Did you find yourself with extra meat after your last grocery trip, and decided to freeze some for later? If you’ve ever rediscovered that stash of chicken, turkey burgers, or steaks months later, you might wonder, “How long does meat really last in the freezer? Can I still eat it?” Here’s some comforting news: according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), frozen meat can be kept indefinitely and still be safe to eat.

However, there’s a slight catch. Even though frozen meat doesn’t spoil, its taste and texture might degrade over time. The USDA points out that while frozen meats remain safe, their quality can diminish the longer they’re stored.

Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered! We’ll guide you through the best practices for storing various types of meat in your freezer, following guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and food safety experts. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to store your meats to maintain maximum freshness and avoid any disappointing, rubbery chicken or tough steaks.

How Long Does Meat Last in the Freezer?

• Poultry: Prepping for Thanksgiving early? You can freeze whole chickens and turkeys for up to a year, and chicken or turkey parts for up to nine months.
• Beef, Veal, and Lamb: Those special occasion New York strips or veal chops can be frozen from four to twelve months.
• Pork: Similar to beef and lamb, pork chops and roasts can also be kept from four to twelve months. However, processed pork items like hot dogs and bacon should only stay frozen for one to two months.
• Venison: Deer meat can last in the freezer for nine to twelve months if properly wrapped.
• Ground Meat: Ground meats stay fresh for three to four months, perfect for those upcoming barbecues or Taco Tuesdays.
• Fish: Storage times vary by type—fatty fish like salmon should be used within two to three months, while lean fish like cod can last six to eight months.
• Shellfish: Fresh shellfish like crab or lobster can be frozen for two to four months; shrimp and squid maintain quality for up to eighteen months.

The Right Way To Store Frozen Meat

1. Set your freezer temperature: Keep your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to ensure safety. This temperature kills harmful bacteria and prevents spoilage.
2. Wrap your meat properly: Instead of using the original packaging, wrap your meat in foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper for better freshness. Vacuum-sealed meats can be frozen as is.
3. Freeze quickly: Wrap and freeze your meat as soon as possible to capture its best quality. Fast freezing prevents ice crystals that can affect the texture.
4. Arrange wisely in the freezer: Don’t stack your meats initially. Spread them out in a single layer until fully frozen to allow quicker freezing.

Remember, while you can freeze meat for extended periods, fresher is always better when it comes to taste and texture!

 

Bill Rice is Co-Publisher of the Great Family Cookbook Project, a website that helps families and individuals collect, preserve and share food memories by creating their own printed personal cookbooks. He is the author of The Wellfleet Oyster Cookbook (Available on Amazon) and the Cape Cod Cocktail Cookbook, both created using FamilyCookbookProject.com. He is also editor of the Donovan Family Cookbook, now it’s third printing and is an avid genealogist tracing his family back to the 1600’s.

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