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How Long Does Pork Last? Does it Go Bad?

Are you a pork lover but unsure of just how long your favorite cut should last in the fridge or if it will even go bad?

You’re not alone, and thankfully, we have the answer!

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at everything related to pork storage and answer such questions as: How long does cooked pork stay good for eating,

What’s the shelf life of uncooked pork chops on the countertop vs. in the refrigerator, Is there any difference between processed and fresh cuts when it comes to maintaining their quality over time; plus plenty more so that you can eat confidently knowing your meat is safe to consume.

Now let’s dive into all things pork!

What’s Pork?

Pork is a type of meat that comes from pigs.

It is a popular food in many cultures, and there are many different ways to prepare it.

Pork can be roasted, grilled, baked, or fried.

It can be eaten fresh or cured, and it is often used in sausages and other processed meats.

Pork is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6.

It is also a good source of minerals like phosphorus, zinc, and iron.

Pork is usually sold as chops, roasts, or ground pork.

When buying pork, look for cuts that are pink in color with some marbling of fat.

Avoid pork that is very pale or has a lot of fat on it.

Pork is a versatile meat that can be used in many different dishes.

It pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways.

When cooking pork, make sure to cook it thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.

Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Store Pork?

Pork is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways.

It’s important to know how to store pork properly so that it stays fresh and delicious.

Pork should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a sealed container.

Fresh pork will last for 3-5 days in the fridge, while cooked pork will last for 3-4 days.

When freezing pork, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag.

Frozen pork will keep for 2-6 months.

Thaw frozen pork in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Pork is best cooked within a few days of purchase, but if you need to store it for longer, follow these tips to keep it fresh and delicious.

How Long Does Pork Last?

Pork is a versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes, but it doesn’t last forever.

Raw pork can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for 2-6 months.

Cooked pork will last 1-2 days in the fridge or 2-6 months in the freezer.

Pork that has been cured, smoked, or made into sausage can last even longer, up to 6-12 months in the fridge or 1-2 years in the freezer.

When storing pork, it’s important to keep it properly wrapped and at a consistent temperature.

If you’re not sure how long your pork will last, err on the side of caution and throw it out sooner rather than later.

Better safe than sorry.

Can You Freeze Pork?

Pork can be frozen, but it should be done properly to ensure that it stays fresh and doesn’t develop freezer burn.

When freezing pork, it’s important to wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or bags.

This will help to prevent air from coming into contact with the meat and drying it out.

Pork that has been frozen correctly can last for up to six months.

However, pork that has been frozen for too long or not wrapped properly can develop freezer burn.

Freezer burn occurs when food is exposed to air, causing it to dry out and become tough.

If you notice any signs of freezer burn on your pork, it’s best to discard it as it will no longer be safe to eat.

When freezing pork, make sure to label the packages with the date so you know how long it has been in the freezer.

Frozen pork that is well-wrapped and stored properly can last for up to six months without losing its quality.

However, once pork starts to develop freezer burn, it’s no longer safe to eat.

How to Tell If Pork is Bad?

There are a few ways to tell if pork is bad.

The first way is by the color. Fresh pork should be pink or white in color.

If the pork is starting to turn gray, brown, or black, then it has gone bad.

Another way to tell if pork is bad is by the smell. Fresh pork should have a mild smell.

If the pork has a strong or foul smell, then it has gone bad and should not be eaten.

The third way to tell if pork is bad is by the texture. Fresh pork should be firm to the touch.

If the pork is mushy or slimy, then it has gone bad and should not be eaten.

If you are unsure if the pork is still good, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

Eating bad pork can cause food poisoning, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms.

Conclusion

Storing pork correctly is vital to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

Pork can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to six months.

To tell if pork has gone bad, look for signs of spoilage such as off-color meat, bad odor, or slimy texture.

If you see any of these signs, it is best to throw the pork away.

How Long Does Pork Last? Does it Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Pork
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Store your product in an labelled container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
  • If your food is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
  • Make sure to look for signs that your food has gone bad before eating it.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!