Deli meat, also called lunch meat, sandwich meat and chilly cuts, has many fantastic qualities, however a protracted shelf life merely isn't certainly one of them. Whether or not you purchase yours from the deli counter or in vacuum-sealed packages, these sandwich necessities, together with turkey, rooster, ham, bologna and roast beef, can flip slimy and unappetizing in a matter of days. The excellent news is that you would be able to safely freeze any deli meat for as much as two months. Freezing and defrosting requires a couple of additional steps however is a much better possibility than having to toss it, which wastes each meals and cash. Learn on for the best way to freeze, thaw and revel in your favourite deli meats.

Closeup of a heap of ham on prime of lettuce Credit score: Glowimages/Getty Photographs

Which Deli Meats Can Be Frozen?

All deli meats might be frozen, however cured meats like salami, pepperoni and bologna are likely to do finest, as a result of they comprise much less water. That being mentioned, in the event you comply with the required steps, your turkey, rooster, ham and roast beef might be safely and efficiently frozen too. (Are Chilly Cuts Wholesome? Study Learn how to Store for the Healthiest Lunch Meats)

Learn how to Freeze Packaged Deli Meat

Unopened packaged deli meat is the best to freeze, as a result of it's already sealed in hermetic packaging. For an additional layer of safety in opposition to freezer burn, wrap the sealed bundle in an hermetic freezer bag or aluminum foil, squeezing out as a lot air as doable, then label, date and freeze for as much as two months. Unopened packages of cured meat, akin to salami or pepperoni, will preserve for so long as three months.

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Learn how to Freeze Meat from the Deli Counter

Sliced meats bought on the deli counter, in addition to packaged deli meat that's been opened, requires a bit extra consideration to protect its texture and management moisture. Lay particular person slices on wax paper, then stack the slices and place in an hermetic freezer bag, squeezing out as a lot air as doable. So as to add extra safety in opposition to freezer burn, add a second freezer bag. Once more, label, date and freeze for as much as two months. If you buy a big piece of meat from the deli counter, it may be wrapped in a number of layers of plastic wrap, adopted by an hermetic freezer bag, and frozen for as much as two months.

Learn how to Freeze Cooked Meat

For those who cook dinner a turkey, rooster or ham for do-it-yourself sandwich provides, these might be frozen as effectively. Make sure you let the meat cool fully earlier than wrapping and freezing. It's additionally finest to take away the meat from the bone and reduce or slice it into smaller items for freezing—slices and smaller items will defrost extra simply, too. Totally cooked ham might be frozen for as much as two months, whereas poultry will preserve for as much as three months.

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Learn how to Thaw Frozen Deli Meat

Layering and stacking slices of deli meat could seem fussy, but it surely means you may pull out and thaw precisely what you want quite than defrosting all of your deli meat directly—until you need to, after all! One of the best ways to thaw frozen deli meat is in a single day within the fridge, or till totally defrosted—bigger items can take longer. For those who're in a rush and the deli meat is effectively sealed in an hermetic freezer bag, you may place the bag in a bowl of chilly water to defrost, ensuring to vary the water usually, so it stays chilly. Home made meats might be defrosted within the microwave, however then have to be loved straight away. (Take a look at these 6 Frequent Myths about Freezing Meals.)

Learn how to Use Beforehand Frozen Deli Meat

As soon as defrosted, deli meat needs to be loved inside three days. Thawed meat could also be a bit moist, however you may merely pat it dry with a paper towel earlier than making sandwiches. Whereas correct wrapping and defrosting ought to defend the style and texture, in the event you discover your deli meat missing, attempt utilizing it in cooked dishes, akin to quesadillas, quiches, gratins, casseroles, stromboli or pizza—a little bit warmth, seasoning and the flavour of different substances will deliver these slices proper again to life!