Whether you’re saving meat for a special occasion or simply forgot it was in your fridge, you may be wondering how long it can be stored. Refrigeration and freezing stem bacterial growth for certain periods, but they won’t keep meats from eventually going bad. Learn more about preservation methods and determining the freshness of meat below.

How Long Does Meet Keep in the Fridge & Freezer?

How long meats last depends on their type and your storage method. Raw poultry, ground meats, and sausage will keep for one to two days when refrigerated. In the freezer, poultry will last for up to a year, ground meats for three to four months, and sausage for one to two months.

Deli-sliced lunch meats, steaks, chops, and roasts should remain fresh for three to five days in the fridge. When frozen, deli meat stays good for one to two months, steaks for six to twelve months, chops for four to six months, and roasts for four to twelve months. Cooked leftover meat can last three to four days in the fridge and two to six months in the freezer.

Should You Buy Fresh or Frozen Meat?

With frozen meat, you can’t be certain of its age. Fresh meat, on the other hand, will always have a butchered date. It’s likely to be much more recently butchered than frozen meat. If you do end up freezing it for later use, you’ll also know when it was frozen. For these reasons, many prefer purchasing fresh meat.

What Are the Best Ways to Store Meat?

For the freshest flavors, cook meat as soon as possible. But if you do need to save those pork chops for a later date, you’ll have to freeze them. Use airtight packaging for any meats going into the freezer, then wrap your package in aluminum foil or a freezer bag.

When you’re ready to make your meal, the best way to thaw frozen meats is to switch them over to the refrigerator at least 24 hours before cooking. Don’t cook meat straight out of the freezer since it will not cook evenly, and never thaw it at room temperature. Counter thawing risks the development of bacteria on the surface of the meat. If you’re pressed for time, you can thaw smaller cuts faster in a bowl of warm water.

When you shop at the Butcher & Bird, you can cook mouthwatering meals with the freshest meats around. Their professional staff members know the best ways to prepare and store all of their products. Located on the 2nd floor of SALT at Our Kaka‘ako in Honolulu, HI, the butcher market serves a varied selection of high-quality gourmet meats, from hearty steaks to delicate charcuterie, that you won’t find anywhere else on the island. Call (808) 762-8095 or fill out a contact form online to inquire about their available products.