Your comprehensive guide to preserving meat at home

Meat is a staple on our tables, but to ensure its quality and safety, proper storage methods must be followed. Proper storage helps preserve its nutritional value and taste and prevents the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. In this article, we'll review the best ways to store meat at home. .

The importance of proper meat storage:

·      Maintaining food safety Improper storage makes meat a fertile environment for the growth of harmful bacteria . .

·      Preserving nutritional value Proper packaging and storage protects the proteins, vitamins, and minerals found in meat . .

·      Maintaining taste and texture Improper storage may cause the meat to dry out or change its flavor . .

The best ways to preserve meat:

1.    Refrigeration (regular refrigerator)

Refrigeration is used to preserve fresh meat for a short period of time, and the following instructions must be followed: :

✅ ideal temperature Store meat at a temperature below 4°C . .

✅ Storage location Place on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator where it is cooler . .

✅ Proper packaging It is preferable to wrap the meat in aluminum foil or vacuum bags to prevent odors from escaping .     

Avoid oxidation

✅   Storage period Fresh meat can be stored in : 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator .

2.    Freezing

Freezing is the ideal solution for preserving meat for a longer period, but to ensure it remains of high quality, the following must be followed: :

✅ Division and packaging It is preferable to divide the meat into small portions and package it in airtight bags or using vacuum technology .

✅    freezing temperature The meat is kept at -18 °C or lower

✅ Storage period :

·      Beef and lamb: up to 6-12 months .

·      Ground beef: until 3-4 months .

·      Poultry: Even 9-12 months .

✅  How to thaw frozen meat It is best to remove the meat before use and refrigerate it to thaw slowly to prevent bacterial growth. Thawing at room temperature is not recommended . .  

3.    Other ways to preserve meat

·      Seasoning Marinating meat before storing preserves its flavor and helps keep it tender .

·      drying A technique used to remove water from meat to prevent bacterial growth and increase storage life . .

·      canning : A method of preserving meat for long periods using pressure canning. .

Important tips when storing meat

❌  Do not wash meat before storing. Washing causes bacteria to spread in the refrigerator . .

⚠️  Separate raw meat from cooked foods. To avoid cross-contamination .

🔪  Use clean, dry utensils to cut meat. To prevent the transmission of germs .

 📆 Check meat regularly If it changes color or has an unpleasant odor, dispose of it immediately. .

 🌡 Make sure your refrigerator is working efficiently. Keep it at a temperature below : 4 degrees Celsius .

 ❄ Do not refreeze meat after thawing. Because it harms the texture and taste . .

How do you know if meat is spoiled?

⚠️  bad smell Any strong or abnormal odor is evidence of spoilage . .

 ⚠️  discolor If the meat turns dark blue or gray, this is an indication that it has spoiled. .

⚠️  abnormal stature If the meat becomes unnaturally slimy or soft, it should not be consumed. .

How do you ensure you receive fresh meat?

At Meat & More, we care about the quality of our meat from the moment it's picked until it arrives at your door. We use refrigerated trucks that maintain a temperature below 4°C. degrees Celsius to ensure the meat reaches the best possible quality ! 🚚❄

📢 Find more tips on preserving meathere.