Bacon's Fridge Life: Keto Diet Tips And Tricks

Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but it doesn't last forever. The shelf life of bacon depends on a few factors, such as its type, whether the package has been opened, and how it's stored in the fridge. An unopened package of bacon will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, while cooked bacon will last four to five days if stored properly. Raw bacon in an opened and resealed package will last up to a week in the fridge. To extend the shelf life of bacon, it can be stored in the freezer.

Uncooked bacon lasts up to two weeks unopened, one week opened

Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but it's also perishable, so it's important to store it properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. The shelf life of bacon depends on a few factors, including its type, whether the package has been opened, and how it's stored in the fridge.

Uncooked bacon typically lasts up to two weeks if it's unopened. However, once the package is opened, the shelf life of the bacon shortens, and it will last for about one week in the refrigerator. This timeframe applies regardless of the bacon variety, such as thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, or the price point.

To make uncooked bacon last longer, you can store it in the freezer. Uncooked, unopened bacon can be frozen for up to eight months, while leftover raw bacon that is properly stored will last for up to six months in the freezer.

When storing uncooked bacon in the fridge, it's best to keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, as the temperature in the door is usually warmer. Additionally, ensure that the bacon is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminium foil if you don't plan on consuming it right away.

It's also important to note that sliced bacon will only last for less than a week in the fridge, even if the package is unopened. Therefore, it's crucial to check the expiration date on the pack to be sure.

In summary, uncooked bacon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if the package is unopened. Once opened, the bacon should be consumed within a week. For longer storage, freezing is recommended, but proper wrapping and storage practices are essential to maintain the quality and safety of the bacon.

Cooked bacon lasts four to seven days in the fridge

Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but it's also perishable. That means it doesn't last forever and needs to be stored properly if you want to keep it fresh.

Once cooked bacon has been stored in the fridge, it will last for four to seven days. It is best to store it in an airtight container, such as a plastic or glass container. Wrapping the cooked bacon in aluminium foil or placing it in a zip-top bag will also help to extend its shelf life.

It is important to note that the shelf life of cooked bacon may be shorter if it has not been properly stored. Cooked bacon is susceptible to going rancid quickly if not stored correctly. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the guidelines mentioned above to ensure the bacon stays fresh for as long as possible.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the quality of cooked bacon will begin to decline after four to five days, and it will become more susceptible to bacteria growth. As such, it is recommended to consume the cooked bacon within this timeframe to ensure optimal freshness and safety.

If you cannot finish the cooked bacon within the recommended timeframe, you can always freeze it. Freezing cooked bacon can extend its shelf life by several months. However, for the best quality and flavour, it is ideal to consume the frozen bacon within one month.

Store uncooked bacon in a sealed container or bag

Storing uncooked bacon in a sealed container or bag is an effective way to prolong its shelf life. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Firstly, it is important to note that bacon should always be stored in the refrigerator, and ideally, in the coldest part of the fridge. The temperature in the fridge door is often warmer, which will cause the bacon to spoil more quickly. Bacon should also be stored separately from other foods to prevent contamination.

If you have leftover uncooked bacon, it is best to avoid simply placing the opened package back in the refrigerator. Instead, transfer the bacon to a sealed container or a resealable plastic zip-top bag. Alternatively, you can wrap the bacon tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminium foil. These methods will help to prevent the bacon from drying out and will also stop the smell of bacon from permeating the rest of the fridge.

When storing uncooked bacon in a sealed container, it is recommended to layer the bacon strips between sheets of paper towels. This is because the fat will solidify in the refrigerator, causing the bacon strips to stick together. Wax paper can also be used for this purpose.

It is also important to note that once a package of bacon has been opened, its shelf life is reduced, even if it is properly stored. Therefore, it is advisable to consume the bacon within a week of opening the package.

By following these instructions, you can effectively store uncooked bacon in a sealed container or bag, maximising its freshness and prolonging its shelf life.

Freeze bacon to extend its shelf life

Bacon is one of those foods that is easy to love. That sweet, salty, and smoky flavor has the ability to light up any recipe. However, it is tough for most to eat an entire package in one sitting.

Freezing Unopened Bacon

If you have an unopened package of bacon, it is best to place it in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. To maximize the shelf life of unopened bacon in the freezer, overwrap the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper, or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Unopened bacon will maintain its best quality for about one to two months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time. The Food Marketing Institute recommends you store it for a shorter period of time to prevent the bacon's quality and flavor from deteriorating.

Freezing Opened Bacon

Opened bacon should be placed in a sealed container or a resealable plastic zip-top bag, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before being placed in the freezer.

Leftover raw bacon that is properly stored will last up to six months in the freezer. The National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends immediately removing the bacon you intend to freeze and placing it in a zip-top bag. Squeeze out any air that may be in the bag before placing it in the freezer.

Freezing Cooked Bacon

To freeze cooked bacon, arrange the strips between layers of paper towels and place the stacked towels flat in a large zip-top bag. Carefully squeeze out any additional air before placing the bag in the freezer. Cooked bacon, stored properly, will last up to one month in the freezer.

Signs of spoiled bacon include a bad smell, discolouration, stickiness and mould

Bacon is a beloved food for many, but it doesn't last forever in the fridge. Even if you've bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it won't last forever. Here are the signs to look out for to know if your bacon has spoiled:

Smell

A surefire way to know if your bacon has gone bad is by its smell. Fresh bacon shouldn't have a strong, rancid scent. If anything, it should smell a bit smoky. If you're met with a sour or sulfuric odour, your bacon has likely gone bad. This stench occurs when bacteria, yeast, and fungi take hold of the meat. Sometimes the distinct smoky scent of bacon can mask these odours, so make sure to look out for other signs of spoilage.

Discolouration

Fresh bacon should have tantalising strips of white fat marbled with pinkish-red meat. However, this isn't always the case with spoiled bacon. After sitting in the refrigerator for a week, you may notice your bacon has taken on a green, grey, or brown hue. This discolouration indicates that bacteria and/or fungi have colonised your bacon, meaning it's time to toss it!

Stickiness

Fresh bacon should feel soft and moist, perhaps a little watery. Bad bacon can be slimy, which is caused by bacteria starting to break down the meat. This is an indication that it needs to be thrown out.

Mould

If your bacon has been sitting for a while or there was cross-contamination with other food, it could start to grow mould. If your bacon has mould, it is likely also slimy, smelly, and discoloured. Even if mould is the only sign of spoilage, it should be tossed. Do not cut off the mouldy part and assume the rest of the bacon is fine, as the bacteria may be present throughout the meat.

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