What is the best way to freeze meat and fish?
Meat should be prepared, sorted, and divided into zip-lock bags or airtight containers before refrigeration, with the maximum storage time depending on the type of meat.
According to Dr. Lai Ngoc Hien, a specialist at the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Medicine Hospital, preserving meat is not simply a matter of buying it and immediately putting it in the refrigerator. Proper storage is necessary to maintain its nutritional content and freshness.
Before refrigerating or freezing the meat, rinse it thoroughly under running water and let it drain. Divide the meat into portions (enough for one use) and place them in airtight containers or zip-lock bags. This helps keep the meat fresh for longer, preserves its flavor, and doesn't affect the quality of other foods in the refrigerator. Then, label each container with the storage date and the name of the meat.
Pork, beef, poultry, shrimp, and fish can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. How long raw meat can be kept in the refrigerator also depends on the container used. Ensure that the container used for storing meat is clean, dry, and covered with plastic wrap or tightly sealed.
The ideal temperature for storing meat in the refrigerator is around 4°C. The ideal temperature for storing meat in the freezer is below -18°C. Adhering to these storage time limits not only helps prevent food spoilage but also preserves nutrients.
Generally, fresh beef, goat, and pork can be stored for 3-5 days in the refrigerator and 4-12 months in the freezer. Fresh poultry can be stored for 1-2 days in the refrigerator and 9-12 months in the freezer. Fish and seafood, once prepared, should be used within 24 hours in the refrigerator and 2-3 months in the freezer. Processed meats can be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and 1-6 months in the freezer.
Dr. Hien noted that after removing meat from the refrigerator or freezer, it should be used as soon as possible, because at room temperature, bacteria can grow as they did before freezing. Always store raw meat in airtight containers and separate it from cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination, which affects meat quality and also causes the refrigerator to smell.
