How to freeze meat and fish properly?

According to Dr. Lai Ngoc Hien, Traditional Medicine Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City, preserving meat is not simply buying meat and putting it in the refrigerator. Meat needs to be stored properly to maintain its nutritional content and freshness.

Before putting it in the refrigerator or freezer, prepare the meat by washing it under running water and then draining it. Divide the meat into portions (enough for one use) and put them in a covered container or zip-lock bag. This will help keep the meat fresh longer, retain its flavor and not affect the quality of other foods in the refrigerator. Then, note the storage date and the name of the meat on each container.

Pork, beef, poultry, shrimp, and fish can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. How long raw meat can be stored in the refrigerator depends on the container. Make sure the container is clean, dry, and covered or sealed.

The ideal temperature for storing meat in the refrigerator is around 4 degrees Celsius. The ideal temperature for storing meat in the freezer is below -18 degrees Celsius. Complying with the storage time limit not only helps to limit food spoilage but also preserves nutrients.

Normally, fresh beef, goat meat, 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. After purchasing, processed fish and seafood should be used within 24 hours in the refrigerator and stored for 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 taking meat out of the refrigerator or freezer, it should be used as soon as possible, because at room temperature, bacteria can grow as before freezing. Always store raw meat in a sealed container and separate from cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination, affecting the quality of the meat and causing the refrigerator to smell./.