FREEZER STORAGE GUIDE FOR MEATS

Storing Meats in Freezer

With grocery prices at an all-time high, save money by buying in bulk, or stock up with supermarket specials, then freeze the items that you won't be using right away.

Wrap completely-cooled food in heavy-duty plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place in zip-top freezer bags or air-tight containers to preserve the texture and flavor.

Here's a guide to how long you can store a variety of foods in the freezer and maintain quality.

Meats

Bacon, raw = 1 month

Sausage, raw = 1-2 months

Ham, fully cooked = 1-2 months

Luncheon meats, unopened = 1-2 months

Cooked meats, casseroles = 2-3 months

Cooked soups/stews = 2-3 months

Ground beef, veal, lamb, pork = 3-4 months

Chops = 4- 6 months

Roasts = 4-12 months

Steaks = 6-12 months

Poultry

Ground chicken, turkey = 3-4 months

Cooked, plain = 4 months

Cooked poultry, casseroles = 4-6 months

Cooked, covered with broth, gravy = 6 months

Chicken or turkey, pieces = 9 months

Chicken or turkey, whole = 12 months