If you’re someone who likes to shop from your groceries like fish, meat and non-perishables just once or twice a month because of your busy schedule, then you definitely need to know the right way to store/freeze meat and fish (in case you do not already know how to, of course!).
In this article, let us discuss how to store meats and fish frozen, in the right way, through this simple storage guide. I have included information like storage tips, spoilage signs, freezer and fridge shelf life etc., about all kinds of meat, fish and also deli meats too.
What’s essential to remember is that this storage guide will give you storage instructions, but the faster you defrost and eat frozen foods, once bought, the better will be its taste.
Here is a meat and fish fridge and fridge and freezer storage guide:
1. Chicken
A whole chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days and can be frozen for even up to 12 months. But in the case of chicken wings, breast pieces and thighs, you should consume it within nine months of freezing. The giblets of a chicken (like the heat, liver, gizzard etc), should be consumed within 3 to 4 months once frozen.
Spoilage signs: Becomes grayish and dull in color, with a slimy texture and bad odour.
2. Pork
Pork chops will last in the freezer for 4 to 6 months, but consuming them within 4 months of freezing, will be ideal in terms of its taste. Pork roasts can last frozen for even up to a year. Pork can last refrigerated for 1 to 2 days.
Spoilage signs: Change in texture, becomes slimy and bad odour.
3. Beef and Lamb
Beef and lamb steaks will last in the freezer for up to 12 months. Steaks like sirloin, strips etc., will last up to even 8 months, but taste better consumed within 4 months. Beef roasts can be frozen for even up to a year. Beef and lamb can last refrigerated for 1 to 3 days.
Spoilage signs: Bad odour, bloated appearance of the meat.
4. Fish
Fatty fish like salmon, herring, cod, mackerel etc., can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer and lean fish like tilapia, tuna etc., will last 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Spoilage signs: Sour odour, flesh becomes slimy and mushy.
5. Seafood
Other sea food like shrimp, shellfish, lobsters, squid etc., can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days and in the freezer for up to 1 year. But the sooner its eaten the better the taste.
Spoilage signs: Sour odour, flesh becomes slimy and mushy.
6. Turkey
A whole turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days and can be frozen for even up to 12 months. But in the case of turkey wings, breast pieces and thighs, you should consume it within nine months of freezing. The giblets of a turkey (like the heat, liver, gizzard etc), should be consumed within 3 to 4 months once frozen.
Spoilage signs: Change in texture, becomes slimy and bad odour.
7. Ground Meat
Ground meat of any kind like pork, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey etc., must be consumed within 4 months of freezing.
Spoilage signs: Change in texture, sticky and slimy texture.
8. Deli Meats
Different deli meats once frozen, have different freezer shelf lives. Hot dogs – up to 8 months, sausages, up to 8 months, bacon, up to 6 months.
Ham, if uncooked, up to 4 months, if cooked, it shouldn’t be frozen, but should only be kept refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Other tinned deli meats like corned beef, luncheon meat etc., shouldn’t be frozen upon opening and should be refrigerated and consumed with 3 to 10 days.
Spoilage signs: Change in texture, becomes slimy and bad odor.