How Long Does Leftover Meat Last?
Occasions, get-togethers, parties, and all such gatherings mean you will be having leftover meat, right? Or maybe, sometimes you cook extra meat, and you do not finish the whole batch in one go. Refrigerating the leftover meat is the best option.
Keeping the meat in the refrigerator is the best way to store the meat for another 3-4 days. You cannot keep the meat at room temperature, so the fridge is the best and the quickest way to store the meat. Keep the food tightly sealed in an airtight container for the best results.
However, when you are refrigerating leftover meat, make sure that it has not been left unattended at room temperature for a long time. This will cause bacterial build-up and the food will eventually spoil, even if you refrigerate it.
You can also keep uncooked leftover meat in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking it. The meat will stay good and can be used in many recipes. Just ensure that the uncooked meat is wrapped adequately.
What Happens To The Meat After That?
While storing the meat in the refrigerator is a good idea, you can only keep the meat for about 3-4 days there. What happens to the meat after that? Well, the meat eventually starts to degrade. The texture and the quality of the meat will alter.
The refrigerator can store the meat for a short time. And it soon starts to degrade. The meat will develop a smell and become dry if refrigerated for a long time. It will eventually be unfit for consumption.
How Can You Store The Meat For Later?
Freezing is the best way to store the meat for later. It does not matter whether the meat is cooked or uncooked, freezing is ideal for both of them. Freezing can increase their shelf life to another 4-6 months. What could be better than this, isn’t it?
You might not want to eat the meat within 3-4 days of refrigerating it, or maybe you could not finish it. Therefore, storing the meat for longer is a fantastic idea. It is suggested that you freeze your meat correctly to avoid freezer burns.
Tips to store meat in the freezer:
- Wrap your meat in several layers of cling film, before freezing it. This will keep out all the air and protect the texture of the meat.
- If you have large quantities of meat, store them in smaller batches. This will prevent food spoilage and help while defrosting.
- If your cooked chicken recipe demands adding garnishings, do not add them before freezing. Add them later when you reheat the dish.
Is It Safe To Freeze Meat?
Yes, it is completely safe to freeze meat. Freezing has always been an effective way to preserve meat easily at home. However, you need to make sure that the meat you are freezing has undergone the right steps, otherwise it might spoil.
Also, remember that you can not freeze cooked meat that is still warm. Freezing warm meat increases the chances of freezer burns and causes the meat to spoil. Lastly, it is advised that you consume your frozen meat as early as possible for the best results.
Can You Refreeze Meat?
Yes, it is possible to refreeze meat, but I would not suggest you do so. This is because freezing the meat repeatedly will eventually make it dry and also alter the texture. However, you can safely refreeze uncooked meat without the fear of spoilage. But avoid refreezing cooked meat.
For refreezing the uncooked meat, rewrap the meat again in a fresh cling film, and store it accordingly. Also, make sure that the meat has not been exposed to air, otherwise, there is no point in refreezing it.
