After a tiring day from work, you’ve finally gone home and decided to cook pork meat in the freezer for dinner. You suddenly noticed that the package’s label was faded, and you’re unaware of how long it was there. Oh no!
Pork is one of the most popular meats that’s loved by many. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. However, this meat is a high-risk food for spoilage, and eating bad pork can lead to food poisoning.
If you’re wondering how to tell if your pork is bad, then this essential guide is for you!
From learning how to tell if pork is bad to unlocking the smartest tips on storing the meat, everything that you need is here!
How to tell if pork is bad
There are different ways to tell if your pork’s quality and condition are still safe to consume.
The simplest way is to check the expiry date found in the package. Stay on the safe side and consume it within three to five days of the sell-by day.
However, relying on the expiry date alone doesn’t benefit you all the time, especially when you find the expiry date label missing or hard to read. The good news is you can use your senses to tell if your pork is bad.
Sense of smell
One of the best ways to check if your pork in the freezer is good or not is by smelling them.
Typically, fresh pork shouldn’t smell like anything. If it smells sour and funky, you need to throw it away as it indicates ruined pork. And if you cook it accidentally, expect that your pork’s taste will be unpleasant and its sour scent persists and gets worsened. Yikes!
Sense of sight
Aside from smelling the pork, another smart method to know if your pork is safe to cook or devour is checking its appearance. The fresh pork look should look grayish-pink or rose to red, while the rotten meat features greenish, brown, or dark gray in color. So if your frozen pork is already turned gray, you should get rid of it right away.
Sense of touch
If you’re still undecided whether your pork is ruined or not, then this third technique should do the trick!Touching the meat using your hands is another alternative way to tell if your pork isn’t safe to consume and cook. Spoiled meat feels slimy to touch, while the fresh one has a firm feel with a tender texture. Also, the squishiness of meat is a sign that it starts to go bad.
What does bad pork smell like?
As mentioned, bad pork smells sour and funky. If the pork in your freezer tends to have an odor like this, I recommend throwing that smelly pork away. However, if it doesn’t smell anything, use it right away.
What does bad pork look like?
Bad pork should look greenish, brown, or dark gray in color. Meanwhile, fresh meat features grayish-pink or rose to red in color.
How long does pork last in the fridge?
According to FoodSafety.gov, pre-packed and sealed fresh pork like steaks, chops, and roasts can be kept in your refrigerator for three to five days. If you’re planning to keep it in the freezer, make sure to put them in an airtight container. You can use them for four to twelve months.
Tips on properly storing pork
Pork has a high risk of spoilage, so you should know how to store the meat properly. Here are some tips on properly storing pork. You can enjoy your pork for a year-long if it’s stored properly. To do this, use a freezer wrap material like heavy-duty plastic bags or an airtight container to wrap the meat tightly before sliding it into your freezer. It’s also recommended that you wrap the pork in different portions for your cooking convenience. Lastly, label them with the name of the pork cut and date.
The bottom line
Now that you already know how to tell if your pork is bad, it’s time for you to check the meat in your fridge!
And when you’re about to cook them, don’t forget to check the label or if you fail to find it, use your senses!