10 Proven Ways to Preserve Cow’s Meat

Since the time of the cavemen, who foraged for food in the jungle and extended their shelf life by drying in the sun, preservation of meat has always been an important component in food preparation. No one wants to waste food, so preserving it is a must to ensure that people will never go hungry. There are many different techniques and methods to preserve meat. Hare are the top ten proven ways to preserve cow’s meat:

Proper Food Handling 

Everything starts and hinges on proper food handling. Hands are known to carry a lot of bacteria. If you don’t wash your hands before using whatever method to preserve the meat, then you are starting things off on the wrong foot. Hands that have not been washed make raw food prone to contamination. Wash your hands or wear gloves to ensure proper food safety.

Keep it Boiling 

Boiling is one of the easiest ways to preserve cow meat. We boil it for soups and hearty stews. Boiling preserves the meat because it cooks it thoroughly. The heat kills all the microorganisms found in raw meat. Boiling is also one way to flavor the meat, so be sure your liquid brine is filled with the right herbs and spices for delicious tasting meat you can enjoy for the days to come.

Extend by Freezing

The most simple food preservation technique is putting the meat in the freezer. The ultra cold environment is akin to cold pasteurizing because it kills harmful bacteria. The key here is to pack the meat properly so that air doesn’t circulate in between the container and the meat. Having too much air promotes oxidation, freezer burns, and formulation of ice crystals. Ask your favorite butcher like, the Fat Cow Best Butcher, to pack your meat well on your behalf if you’re not using it straightaway.

Use Drying Techniques 

Drying is one of the most traditional and oldest methods used by our ancestors because the earliest drying agent before technologies were discovered or invented is the sun. Meat is moist and bacteria love to grow and multiply in this moist kind of environment. Drying eliminates the moisture content of your raw beef, making it last longer.

Bring Out the Smoking Machine 

Smoking is a great way to preserve meat in not so high heat, while being processed for a longer time. The low consistent heat not only makes the food last longer, but it also gives the meat in the smoker this delicious smokey taste. Be sure to get quality wood chips and set your smoker in the right temperature to get the best results.

Work with Salting 

One of the most common tools in preserving food is to work with salt. This chemical compound sucks out all the moisture by means of osmosis. Again, it is worth reiterating that a moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Fresh cow meat is typically salted with nitrates to preserve it well.

Art of Vacuum Packing 

Using vacuum packs and then sucking all the air out from the package works wonders in preserving your cow meat. Just make sure that all the air is indeed gone before you place them in the freezer. Making sure there is no air keeps your meat from crystallizing and getting freezer burns.

Candied Meat or Sugaring 

The opposite of salting is known as sugaring. Making unique candied meat has long been done by the older generation to preserve meat back in the day when there was no electricity. Meat is cooked with sugar until some crystallization forms on its outer covering. Meat can now be stored even outside the refrigerator after this procedure.

Make it Last with Pickling 

Pickling with acid, sugar, brine, and an oil mix is another great method to preserve cow meat. Corned beef tastes great when pickled. Choosing the right blend of the ingredients, especially the acid, makes a world of difference.

Setting the Correct Temperature 

Finally, be sure to make your cow meat last by setting your fridge cooler and freezer compartment with the right temperature. Food is left for days inside these compartments and if they are kept in the wrong temperature, the chances of spoilage increases. Preserving food is a primary technique most people use because food is not free. Hard earned money is used to buy food supplies, so knowing these techniques will help you stretch your budget.