Holding meats in cryovac bags

Steve S · May 15, 2018

I am cooking for a crowd (100+) on labor day weekend and I was thinking about picking my large cuts of meat over the summer when they go on sale for the summer holiday. How long would you recommend holding in the cryovac bags before cooking? I have a full-size fridge in the shop that doesn't get opened very often for storage. Thanks in advance for any wisdom you wish to share.

Ron_L · May 15, 2018

Which meat? Brisket can be held for quite a while, but you have to know the pack date, not the sell by date. I've gone as long as 45 days past the pack date.

But, I wouldn't try that with pork. I won't go more than 3-4 days with pork. You would be better off freezing if you need to hold it longer.

midwest_kc · May 15, 2018

Yeah, just freeze it and then get it out a week or so before you cook and place it in that fridge. Will be ready and waiting for you to cook when you're ready for it.

Steve S · May 15, 2018

Thank you gentlemen. Not really worried about finding the butts on sale. They are pretty reasonable year round, but looking for a window for the briskets if I come across a good buy. Appreciate the wisdom.

IamMadMan · May 15, 2018

If they are fully sealed with no air, they will keep in a freezer at 0° F for a year, I've gone longer with whole eye of round roasts, but would never intentionally hold frozen for more than 10 to 12 months.

Holding meats in cryovac bags

Steve S

Take a breath!

Ron_L

Administrator

midwest_kc

is one Smokin' Farker

Steve S

Take a breath!

IamMadMan

somebody shut me the fark up.

Similar threads