FREEZER TIP
You worked hard all year , took extra shifts at work , scrimped and saved so that you could go hunting . With venison hanging in the cooler , the only question is , how do you process or preserve the valuable bounty for the months or years to come ?
Processing your own wild game is becoming more popular . It provides the opportunity to have the cuts of meat you prefer and package it proportioned for a meal that suits you and your family . There are lean years and some when the venison can stack up . What is the best way to ensure top-quality venison months down the road ? Whether you plan to use the meat in months or are worried about a zombie apocalypse and want a secure food supply for years , here are a few methods to safeguard your stock .
FREEZING Freezing is the most common way to preserve game meat . How long you intend to store the meat before quality is diminished depends on how you prepare and package it . Benefits : store large amounts of meat without extra processing Drawbacks : freezer burn when not prepared properly Preservation Length : 3 years when done properly To ensure maximum freezer life for prime cuts , which can extend up to 3 years , wrap it in plastic or Resonite wrap first . The plastic must be pulled tight to force any air out before stretching and sealing the ends .
Butcher paper is a second layer of insurance used to wrap and seal meat to prevent freezer burn or picking up flavors from other items in the freezer . How you wrap is important . Start from a corner of the waxed paper to fold it tight over the meat , tucking in all corners so it is completely sealed . Tape the package shut to prevent air from getting through seams or corners . When your favorite cuts are wrapped and frozen properly , they will last for years , retaining good flavor and texture while avoiding freezer burn .
FREEZER TIP
Chest freezers are great for storing large amounts of meat , but they can be challenging to keep organized and sort through . Boxes are cumbersome , making them difficult to manage . Hanging baskets help separate some cuts or processed game but are not big enough to sort larger amounts of meat . However , cloth grocery bags are perfect for sorting and storing meat . It is important to use cloth bags , which are not fragile when frozen . Cloth bags come in different sizes , are inexpensive , can be laundered if needed and can be reused in the future as meat supplies dwindle . Color code or label your bags for added organization : One bag can hold prime roasts , another can have steaks and a third can house burger or other cuts . Full bags can be lifted or moved without creating a mess in the freezer when looking for something .
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