Hey y'all -
Wanting to get your opinion on this situation. At the end of last summer (almost 7 months ago) I purchased two pork butts at dirt cheap prices from a local supermarket. Both of them were packaged in the styrofoam bottom and plastic wrap manner (not cryovac).
One of them (Butt #1) was quite large and so I cut it in half. I smoked one half (it was delicious) and the other half I plastic wrapped tight, then put it into a heavy duty freezer bag and into the deep freeze.
The other one (Butt #2) was left in the original styrofoam and plastic wrap packaging and went into the deep freeze as is.
Just yesterday I was digging through the freezer and found them. Both of them have some crystalization (I'm assuming it's freezer burn), but the majority of the meat looks to be unaffected.
So, the questions I have are:
1. Are these still "safe" to eat? As in, will someone get sick?
2. What are the tests you would recommend using once it is thawed out to determine if it is safe or not if there is a question? (smell test, etc.)
3. What are the best methods for freezing meat long term, in your experience?
Thanks for everyone's time...I really appreciate it!
HAPPY SMOKING!!!
Wanting to get your opinion on this situation. At the end of last summer (almost 7 months ago) I purchased two pork butts at dirt cheap prices from a local supermarket. Both of them were packaged in the styrofoam bottom and plastic wrap manner (not cryovac).
One of them (Butt #1) was quite large and so I cut it in half. I smoked one half (it was delicious) and the other half I plastic wrapped tight, then put it into a heavy duty freezer bag and into the deep freeze.
The other one (Butt #2) was left in the original styrofoam and plastic wrap packaging and went into the deep freeze as is.
Just yesterday I was digging through the freezer and found them. Both of them have some crystalization (I'm assuming it's freezer burn), but the majority of the meat looks to be unaffected.
So, the questions I have are:
1. Are these still "safe" to eat? As in, will someone get sick?
2. What are the tests you would recommend using once it is thawed out to determine if it is safe or not if there is a question? (smell test, etc.)
3. What are the best methods for freezing meat long term, in your experience?
Thanks for everyone's time...I really appreciate it!
HAPPY SMOKING!!!