How to Store Fresh Meat in the Fridge and Freezer
Keeping meat in good condition after delivery is as important as choosing it. Correct storage helps preserve flavour, texture and nutritional quality, reduces waste and makes meal preparation easier. This ALRAQI MEATS guide covers practical storage tips.
When should meat be put away?
Refrigerate or freeze meat promptly after receiving it, especially in hot weather. If you plan to use it within a day or two, refrigerate it. For use several days or weeks later, freezing is the better option.
Storing meat in the refrigerator
Keep meat on the bottom shelf.
Leave it in suitable original packaging or a sealed container.
Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
Maintain a refrigerator temperature of 0–4°C.
When should you freeze it?
If you will not use the meat in the next few days, freeze it in meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, remove as much air as possible before sealing and label each pack with the freezing date.
Portioning first means you do not need to thaw more than you require.
Common storage mistakes
Freezing one large pack
It is difficult to separate later and may leave you thawing the whole quantity.
Refreezing thawed meat
For quality, cook meat after thawing and avoid refreezing it.
Leaving meat out too long
Longer periods at room temperature can affect its quality.
Loose packaging
Air entering the pack can dry out the surface over time.
Should you wash meat before storing it?
Avoid washing meat before storage. Keep it in suitable packaging and prepare it according to your recipe when you are ready to cook.
Thawing frozen meat
Move the meat from the freezer to the refrigerator several hours before use or leave it overnight.
If you need it sooner, use a safe thawing method and cook it immediately afterwards.
Avoid leaving meat to thaw at room temperature for extended periods.
Tips for protecting quality
Buy from a trusted store that takes care with hygiene and packaging.
Portion meat before freezing.
Do not stack packs while they are still warm.
Use freezer-safe packaging.
Label each pack with its storage date.
Arrange packs so the oldest are used first.
Quality begins with the source
Good storage cannot compensate for poor-quality meat. ALRAQI MEATS selects and prepares fresh meat carefully, with professional cutting and packaging designed to protect its quality on the way to your home.
Suitable storage improves cooking results, reduces waste and helps preserve flavour and tenderness. Browse ALRAQI MEATS for carefully prepared meat to suit your recipes.