If you’re a hunter, or you know someone who is, you may wonder how long deer meat will last in the freezer. The answer may surprise you – deer meat can last for a very long time in the freezer as long as it is properly stored.
The National Center for Home Food Preservation suggests that ground venison be stored in a freezer at 0°F or colder for up to 3 months for best quality. However, properly storing your deer meat can last in the freezer for up to 12 months without significantly losing quality.
Can frozen deer meat go bad?
There is a lot of conflicting information about how long you can keep deer meat frozen before its taste suffers. Generally, it is best to consume frozen deer meat within 9 months for the best quality. However, some experts in this type of meat go so far as to assure that you can freeze deer meat for up to 5 years or indefinitely.
According to the USDA, frozen foods are safe to eat indefinitely. But just because something is ok to consume doesn’t mean it will still taste delicious after years in a deep freeze.
How can you tell if frozen deer is bad?
When consuming deer meat, it is important to know how to tell if the meat has gone bad. There are a few key indicators that can help you determine whether or not frozen deer meat is still safe to eat.
First, take a look at the color of the meat. If it is a deep red, then it is likely still fresh. However, if the color has changed to gray or brown, this is a strong sign that the meat has spoiled and should not be consumed.
Another way to tell if deer meat has gone bad is by smell. Fresh venison should not have any sour or putrid odors. If you notice any sharp smells coming from the meat, it is best to discard them.
Finally, examine the texture of the venison. If it appears slimy or sopping wet, this is another indication that it has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat.
If you are unsure whether your deer meat is still fresh, it’s safer to throw it out.
How long can you store deer meat in a freezer?
The National Center for Home Food Preservation suggests that ground venison can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for best quality. Larger meat cuts can last between 6-9 months. The USDA recommends that uncooked frozen venison be consumed within 12 months, but cooked meats can last up to 4 months. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and safety of your venison.
How to store deer meat properly
If you are lucky enough to get your hands on some deer meat, then you want to make sure that you store it correctly so that it is fresh and delicious when you are ready to cook it. Here are some tips on how to store deer meat:
Wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper, and remove all of the air. This will help to keep the meat from drying out.
If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to seal the meat packages. This will give you the longest shelf life.
Venison roasts and steaks can be stored in the freezer for 6-9 months without losing too much quality. After that, the flavor and texture of the meat will start to deteriorate.
Make sure to label all your packages with the date so you know how long they have been in the freezer.
Handle the meat carefully so that itdoesn’tt get bruised or damaged.
