Why Does Meat Turn Brown in the Freezer? Safe to Eat?
Meat is a common staple in many households, providing a valuable source of protein. However, it is essential to know how to properly store it to prevent spoilage.
One of the most common issues with storing meat in the freezer is that it can turn brown.
Let’s see why meat turns brown in the freezer and provide tips on preventing it. Read on.
What Causes Meat to Turn Brown in the Freezer?
Meat can turn brown in the freezer due to a process called oxidation [1]. This occurs when the meat is exposed to oxygen, which causes the meat’s pigments to break down and change color.
The discoloration happens when the pigments in the meat break down. This includes myoglobin, the pigment that gives fresh meat its red color.
Oxygen exposure can also cause the formation of other pigments that can impart a brown color.
This process can happen in the packaging. If the meat isn’t wrapped or sealed well, it can get air exposure. This can lead to freezer burn.
Another cause of meat turning brown in the freezer is freezer burn. Freezer burn occurs when the meat is exposed to air in the freezer. This causes the surface of the meat to dry out and become discolored.
Freezer burn can affect the taste and texture of the meat, making it less desirable to eat. It is caused by the sublimation of ice crystals from frozen food due to low humidity in the freezer.
This process can create a dry and hard surface on the meat.
How Can You Prevent Meat From Turning Brown in the Freezer?
To stop meat from browning in the freezer, wrap and seal it well. This keeps air out and protects the meat.
You can use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer bags. Just push out as much air as you can before sealing.
Vacuum sealing or using a vacuum sealer can also be a great way to prevent freezer burn, as it removes the air from the package and creates an airtight seal.
Store meat in the coldest part of the freezer, usually the back or bottom. This helps slow oxidation and keeps the meat fresh longer.
Don’t forget to date the packaging and use the oldest meat to ensure you are eating the freshest product.
Is Brown Meat Still Safe to Eat?
Meat that has turned brown in the freezer is still safe to eat. However, freezer burn or oxidation can change its taste and texture.
Freezer burn [2] can cause the meat to become dry and tough, while oxidation can cause a change in taste and smell.
However, it’s always important to use proper food safety guidelines when handling and storing meat, including checking for any signs of spoilage, such as bad odor, slimy texture, or mold.
If the meat shows any of these signs, it should be discarded.
Even if the meat looks safe, it might be stored too long. So, cook it thoroughly before eating.
How Long Can You Store Meat in the Freezer?
Beef and pork last 6 months; chicken and turkey last 9.
These are general guidelines. The actual storage time can vary based on meat quality and how it was packaged and stored before freezing.
“Everything tastes better with butter. Meat that has fat in it is tender in a certain way, flavorful in a certain way. It’s hard to deny the flavor quotient there.’
– Alice Waters, American Chef
Ground meat and meat that has been cooked have a shorter shelf life than steaks and roasts.
Proper packaging and storing, such as vacuum sealing or using airtight freezer bags and keeping the freezer at the right temperature, can help extend the meat’s shelf life.
It’s always important to date the packaging and uses the oldest meat to ensure you are eating the freshest product.
| Check out: Is It Ok If Frozen Bananas Turn Brown? |
FAQs on Meat Turn Brown in the Freezer
Can meat turn stale in the freezer?
Yes, improperly stored or long-stored meat can spoil in the freezer. Freezer burn happens when meat is exposed to air in the freezer. This can dry out the surface and change the taste and texture.
Can you get sick of freezer-burned meat?
Freezer burn doesn’t make meat unsafe, but it can change its taste and texture. The meat may have a dry, tough, or rubbery texture and an off-flavor.
If the meat has been burned in the freezer, it is best to trim the affected areas before cooking. If the meat has a strong off-odor or appears spoiled, it should not be consumed.
Final Thoughts
The meat turns brown in the freezer due to a process known as oxidation. This happens when meat meets oxygen. The iron in the meat’s hemoglobin reacts and changes color.
This process does not make the meat unsafe to eat, but it can affect its taste and texture. It is important to properly store and package meat to prevent freezer burn and oxidation.
Also, remember that bacteria can make meat unsafe to eat, even if there’s no freezer burn.
Always look for other spoilage signs before eating frozen meat or any perishable food.
References:
- https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxidation-in-chemistry-605456
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/freezer-burn
