04 July

How long can you store Raw Chicken in the refrigerator?

Summer is at its peak, so is the risk of foodborne diseases. Chicken and other raw meat have more chances of getting contaminated than raw vegetables, therefore it is important to store them at proper temperatures to slow the growth of dangerous bacteria. When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from foodborne illness, […]

Summer is at its peak, so is the risk of foodborne diseases. Chicken and other raw meat have more chances of getting contaminated than raw vegetables, therefore it is important to store them at proper temperatures to slow the growth of dangerous bacteria. When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from foodborne illness, one of your most effective tools is the refrigerator. In fact, at room temperature, the number of bacteria that cause foodborne illness can double every 20 minutes!

But how long can you actually store chicken in the refrigerator? The answer actually depends on what temperature you store your meat in. Ideally, if your refrigerator temperature is between 35°F-40°F, your chicken will last up to 2 days. If you store your chicken in the freezer, your chicken can be stored for 9-12 months when the temperature is 0°F or lower. However, chicken pieces like legs, wings, thighs should be used within six to nine months.

Not only is it important to refrigerate the chicken, what is even more important is that you do it quickly. Leaving your meat out at room temperature for 2 hours or more allows bacteria to multiply rapidly and can put you at serious risk of contracting the foodborne illness.

But the freezing process that the chicken goes through takes away some of its nutrients. Chicken, just like any other food contains lots of moisture. When the water within a food freezes, it forms ice crystals. These crystals can break the cell walls of the food, allowing moisture to escape upon thawing. This can allow the valuable “juices” to escape, which can lead to some loss in flavor. The longer the chicken stays in the fridge, the more will be the deterioration in the nutrition and texture.

Zappfresh chicken is never frozen and is straight out of the farm to your doorstep. Fresh meat is easy to cook and healthier as compared to the frozen chicken. Therefore, it is always advisable to buy fresh chicken on the day of cooking so you eat healthy and stay healthy!

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