From the moment an animal dies until the instant it hits your dinner table, microorganisms intent on ruining your hard-earned meal wage a constant battle. No matter where you get your meat, proper storage is critical to avoiding spoilage. These are four of the most common methods for preserving meat.
Freezing
Freezing is a popular method of preservation found in kitchens and garages everywhere. You can safely freeze fresh meat from the grocer until you’re ready to thaw it and turn it into a meal. A word of caution, however, that your meat can still go bad in the freezer. Wrap and date all food you’re putting into your freezer, and research how long the food will remain good once it’s in there.
Canning
The process of canning is a simple one in which food is preserved through a vacuum-sealed container. The container is then heated to kill any organisms capable of spoiling the meat. Food that has been successfully sealed this way will stay fresh for multiple years, making canning a popular long-term storage option for many people. Wild fish and poultry are popular meats to can.
Curing
A technique called curing, which dates back to at least ancient Rome, is still one of the most common methods for preserving meat. Sometimes called salting, this method works for many varieties of cooked and uncooked meats. This method requires a refrigerator big enough to let the meat sit in salt and other spices for a week, so space might be an issue for some people.
Dehydration
People can dehydrate their meat in multiple ways, but using a solar or electric dehydrator is one of the easiest. Perfect for making jerky from deer, bear, or other game, this method requires you to shave off as much of the fat as possible and cut the meat into thin strips.
Ask for Advice
Attempting any of these methods of food preservation without properly researching the entire process can be dangerous. If you have any questions along the way, speaking to a local butcher who can answer any questions will make your food safer for anyone who later enjoys the fruits of your labor.
