Great Meat Deserves Great Care

Keeping It Fresh

From fridge tips to freezer tricks, learn how our butchers keep your meat at its best, without sacrificing flavour or quality.

We believe great meat deserves great care, even after it leaves our shop. Whether you’re stocking up for the week or filling your freezer with your favorite cuts, how you store and freeze your meat can make all the difference in flavor, texture, and safety.

Our team of 5th-generation butchers has put together this quick guide to help you keep your meats fresh, delicious, and safe—from fridge to freezer to frying pan.

Fridge Storage 101: Keep It Cool, Keep It Clean

The first rule of storing meat is to keep it cold. Your fridge should be set to below 4°C (40°F), ideally the coldest spot inside. Different types of meat last different lengths of time in the fridge. For example, fresh beef will typically keep for three to five days, chicken for one to two days, pork around two to four days, and freshly made sausages or burgers for one to three days.

If you’re planning to use the meat within a few days, it’s best to keep it in the original packaging. Once opened, rewrap the meat tightly in butcher paper or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. To avoid cross-contamination, always keep meat on the bottom shelf of your fridge where any drips won’t affect other foods.

Freezing Meat Like a Pro

Freezing meat is a fantastic way to extend its shelf life without losing quality, as long as you do it properly. The fresher the meat is when you freeze it, the better the texture and taste will be once you thaw it.

Before freezing, it’s a good idea to portion your meat into meal-sized amounts. This way, you only thaw what you need and avoid waste. If you have access to a vacuum sealer, that’s the best method to prevent freezer burn and lock in freshness. If not, tightly wrapping the meat in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and placing it in a freezer-safe bag will do the trick. Don’t forget to label each package with the date and the type of meat to keep track of how long it’s been stored.

Generally, steaks and roasts can keep well in the freezer for six to twelve months, ground meats for three to four months, whole chickens or parts for nine to twelve months, and sausages are best enjoyed within one to two months. Cooked meats can typically be frozen for two to three months without losing quality.

Safe Defrosting: No Shortcuts Here

Defrosting meat safely is just as important as storing it well. The best method is to thaw meat slowly in the fridge. Place the meat on a dish or tray to catch any drips, and plan ahead—large cuts may take a full day or more to thaw completely. Once thawed, cook the meat within one to two days for the best quality.

If you’re short on time, you can thaw meat faster using the cold water method. Keep the meat sealed in a watertight bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Smaller cuts may thaw within an hour or less.

One thing to avoid at all costs is thawing meat on the counter. This exposes the meat to the temperature danger zone (between 4 and 60°C or 40 and 140°F), where harmful bacteria multiply quickly.

What Not to Do

Even with good intentions, some mistakes can impact the safety and quality of your meat. Never refreeze raw meat that has already been thawed, unless it has been cooked first. This can cause bacteria growth and affect flavor. Freezer burn is another common problem, where air exposure causes dry, tough spots on the meat. Proper wrapping and vacuum sealing are the best ways to prevent this.

Also, always store raw meat separately from other foods in both your fridge and freezer to avoid cross-contamination. Keeping your meat safely contained is part of protecting your whole meal.

Bonus Butcher Tip: Freeze With Flavor

Here’s a little secret from our butchers: marinating your meat before freezing locks in flavor, making meal prep easier and tastier. This works especially well with chicken thighs, pork chops, and steaks. Pre-portioning and freezing your meats also means you can pull out exactly what you need for quick dinners without any hassle.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Meat

Properly storing and freezing meat isn’t complicated. With just a little care, you preserve the natural flavor, texture, and quality that we at Meaty Eats are so passionate about delivering. If you ever have questions about storing a specific cut or want advice on the best way to freeze your purchase, don’t hesitate to ask one of our butchers. We’re here to help you enjoy your meat at its very best.

If you have any questions about storage or want custom packaging for your freezer, drop by the shop or get in touch. We love helping you get it just right.