Burning Question: Can You Refreeze Raw Meat After Thawing?

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Yes, you can- but you may not want to. According to the USDA, when raw meat is thawed in the refrigerator, it is safe to refreeze it without cooking. For this reason, it's perfectly OK to purchase, say, a previously frozen piece of salmon from Trader Joe's, and then put it in your freezer when you get home.

But if you refreeze thawed poultry or meat, you will be compromising quality of taste and texture. Not only does meat lose water during the defrosting process, but refreezing it also creates ice crystals within the structure of the meat that alter its fibers, leaving an unfortunately dry cut of meat.

Of course, like all raw animal protein, the true safety of the product will depend on whether it's been properly handled. The best ways to defrost raw meat are in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave - not on a room-temperature kitchen counter.

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Simple Tip: Freeze Bacon Before Chopping

partysugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:15:20 -0800

These days bacon is such a hot ingredient, it's everywhere! Within the past couple of months, the fatty, salty pork has become a staple in my pantry. If you use bacon as much as I do, consider placing the bacon in the freezer 15 to 20 minutes before slicing any time a recipe calls for uncooked, chopped bacon. The colder the bacon, the easier it is to slice and dice. For the most efficient cutting, use a properly-sharpened knife. Be sure not to forget about the bacon - you don't want it to freeze completely.

This technique also works well for pancetta and proscuitto. Is bacon a recurring ingredient in your meals? Share your secrets for handling bacon below!