Approximately 22% of all meat purchased in the United States goes to waste and is thrown away. This is not only a waste of good food but also a waste of money, especially since meat is one of the more expensive food items to buy. By being more conscious about the meat you buy and how you store or use it, you can cut down drastically on meat waste.
Find Creative Uses
One of the reasons why you might be letting meat go to waste is because it can be overwhelming sometimes to cook a full-on meat dish. Instead of thinking that you have to prepare a fancy steak dinner every time you have meat in your fridge, think of the meat as just another ingredient to add to any meal.
You can be very creative in using your meat like making rice bowls with meat, putting meat in sandwiches, adding strips of meat to salad, or having a taco bar with various types of meat. By using your meat creatively in smaller portions, you won’t be stressed or uninspired when using your meat.
Freeze It
If you can’t eat all the meat you buy before it goes bad, you should save it in the freezer instead of throwing it away. Make sure that you mark how old the meat is and vacuum seal it. Vacuum-sealing meat in the freezer can preserve it for longer and prevent freezer burn.
Whenever you choose to thaw the meat, take care to thaw it properly for optimal texture and taste when you cook it. Avoid refreezing meat since this can degrade its quality.
Buy Smaller Portions
If you notice that you are constantly throwing away bad meat, that means you aren’t finishing the meat you buy before it spoils. A simple solution to this problem is to buy less meat. When you are at the grocery store, don’t be pressured to buy the largest package of meat just because it may be the best value. Only buy what you know you will be able to finish.
Once your meat has spoiled, you need to throw it away. Spoiled meat has many bacteria and fungi that can make you or others who eat it very sick. By properly freezing or eating meat before these bacteria and fungi can grow, you prevent these pathogens from entering your fridge and food.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more: How to Get More Paleo-Friendly Snacks in Your Diet