - If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave to defrost meat. However, this method can be a little tricky because the microwave can unevenly heat the meat, which can lead to bacterial growth. To defrost meat in the microwave, use the defrost setting and check the meat every few minutes to make sure it's not cooking.
Cook from frozen - If you're really pressed for time, you can cook meat from frozen. This method is safe, but it can take longer to cook the meat because it's starting from a frozen state. It's important to cook meat from frozen at a lower temperature for longer to ensure that it's fully cooked.
If you have more questions, reach out to us! We are always happy to chat with you about the best ways to store and prepare meat. It’s what we do.
xoxo,
KP
