Frozen beef--how old is too old?!


Question: Frozen beef--how old is too old!?
I bought a 1/2 beef (200 lbs!.) about 5 years ago!. I have a little left--mostly roasts and cheaper cuts!. All have been kept frozen in a chest freezer all that time!. Is it still safe to eat!? I was thinking of using it for beef jerky or stews!.Www@FoodAQ@Com


Answers:
the meat isn't bad but its dried out (freezer burn) and the flavor is stale, sorta like old jerky!. 5 years it too long to keep!. for flavor's sake i'd trash it!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

Well you may not want to hear this but the beef council says stew meat, hamburger meat will keep 3-4 months!. Roasts and steaks 6-12 months!. Lunch meats 1-2 months!. They also conclude their statement when in doubt throw it out!. I personally think you can keep it longer than this but I am not an expert!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

You will have to check that it is still well sealed!.
It should be alright, but if you defrost it a inspect the cuts you will see and smell if they are off or not!.
The quality will have deteriorated!.

If in doubt,
chuck em out!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

I throw any frozen meat away after a year or sometimes sooner if it is covered in frost!.Www@FoodAQ@Com





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