Do you have a freezer full of a variety of meats, but you don’t know how to store them correctly? Mistakes made while storing food items can have many serious consequences on your life. In the worst case scenario, you may make a loved one sick due to bacterial infection or even food poisoning. In the best case scenario, you are wasting your money at a grocery store. The good news is that with a few precautions, you can store perishable items, especially raw meat, for a long time, and avoid all kinds of embarrassment. Whether you are freezing chicken for your weeknight dinner or saving mutton for that Sunday biryani, storing raw meat the right way can help preserve the taste and quality of the meat. So, let’s see what tips you should keep in mind before freezing your expensive kilos of meat.
Also read: How to Clean Raw Meat at Home- 5 Tips
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Here are 6 ways to store raw meat properly
1. Use airtight packaging
Before freezing, make sure you wrap the meat tightly. If there’s air in the bag, it can cause freezer burn. When storing raw meat, make sure you use freezer-safe bags or containers, and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. If you’re using plastic wrap or foil, double-wrap it for extra protection. Bonus tip: Buy a vacuum sealer to keep the air out completely and keep your meat fresh longer.
2. Add dates to the package
It’s easy to forget to put raw chicken or meat in the freezer. Labeling your meat with the date it was stored helps you keep track of how long it’s been frozen. This way, you’ll always know which batch to use first. Meat usually stays fresh in the freezer for up to six months, but always check its quality before cooking. A simple freezer trick is to organize your freezer by date so that the oldest batch of meat gets used first.
3. Chop the meat before freezing it
Don’t freeze whole pieces of meat unless your recipe calls for it. Cutting the meat into smaller pieces before freezing will make things easier when it comes to defrosting. This will ensure you only thaw the amount you need, avoid waste, and keep the rest of the meat frozen properly. Also, it’s beneficial if you’re meal prepping or planning to make dishes like kebabs or stir-fries.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Freeze meat at the right temperature
To ensure that your meat doesn’t spoil, your freezer’s temperature should be constantly set at -18°C or lower to maintain its quality. The lower the temperature, the better the preservation. Higher temperatures can allow bacteria and germs to grow and reduce its freshness. It’s always a good idea to check your freezer’s temperature setting before freezing meat. This will ensure that your meat stays fresh until you’re ready to prepare a dish with it.
5. Do not re-freeze meat
Once raw meat is thawed, avoid refreezing it at all costs. Thawing can remove moisture from your raw meat and then refreezing it can harm its texture, taste and most importantly, hygiene. Instead, as mentioned above, thaw the meat in small portions that you plan to use and make sure to never leave it at room temperature. If you must refreeze it, cook the meat first and then freeze.
6. Use freezer-safe containers
If you don’t have airtight containers or bags, use freezer-safe containers to store your meat. Cheap plastic bags can easily let air in, which can lead to freezer burn and spoilage. Choose containers that are specifically designed for freezing – as they are thicker and better at preventing air from getting in.
Also read: Eat meat the right way! 5 golden rules to remember when handling meat
