Freezing Food

Yaayuh! · 27 Nov 2017 at 18:44

Hi you ‘orrible lot. Got a question for you.

After a discussion I just had and a quick google, my question is this: How long can you keep food frozen for? Meat being the main example.

We keep food frozen someone’s for over a year (12-18 months) and it’s still good. However found out that a lot of people don’t recommend keeping for that long and a lot of Internet sources specify as low as 4 months for some meats!

So what does OCUK say about this?

pepp77 · 27 Nov 2017 at 18:53

Freezers used to have little pictures on the drawers of food items with stars next to them that related to how long you should keep something. This seems a good list - https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/storagetimes.html

I use my eye to decide on whether something is still good, ice crystals are usually a sign something is past its best.

ganesh · 27 Nov 2017 at 20:10

It depends how it’s packaged and how big and thick/thin it is, my main concern would be freezer burn. If there’s a decent air gap around the meat and it’s fairly small or thin then within 3-4 months it will be fairly dry and nasty. The bigger it is or the smaller the air gap then the longer it will last.

The best solution is to vacuum seal anything you want to keep long term, do this and it will last years.

Glaucus · 27 Nov 2017 at 20:17

Like used by date, ignore and use your senses. But as above the better packaged it is the less hnace of things like freezer burn.

How to freeze for best results.
http://www.seriouseats.com/2016/09/the-best-fastest-way-to-freeze-defrost-food.html

Lopéz · 27 Nov 2017 at 20:18

Use your senses. I've frozen chicken before for well over two years with no issues.

ElliorR · 5 Dec 2017 at 13:08

I bought myself a vacuum sealer for this very purpose after I bought a load of meat from Musclefood. I'm still taking some chicken, or whatever, out weekly and once defrosted is ok many months later. I'm sure it'll last many many more months still.

randomshenans · 6 Dec 2017 at 08:59

My wife is always a bit more funny about this, but I'm more on the mindset of; as long as you cover it well, you can keep it for ages. I'll happily eat meat that's been well sealed and in there for over a year.