How to Store and Freeze Meat Properly for Maximum Freshness

📍 Published by Lakewood Meats & Sausage
🕒 Read Time: 6 minutes
📍 Visit Our Butcher Shop in Lodi, CA for the Freshest Cuts
📦 Order House Seasoning, Jerky, and Sausage Online: Shop Now

 

When it comes to buying high-quality meat, how you store it matters just as much as where you buy it. Improper storage can lead to flavor loss, dryness, and even spoilage—especially when dealing with premium cuts like those you’ll find at Lakewood Meats.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for storing, freezing, and thawing meat to keep it fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat.

Caption: Store and freeze your meats the right way to enjoy that just-butchered freshness—every time.

1. Store Meat in the Fridge (Short-Term Storage)

If you plan to cook your meat within 2–3 days, storing it in the fridge is ideal. But not all storage is created equal.

Fridge Storage Tips:

• Keep your fridge at 34°F to 40°F
  
• Place meat in the coldest part (usually the back bottom shelf)
  
• Keep raw meat in its original butcher paper or vacuum seal, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap with foil
  
• Store on a plate or tray to catch any drips
  

Storage Lifespan (Refrigerated):

• Steak & roasts: up to 3–5 days
  
• Ground beef/veal: 1–2 days
  
• Sausage (raw): 1–2 days
  
• Cooked meats: 3–4 days
  

Tip: Always check use-by dates and trust your senses—if it smells off, toss it.

 

2. How to Freeze Meat for Maximum Freshness

Freezing meat properly helps preserve both taste and texture, especially when buying in bulk from Lakewood Meats.

Freezing Tips:

• Wrap meat tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper, then seal in a freezer bag or vacuum-seal for best results
  
• Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn
  
• Label with the type and date for easy tracking
  
• Keep your freezer at 0°F or below
  

📦 We offer vacuum-sealed packaging in-store upon request—just ask our butchers when you shop!

3. How Long Can You Freeze Meat?

Freezing doesn’t make food unsafe, but it can impact quality over time. Here’s a helpful guideline:

Meat Type	Ideal Freezer Life
Steaks/Roasts	6–12 months
Ground Beef/Veal	3–4 months
Sausages (raw)	1–2 months
Cooked Meat	2–3 months
Jerky (sealed)	Up to 12 months

4. How to Safely Thaw Meat

Never thaw meat at room temperature. This can lead to bacterial growth. Instead, use one of these safer methods:

Best Thawing Methods:

• Refrigerator: Slow and safe. Plan 24 hours per 5 pounds
  
• Cold Water Bath: Submerge in a leak-proof bag, change water every 30 minutes
  
• Microwave (Quick Thaw): Use only if cooking immediately after
  

Tip: Once thawed in the fridge, you can keep meat refrigerated for another 1–2 days before cooking.

Bonus: Season Before Freezing for Better Flavor

Want your meat packed with flavor and ready to go? Season it before freezing using our Lakewood House Seasoning!

• Works great on steak, pork, sausages, and chicken
  
• Helps flavor penetrate deeper during thawing
  
• Saves time when you’re ready to cook
  

👉 Order our House Seasoning online here

Stop By for the Freshest Cuts – or Order Jerky & Seasoning Online

At Lakewood Meats, we take pride in offering high-quality, hand-cut meats with no shortcuts. Whether you're picking up steak, sausage, or ribs, we’ll help you with storage tips, custom portions, and vacuum sealing on request.

📍 Lakewood Meats & Sausage
316 N Ham Ln, Lodi, CA 95242
📞 (209) 369-1122
🕒 Mon–Sat: 9am–6pm | Sun: Closed
🌐 Order House Seasoning, Jerky, and Sausage Online

 

Proper storage protects your investment, your taste buds, and your family’s health. Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy Lakewood-quality freshness from the day you buy it to the day you cook it.