Bacon is a versatile and beloved ingredient that adds a delightful touch to many dishes. To ensure that it maintains its freshness, taste, and texture, it’s essential to store bacon correctly. Here, we cover everything you need to know about bacon storage, from how long it lasts in the fridge to best practices for freezing it. By following these storage guidelines, you can maximise the life and quality of your bacon.
How Long Does Unopened Bacon Last in the Fridge?
When stored correctly, unopened bacon can last in the fridge for about 1 to 2 weeks. Vacuum-sealed packaging extends its shelf life, keeping it fresh for a week or more beyond the expiration date. If you’re looking to store unopened bacon for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option, as it can keep bacon fresh for up to 8 months.
Storing unopened bacon in its original vacuum-sealed packaging is highly effective at keeping air out, which helps prevent bacterial growth. However, as with all meat products, the freshness of bacon is best maintained by consuming it before the expiration date or shortly thereafter.
How Long Does Opened Raw Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Once opened, raw bacon should be used within 3 to 5 days to maintain its quality and avoid spoilage. After breaking the vacuum seal, bacteria are more likely to grow, so it’s essential to wrap opened bacon tightly and store it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
For added protection, wrap the bacon slices in plastic or aluminium foil before placing them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavour while avoiding unwanted odours from the fridge. If you don’t plan to use opened bacon within a few days, consider freezing it instead.
How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Cooked bacon lasts slightly longer than raw bacon in the fridge and can be stored for about 4 to 5 days. After cooking, allow the bacon to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or resealable bag. Keeping cooked bacon sealed helps to maintain its crispy texture and prevents it from absorbing other flavours in the fridge.
Refrigerated cooked bacon is excellent for quick breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches. If you have more than you can use in five days, cooked bacon also freezes well, allowing you to save it for future meals.
Freezing Bacon: The Best Way to Extend Shelf Life
Freezing is a practical way to extend the life of both raw and cooked bacon. When done correctly, freezing bacon helps preserve its flavour and texture for an extended period.
Freezing Raw Bacon
Lay the individual strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to freeze raw bacon. Place the sheet in the freezer and let the bacon freeze in a single layer. This process, known as “flash freezing,” prevents the strips from sticking together, making it easier to pull out just what you need. Once the strips are frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 8 months.
Freezing Cooked Bacon
Freezing cooked bacon is equally simple and can be done in several ways. One effective method is wrapping individual strips in paper towels, which helps absorb excess moisture. Place the wrapped strips in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Cooked bacon can last for about 6 weeks in the freezer, making it a convenient option for quick meal additions.
How to Identify Spoiled Bacon
Knowing how long bacon lasts in the fridge is essential, but it’s equally important to recognise signs of spoilage to ensure food safety. Spoiled bacon has distinct characteristics that make it easy to identify. Here are the top signs that your bacon may have gone off:
- Unpleasant Odour: Fresh bacon has a neutral, slightly salty smell. If you detect any rancid or sour odour, it indicates that the bacon is no longer safe to eat.
- Discolouration: Bacon should be pink with white streaks of fat. If it develops a grey, greenish, or brownish tint, it’s best to discard it as these colour changes suggest bacterial growth.
- Slimy Texture: Fresh bacon is soft and firm, while spoiled bacon feels slimy. This texture results from bacterial growth, so discard any bacon that feels overly sticky or slimy.
If any of these signs are present, throwing the bacon away is the safest option. Spoiled bacon can lead to foodborne illnesses, so it’s always better to be cautious.
Handy Tips for Storing Bacon Safely
Following a few simple tips can help you store bacon effectively and extend its freshness:
- Keep Bacon Cold: Bacon should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, typically at the back or on the bottom shelf, where temperatures are more stable.
- Use Airtight Containers: Whether raw or cooked, always store bacon in airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other flavours in the fridge.
- Check Expiration Dates: Be mindful of expiration dates on unopened bacon. If you’re unsure, consuming or freezing it before the date arrives is best.
- Use By Date: To maintain the quality of opened bacon and avoid spoilage, always use it within 3 to 5 days.
Wrapping up
Bacon is a beloved staple in many households, and knowing how to store it properly helps ensure it stays fresh and flavourful. From understanding how long bacon lasts in the fridge to using freezing techniques for raw and cooked bacon, these tips are key to getting the most out of this delicious ingredient. Proper storage maintains the taste and texture of bacon and minimises food waste, letting you enjoy it whenever needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While bacon can technically be stored in the freezer for up to a year, the quality may decline after eight months. For the best flavour and texture, it’s recommended to use frozen bacon within this timeframe.
If stored correctly, unopened bacon can last a few days beyond its expiration date, but always check for signs of spoilage before consuming it. When in doubt, it’s safer to discard it.
If bacon was thawed in the fridge, it’s safe to refreeze it, though the quality may be slightly affected. Avoid refreezing bacon if it is thawed at room temperature.