Meat is an important part of people's tables, and pork is favored because of its delicious taste and rich nutrition. To extend its shelf life, many people choose to keep pork in the refrigerator or frozen. The refrigerator is not a "one-size-fits-all box", and the time in which pork can be stored is not indefinite. How long does pork last in the fridge?
1. The shelf life of pork in the refrigerator freezer
1. Fresh pork: If you do not plan to eat fresh pork in the short term, you should put it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), fresh pork can be stored for 3-5 days under refrigerated conditions of 4°C (40 degrees Fahrenheit) and below. During this period, the quality and nutritional content of pork remain basically stable, but over time, microbial activity such as bacteria will gradually increase, which may lead to softness, darkening of color, and even odor.
2. Cooked pork: Cooked pork that has already been cooked has a relatively short shelf life in the refrigerator. The USDA recommends that cooked pork should be cooled below 4°C (40 degrees Fahrenheit) within 2 hours and then refrigerated for a shelf life of no more than 3-4 days. Expired cooked pork not only has a lower taste, but is also more likely to increase the risk of food poisoning due to bacterial growth.
Neither fresh pork nor cooked pork has a shelf life of no more than 5 days in the refrigerator freezer. After this time, even if there is no significant change in appearance, there may be a safety hazard, so it is recommended to discard it as soon as possible and do not eat it.
2. The shelf life of pork in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator
Freezing is a more effective way to preserve pork for a long time than refrigeration. In the freezing environment of minus 18 °C (0 degrees Fahrenheit) and below, the biochemical reaction of pork is almost stopped, and the activity of bacteria, enzymes and other microorganisms is greatly slowed down, thus greatly extending its shelf life.
1. Fresh pork: According to USDA guidelines, fresh pork can be stored for up to 6 months to a year under properly frozen conditions. To ensure the freezing effect, the pork should be divided into sizes suitable for one consumption, wrapped tightly in a sealed bag or plastic wrap, and the air should be expelled as much as possible, and then placed in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. During freezing, avoid repeated thawing and re-freezing to avoid affecting the meat quality and accelerating the growth of microorganisms.
2. Cooked pork: The shelf life of cooked pork in the freezer is similar to that of fresh pork, generally about 6 months. It also needs to be packaged, sealed and labeled for management and access.
It is important to note that while freezing can significantly extend the shelf life of pork, it is not "forever fresh". After the above recommended freezing period, the taste and nutritional content of pork may deteriorate, and there is still a risk of microbial growth. Although the pork appears to be intact in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator, once it has passed 6 months, it is recommended to consume or discard it as soon as possible to ensure food safety.
3. Scientific thawing and reasonable consumption
Whether it is refrigerated or frozen pork, it needs to be properly thawed before eating. The safest and best way to preserve the quality of the meat is to move the pork to the refrigerator to thaw it naturally a day in advance, avoiding prolonged exposure at room temperature to prevent bacteria from multiplying rapidly. For quick thawing, microwave or cold water soaking can be used, but the defrosted pork should be cooked immediately and should not be put back in the refrigerator.
During cooking, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches above 71°C (160 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill harmful bacteria that may be present. The cooked pork should be eaten immediately, and the remaining part should be cooled in time and put in the refrigerator for refrigeration, and eaten within 2-3 days.
The shelf life of pork in the refrigerator is not unlimited, fresh pork and cooked pork should not exceed 5 days and 4 days respectively in the refrigerated state, and 6 months in the frozen state. Beyond these recommended periods, pork may be a food safety hazard and it is recommended to discard it as soon as possible and never eat it.
Scientific and reasonable storage, thawing and cooking methods are the key to ensuring the quality of pork and maintaining the health of the family's diet. With these principles in mind, every pork feast on the table is a safe and delicious treat.