- Freezing is an excellent way to preserve meat.
- As with fruits and vegetables, freezing does not sterilize the product, but will delay the action and growth of bacteria.
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Freeze fresh high-quality meat.
Freezing Guide - How to Freeze Meat
How to freeze Beef, Veal, Lamb, Pork and Chicken
- Some smoked meats like bacon can only be stored frozen for a period of 1 to 2 months; this is due to the high concentration of salt which may accelerate rancidity.
- Always freeze in meal portions, this will allow flexibility when thawing preventing you from having to remove pieces from a frozen “block” of meat which is really difficult or having to thaw more than what you need.
- Remove as many bones and fat as possible. This will help you save space in the freezer and retard the rancidity that is enhanced by the fat.
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Freeze mince, cubed meat and steaks in the appropriately sized and shaped FreezerKeeper™ container. Use the lows for steaks and chops.
How to thaw meat
Thawing in the refrigerator
- Place the meat in the refrigerator the evening before cooking it.
- Make sure the temperature in the refrigerator is set between 1°C and 4°C.
- Never leave the meat for longer than 24h in the fridge before cooking it.
No thawing
- Pieces of meat to grill, barbecue or fry like steaks ribs, etc, frozen flat, per unit, can be cooked without defrosting.
- Place them on the grill/frying pan using medium-high heat and add spices for a golden crust, then reduce heat to cook through.
Defrosting in the microwave
- The Heat 'N Eat containers are perfect for thawing your foods in the microwave.
- The flatter the pieces, the better and more evenly they will defrost.
- Always cover and work with the “defrosting” button.
- During the defrosting process, always stop halfway and turn the piece of meat for even defrosting.
- Times vary in function of the form/shape and weight. Check after short bursts of time so as not to cook the meat. At the end of defrosting, allow for a standing time to let the meat “rest”.
- Remove the juice. Cook the meat as soon as possible.