I thought it would be a great idea to talk about how long you should be keeping that expensive local, grass-fed, and organic meat and wild-caught fish you’ve been investing in. Y’all make me so proud! 🙂
First, let’s talk about poultry storage.
Nothing has quite as off-putting a smell as chicken that’s past its prime. Eew. When you come home from the market, ideally you’ll be prepping your chicken for use later in the week (we have many recipes that can help you turn that plain old chicken into a masterpiece!). But, if you need a day or two to gather your bearings, keep that poultry in its original packaging and use it up within a day or two. I recommend putting the package of raw chicken on a plate in the fridge so the juices don’t drip, contaminating whatever they touch.
Never consume poultry past its best-by date. That’s asking for serious trouble. And you do not want to mess around with chicken.
If you’re not sure when you’ll be using it, wrap the original packaging in a resealable freezer bag and keep it in the freezer for up to three months. If it will be frozen longer than that, use resealable freezer bags to wrap the chicken in portions in order to prevent freezer burn. The best way to cut down on freezer burn is to purchase poultry in vacuum-packed bags or use your own vacuum sealer contraption.
Shellfish storage
Shellfish storage. Shellfish storage. Selfish shortage . . . what a tongue twister! However you say it, you need to keep that shellfish and seafood good and fresh when you get home with it.
Keep fish in its original packaging and store it in the fridge for no more than two days, preferably on a bowl of ice. Ideally, you will eat it on the day you bring it home. To freeze fish, put a resealable freezer bag around the original packaging and keep it in the freezer for a month or two.
With live shellfish like clams or mussels, you definitely don’t want to keep them around longer than you have to. Eat them soon after bringing them home. While they’re in the fridge, make sure they have some air, so poke holes in the packaging. And place them in a bowl to prevent juices from leaking into the fridge.
Beef, pork, and lamb storage
Ground beef and stew beef should only be kept in the fridge for two days, and for up to four months in the freezer. Keep it in a cold spot of the fridge, preferably towards the back of the middle shelf where it’s good and cool.
Keep a plate under your beef (and any other meat, really) while it’s in the fridge so you don’t have blood dripping onto anything. Not very appetizing.
Beef roasts, pork roasts, and steaks will last up to three days in the fridge, and for six months in the freezer.
Lamb chops and pork chops shouldn’t spend more than three days in the fridge and you shouldn’t freeze past six months.
Sausages should only be kept in the fridge for two days; they can be frozen for up to two months.
Now that you’re clear on how to store meat safely, how about making some great freezer meals so you never have to worry about dinner again? Go here and thank me later! 😉
Looking for great recipes to use your meat or poultry now? Check out our Dinner Answers program here.
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Freezing Grass – Pasture Raised Meat that I purchase directly from the farmer is guaranteed for 3 years in freezer!
I buy lots every time I go to the markets and have plenty on hand so I don’t have to out in this horrible winter weather.