A Simple Guide To Storing Meat
How to Store Meat at Home – Simple Tips for Freshness and Safety
Storing meat properly at home helps keep it fresh, safe to eat, and full of flavour. Whether you’ve bought meat in person or ordered online for delivery, following a few simple rules will help you get the best from every cut.
Store Meat in the Fridge Straight Away
As soon as your meat arrives home, place it in the fridge. Meat should always be kept cold to slow the growth of bacteria.
- Keep your fridge between 0–4°C
- Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to prevent drips
- Keep meat in its original packaging or an airtight container
How Long Does Meat Last in the Fridge?
Different types of meat keep for different lengths of time:
- Beef and lamb joints or steaks: 3–5 days
- Mince and diced meat: 1–2 days
- Sausages and burgers: 1–2 days
- Chicken and turkey: 1–2 days
- Cooked meat: 2–3 days
Always check use-by dates and trust your senses. If something smells off or looks slimy, it’s best not to use it.
Freezing Meat for Later
Freezing is a great way to reduce waste and plan meals ahead.
- Freeze meat as fresh as possible
- Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn
- Label with the cut and date
- Store at -18°C or below
Typical freezer times:
- Beef and lamb: up to 12 months
- Pork: up to 6 months
- Chicken: up to 9 months
- Mince and sausages: 2–3 months
Defrosting Meat Safely
Never defrost meat at room temperature. Instead:
- Defrost in the fridge overnight
- Or use the microwave defrost setting
- Keep meat covered while defrosting
Once defrosted, use within 24 hours and don’t refreeze unless the meat has been fully cooked.
Storing Cooked Meat
Leftovers can be just as enjoyable when stored correctly.
- Cool food quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours
- Store in sealed containers
- Eat within 2–3 days
- Reheat until piping hot all the way through
Helpful Butcher Tips
- Keep your fridge clean and organised
- Use older meat first
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate
- When in doubt, throw it out
Proper storage helps you enjoy better-tasting meals, reduce waste, and keep your kitchen safe. With a little care, every cut can stay fresh and ready when you need it.
Back to News Articles