The Best Way to Store Meat from a Meat Packing Plant

Buying meat in bulk from a meat packing plant is a great way to save money, often giving you better prices than major retailers. But once you bring home all that fresh meat, one big question remains: how do you store it safely for the long haul?

The good news is that storing bulk meat isn’t as complicated as it might seem. With the right approach, you can keep your meat fresh for months—or even years—without sacrificing quality or food safety.

Planning Ahead: How Much Meat Should You Store?

Before we dive into storage methods, it’s important to consider how much meat you’re actually buying and how long it will take you to use it.

For example, if you purchase 30 lbs. of meat and eat ½ pound per day, you need a storage solution that keeps it fresh for about two months. If your household consumes 3 lbs. per day, the same purchase will last just 10 days, meaning storage requirements will be much simpler.

The key is to make a rough meal plan before you buy. If you’re unsure how much to get, a reputable meat packing plant can help guide you toward the right quantity for your needs.

The Best Way to Store Meat for Maximum Freshness

If you want to keep your meat fresh for six months, a year, or even longer, the USDA has good news: frozen meat remains safe indefinitely. The real challenge is preserving its texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Portion Your Meat Before Freezing

Before freezing, divide your meat into meal-sized portions. This not only makes future meal prep easier but also helps maintain food safety.

Thawing and refreezing meat can lead to bacterial growth and degrade its quality. By portioning in advance, you ensure you’re only thawing what you need.

2. Use Proper Wrapping Techniques

Once your meat is portioned, double-wrap or vacuum-seal it to prevent freezer burn and extend its shelf life.

• Vacuum sealing is ideal, as it removes air and locks in freshness.
• If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, the USDA recommends keeping meat in its original packaging and tightly wrapping it with plastic wrap or freezer paper to add an extra layer of protection.

3. Freeze It Fast!

After wrapping, get your meat into the freezer as quickly as possible. Meat left at room temperature for more than two hours becomes unsafe to eat due to bacterial growth. Additionally, slow freezing can negatively impact texture and flavor, so the faster it freezes, the better.

General Guidelines for Storing Meat

To keep your meat fresh and safe, follow these essential storage rules:

• Refrigerate or freeze meat within two hours of purchase.
• Never thaw meat at room temperature. Use the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave instead.
• Opened raw meat should only stay in the fridge for 2–3 days.
• Unopened, sealed lunch meats or hot dogs should be used within 1–2 weeks.
• Label your frozen meat with the date you stored it to keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer.

Buy Fresh, Store Smart, and Enjoy Quality Meat

Storing meat properly ensures you get the most out of your bulk purchase—without worrying about waste or food safety. Whether you’re stocking up for a few weeks or planning months in advance, following these simple steps will keep your meat fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat.

Looking for high-quality bulk meat at unbeatable prices? Click here to contact Pease Packing and place your order today!