Storage Tips

Here's some useful tips about storage and handling of your pork:

- When shopping, pick up perishable foods last.
- Take along an insulated container to keep items cold if there is likely to be a delay before your reach home.
- Return home as soon as possible after you have finished shopping.
- Place perishable items in the fridge or freezer as soon as you get home.
- If the Pork is loose wrapped, place on a plate covered with plastic food wrap or in a sealed container lined with a layer of paper towel.
- Store Pork is the coldest part of the fridge. Even if you have to move the beer. Even better, get a separate beer fridge!!

Storage Life

Some Pork will be sold with a ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date. Follow these dates where provided.

The following chart is a guide only for shelf life. Fresh Pork should smell fresh and have sweet aroma not meaty . Fresh pork will also be pink or pale in colour and feel firm not slimy or greying in colour.

Recommended refrigeration storage temperatures and shelf life
Cut - Temperature °C - Shelf life in the home
Small Cuts - 0-3 - 3 days
Large Cuts - 0-3 - 3-5 days
Cured Meats - 0-3 - 2-3 weeks

Freezing

Frozen Pork should be thawed before use. The best way to thaw meat is in the refrigerator for 24 - 48 hours before use.

When freezing always try to use a freezer bag or air tight container and remove air prior to freezing. If storing steak, chops or large items place bags between the layers or items in separate bags. This makes separation easier and will prevent freezer burn.

Pork is able to keep frozen for up to 6 months depending upon how it is wrapped & stored.

If you are unsure of freshness your senses are a good guide.

Please note:
Do not thaw meat in the sun or place in warm water, microwave defrosting is possibly the safest method for fast defrosting.