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Refreeze a chicken you’re not able to use appropriately is a great manner to minimize food waste. So, how to refreeze chicken? Doing so preserves the meat by stopping the increase of microorganisms like microorganisms, yeasts, and molds. However, you could wonder whether or not chicken may be refrozen after it’s been thawed.
This article discusses proper guidelines of refreeze chicken, plus hints for storage and preserving its high-quality.
How To Refreeze Chicken- Guidelines
The microorganism typically located on chicken— consisting of Salmonella — can cause serious illness and doubtlessly death.
While freezing substantially slows microbial growth, it does not kill most foodborne pathogens. Therefore, properly dealing with chicken before refreezing is important.
For starters, do not forget whether the chicken turned into nicely thawed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in the USA announced that there are three secure thawing methods :
Refrigeration
Though it can take 1–2 days, the safest way to thaw hen is in a fridge at or beneath 40°F (4.4°C).
Coldwater
In leak-proof packaging, submerge the hen in cold water. Replace the water every 30 minutes.
Microwave
In a microwave-safe dish, warm the hen using the defrost setting. Rotate to make sure an excellent thaw.
Importantly, defrosting below cold water or in a microwave lets in some harmful bacteria to grow. If you operate those methods, prepare dinner for the chicken before refreezing it.
Never defrost chicken to your countertop. Since bacteria thrive at room temperature, this hen should now not be used, not to mention refrozen.
According to USDA hints on refrigeration and meals safety, raw chicken can be saved in the fridge for up to two days, while cooked hen may be stored for 3–4 days.
You can accurately refreeze raw and cooked hen within their respective shelf lives. Still, the most effective refreeze is uncooked chicken that has been thawed in the fridge.
SUMMARY
When handled nicely, it’s safe to refreeze raw and cooked chicken within their respective shelf lives. Only refreeze raw chicken that has been thawed within the fridge.
Tips for refreezing and storage
In terms of safety, the chicken may be saved inside the freezer indefinitely.
However, refreezing can affect its flavor and texture. Here are a few guidelines to maximize freshness:
Refreeze at peak great
For the fine flavor, try and refreeze chicken as soon as possible. Raw chicken that has been thawed longer than two days, in addition to cooked chicken stored longer than four days, may additionally have spoiled, so don’t refreeze it.
Store at or below 0°F (-18°C)
To help retain pleasantly and prevent spoilage, preserve frozen chicken stored at or underneath 0°F (-18°C).
Freeze chicken quickly
Slow freezing can create large ice crystals to grow. These might also harm the shape of the beef, leaving it difficult and dry. Freezing chickens in a shallow box can assist pace the process.
Use air-tight packaging
Sealing chicken tightly can assist save you freezer burn caused by extensive exposure to air. Freezer burn can negatively change flavor, taste, and color.
When stored well, a refrozen raw hen can preserve its first-rate for 9–12 months, whole cooked chicken lasts four months.
SUMMARY
Chicken remains safe within the freezer indefinitely, but its flavor can be affected. For the best, refreeze chicken as quickly as possible in air-tight packaging at or below 0°F (-18°C) and use it within four–12 months.
The bottom line
Whether you can refreeze poultry relies upon whether it changed into competently defrosted, if it’s uncooked or cooked, and the way long it has been thawed.
When handled nicely, a raw hen can be refrozen inside two days after thawing, whilst cooked hen may be refrozen within four days. For satisfactory purposes, the sooner you refreeze chicken, the better. Only refreeze raw chicken that has been thawed within the fridge. You can prepare yummy dishes like- pasta, pizza with this chicken.
Tenisha Parkin is a diet and nutrition expert. She likes to research a new diet plan, and later she starts writing about food and health tips.
