Although it’s important to store all food correctly and at the right temperature, certain foods, like meat, can be particularly risky to consume if not stored properly. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure safe storage of meat.
The Fridge
It’s best to store meat in your fridge or freezer. But simply putting it in the fridge won’t guarantee freshness. There are a few methods to keep your meat fresh for longer. According to an expert, using butcher paper in the fridge is a good option as it’s designed for storing meat for several days. If you want to freeze it, tightly wrap the meat in butcher paper and then place it in a Ziploc bag to minimize exposure to air and moisture.
When you buy meat from the grocery store, you can keep it in its original packaging, unless you want to freeze it. In that case, wrap it tightly with Saran wrap or special freezer paper, and put it in a Ziploc bag to ensure it’s sealed tightly.
Re-Wrap
If you’ve taken the meat out of its packaging but still have some left over, wrap it again with cling film. However, don’t put it back in the freezer. According to Thomason, repeatedly freezing and thawing the meat will make it lose its flavor and texture.
If you need to thaw meat for dinner, it’s important to plan ahead. Thomason suggests moving the meat from the freezer to the refrigerator. If you forget to plan ahead, you can quickly thaw the meat by placing it in a bowl of cold water. Just avoid thawing it in the microwave, as that will negatively affect the flavor and texture of the meat as well.
Limited Time
If you didn’t store your meat correctly, check if it’s still safe to eat. If you’re unsure, it’s best to throw it away. Even when stored properly, meat doesn’t last forever. It’s recommended to use fresh, paper-wrapped meats within three to four days of purchase. If meats are vacuum-sealed, use or freeze them within two weeks of the “packed on” date. Cooking meat sooner makes it fresher and more delicious, but if you can’t cook it in time, wrap it tightly and freeze it for later. When thawing, do it gently.
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