Freezing meat is a great way to preserve it and prevent the meat from spoiling.
Meat stored in a refrigerator will be fine for a few days, but not much longer.
The same meat stored in a freezer is safe to eat for several months or more.
If you enjoy eating meat, its important to adhere to safety guidelines for freezing meat.
Read on for a guide to thesafe storage of meatin a freezer.
It also slows enzyme action down, which stops the food from spoiling.
The longer meat remains frozen, the higher the likelihood the quality will be impaired.
Raw chicken can be frozen and will keep very well in the freezer.
A whole chicken can be kept in the freezer for up to 12 months without spoiling.
If you have a turkey saved for Thanksgiving, it will be fine for up to 12 months.
Steaks are good for 6-12 months in the freezer.
Sausages made from pork, beef, or other red meat dont last as long in the freezer.
Bacon is safe in the freezer for around four weeks.
Cooked Meat
Cooked red meat cant be stored in the freezer for as long as raw meat.
Thereafter, defrost it and use it up.
Its also safe to store meat stews for up to three months.
Cooked Poultry
Cooked chicken pieces are OK in the freezer for up to four months.
Freezer Temperature
Meat must be stored at a temperature of minus 18 degrees Celsius or below.
At this temperature, microbial and bacterial growth are inhibited.
The freezers temperature must remain consistent.
This will warn you if the temperature of your freezer rises about the recommended -18 degrees Celsius.
Failing to monitor the temperature of your freezer could have disastrous results.
If food is not stored correctly, it will soon begin to spoil.
Refreezing Meat
Raw meat can be safely refrozen, but only if it has been cooked first.
Freezing meat is a good way to preserve it for longer, but verify you follow the guidelines above!
