Every once in a while our fridges and freezers need a good
spring clean. Making sure that you take care to clean everything out and make
space for your produce you can lessen the risk of food going off before its
proper use-by date, as well as make sure to avoid detrimental waste of goods
through effects such as freezer burn. It is essential that you take good care
when storing your frozen and refrigerated meats not only to prolong their
storage, but also to prevent them making you ill.
Getting hold of the freshest meat makes for great meals in a
flash, so you will want to use only the freshest ingredients right away. Red
meat and pork should last up to five days within a refrigerator at the correct
temperature before they may start to go off. When placed in the freezer, red
meat and pork can last for up to 4 to 12 months if stored correctly. Leftover
cooked red meats will last roughly the same amount of time in the fridge, but
may only last half the amount of time when re-frozen.
Storing poultry
safely
Fresh, raw poultry will only last a few days in the fridge,
so make sure the meat is kept in a separate container and away from other
meats. Use well before the use-by date to get that fresh taste. When frozen,
raw poultry may last for up to a year - this is why poultry meats are a great
choice when buying meat in bulk. The way you store your frozen poultry may also
have an effect on how it is defrosted later on. So ensure you cut the meat to
portions you desire beforehand and place in freezer bags to avoid freezer burn.
It is important to keep your fridge below 5°C to improve the
longevity of your foods. Pay careful attention to raw meats you may store in
your refrigerator and make sure there is no chance of cross contamination. If
possible, place raw meats into a sealed bag or plastic container that is sealed
properly. To ensure that no fluids from the meat such as blood are able to
escape and contaminate other foods in your fridge, place your meat containers
on the bottom shelf.
Things to avoid
It is important to never re-freeze raw meat, poultry or fish
that has already been defrosted. Meat that has been defrosted must be consumed
within a few days. This will ensure that with adequate storage, you can safely
eat the meat and reduce any build-up of bacteria that may cultivate in the
meat. Ensuring that your refrigerator and freezer are cleaned on a regular
basis will ensure you further lower the risk of contamination of your meat and
other foods.
The use of plastic bags is a popular way to store frozen
foods in the freezer. Whilst doing so may save you a few pence if using
supermarket bags, freezer bags are much better to help you store your frozen
food. They may be thicker and help to protect against freezer burn, as well as
having a place on the outside to label your meats for easier storage and
sorting over longer periods of time. Proper storage of meats will ensure your
food lasts longer, as well as tastes better when it’s time to start cooking.
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