I have been searching for a prime packer brisket for quiet some time. I have smoked many choice packers, which all turned out delicious, but I really wanted to get my hands on a prime packer to see if it made any difference. Well, as luck would have it, my local Costco had prime packers this weekend for $3.99 per pound.
So, here is the dilemma. I have a party coming up on September 2nd where I had planned on smoking a brisket. I purchased this packer on August 19th and it has a "sell by date" of Aug 24th. I have read virtually every thread on here about freezing and wet aging briskets, but I am still conflicted. I can either freeze the brisket tonight and begin thawing in about 6-7 days -or- I can wet age in the cryo until the smoke (that will be a 2 week wet age until the cook) . I think my preference would be to wet age, but there is a part of me that is a bit concerned about leaving it in the fridge for 2 weeks and any potential spoilage.
Essentially, I am looking for some re-assurance that wet-aging a brisket for two weeks (in the cryovac) is acceptable from a food safety perspective. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on the matter.
Thanks!
So, here is the dilemma. I have a party coming up on September 2nd where I had planned on smoking a brisket. I purchased this packer on August 19th and it has a "sell by date" of Aug 24th. I have read virtually every thread on here about freezing and wet aging briskets, but I am still conflicted. I can either freeze the brisket tonight and begin thawing in about 6-7 days -or- I can wet age in the cryo until the smoke (that will be a 2 week wet age until the cook) . I think my preference would be to wet age, but there is a part of me that is a bit concerned about leaving it in the fridge for 2 weeks and any potential spoilage.
Essentially, I am looking for some re-assurance that wet-aging a brisket for two weeks (in the cryovac) is acceptable from a food safety perspective. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on the matter.
Thanks!