How to preserve meat so it doesn't go to waste

Beef, chicken, veal, pork: preserving meat properly is essential to avoid wasting it. And it's also very simple with the methods we suggest, starting with a correct use of the refrigerator.

According to estimates proposed by a survey conducted by Nielsen, Italian consumers contribute to the waste of approximately 2,6 million tons of meat on an annual basis. This is a figure that is among the most virtuous together with the fish supply chain which overall reaches a waste worth 6 percent of the total.

The solutions to prevent our meat from ending up in the garbage are within everyone's reach. All you need is a refrigerator and a freezing system at home and knowing how to store food at the right time and with the necessary precautions.

Refrigerator

First of all, when buying meat it is good to remember to do not interrupt the refrigeration cycle. In fact, it is better to bring a thermal bag in which to store the meat to avoid accelerating the degradation phase.

The meat then goes tamponata and placed on a plate covered with film or in one airtight container. But also pay attention to the refrigerator compartment, the best space is the close-up above the vegetables, where the temperature is lower and can preserve food for longer.

Freezer

The best way to store meat in the freezer Instead, it's quite simple. First of all, it's a good idea to arrange any type of food in airtight containers or in any case protected in such a way as not to completely dehydrate the meat.

Not only portions of can be frozen minced meat, hamburger, pulp o fillets, but also cold cutsIt should be noted, however, that shelf life varies depending on the type of frozen meat.

How long can meat stay in the refrigerator?

Reducing our impact on the planet also starts in our kitchens. Knowing how to preserve meat properly and knowing how to prevent it from spoiling is a step toward greater awareness.

Meat in the refrigerator, properly stored, can have a shelf life of about 3 days when dealing with chicken, slices o sliced ​​cured meatsThe longer the life of the fresh beef, in whole pieces, which can be consumed within 6 days.

It will be better then buy meat only if you are sure you can eat it within the expiration date. Alternatively, you can freeze the product directly, without waiting for it to go bad.

When storing meat in the refrigerator or freezer, it is also important to keep these simple tips in mind:

• Never store fresh meat in contact with cooked meat. since bacteria on raw food would contaminate the already cooked pieces;
• Don't let different types of meat cross-contaminate each other among themselves;
• Avoid storing meat without film or protection. both in the refrigerator and in the freezer;
• Especially for the holidays, buy smart or put everything in the freezer right from the start.

How to reuse meat

Meat is one of the easiest foods to reuse. Throwing it away while it's still good is pure waste: it can be used for both first and second courses.

For example, as first courses, you can use the chicken as a condiment. Without forgetting that a chicken soup It's perfect, especially in the colder seasons.

But the truth is that with excess meat, especially that left over from the holidays, you can really indulge yourself. Meatballs in tomato sauce, chicken salads, pasta with leftover meat and much more.

Read also:

• How much water does it take to produce meat?
• Vegetable Meatloaf: The Alternative to Meat
• Arancini: two recipes, one with tuna and mozzarella, and one with leftover rice and meat.
• Intensive farming, all the meat is grown here. Even the industries are taking action: Stop the abuses.