Are you using your freezer efficiently and effectively? Buying meat in bulk and stocking up the freezer is a convenient way to save money, reduce trips to the grocery store, and make sure you always have something to eat at any moment! Think of your freezer as your savings account, where you can set “funds” (aka food) aside for a rainy day. The fridge is your checking account, where you keep the assets you plan to use soon.
To get the best bang for your frozen buck, it’s important to know some essential safety tips for freezing and thawing your meat. Learn all the details here for smarter shopping and saving! Table of Contents
Frozen foods are safe indefinitely. For best quality, fresh pork roast, steaks, chops or ribs should be used within four to six months; fresh ground pork, pork liver or variety meats should be used within three to four months; and home cooked pork; soups, stews or casseroles within two to three months.
Does Frozen Meat “Go Bad?”
According to the USDA, frozen meat kept at 0°F or lower will always technically be safe to eat. This low temperature prevents the growth of microorganisms and microbes like bacteria and mold.
But that doesn’t mean it will taste good forever. While freezer burn doesn’t make frozen meat unsafe, it will make the texture dry and leathery. According to Nourish by WebMD, to identify freezer burn, look for ice crystals on the surface of the meat, or for a shriveled or discolored appearance.
You can cut off freezer-burned spots before or after cooking. Or if the meat is heavily freezer-burned, you may want to throw it away entirely.
What Is the Best Way to Package Meat For Freezing?
The most important thing to keep in mind when packaging meat for the freezer is that air is the enemy. You want as little air in your packaging as possible, because that’s what ultimately causes freezer burn!
If your meat comes in a vacuum-sealed package, you can successfully freeze it as-is. Styrofoam trays aren’t as airtight, so you can either over-wrap them in tight plastic wrap or repackage their contents by wrapping them in plastic and placing them inside a freezer bag.
Previously cooked meat can also be frozen in a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before you zip it up, and label what is cooked and what is fresh. Ground meat in particular can be hard to identify between raw and cooked after it’s frozen.
When you put your packages in the freezer, you want them to freeze as quickly as possible to prevent the growth of ice crystals which will damage the texture. Lay the items flat and don’t stack them until they’re solid. Ideally, you would freeze your meat in a stand-alone freezer that isn’t opened often. The more often you open your freezer, the more likely you are to lose temperature.
How long can food stay in your freezer?
FAQ
How long can pork chops be frozen before it goes bad?
How do you know if pork is bad after freezing?
Is it safe to eat 10 year old frozen meat?
Is meat still good after 2 years in freezer?
Can you eat frozen pork chops after expiration date?
Properly stored, frozen pork chops will maintain best quality for about 6 months in the freezer, although they will usually remain safe to eat after that. Are frozen pork chops safe to eat after the ‘expiration’ date on the package?
Why is pork not recommended to eat?
This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.
Can cooked pork chops be frozen?
Yes, cooked pork chops can be safely stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Allow the meat to cool completely before packaging it in airtight containers or freezer bags to maintain its quality. It’s important to label the packages with the date to keep track of how long they have been in the freezer.
How long do frozen pork chops last?
The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions – keep pork chops frozen at all times. Properly stored, frozen pork chops will maintain best quality for about 6 months in the freezer, although they will usually remain safe to eat after that.