Bacon is a meat that has been around for centuries, but it’s only in recent years that chefs have started to appreciate its potential. Bacon can be eaten cold, fried, or even roasted – but there are some factors that you should consider if you want to know how long bacon lasts.
Does Bacon Go Bad?
If you are an avid bacon lover like many people, then you must be wondering whether bacon goes bad. Bacon, or pork belly as it is sometimes called, is a slice of red meat that does not spoil like other red meats such as beef and chicken.
The answer is yes, bacon does go bad, but not for the reason that most people would think. Bacon has a lot of fat in it which can go rancid. When the fat starts to oxidize, it gives off a strong smell and taste.
A lot of people think that putting bacon in the fridge will keep it good for longer periods of time but this is not exactly true. It is still possible to put bacon away in the fridge if you want to preserve its freshness for later use while also keeping it safe from becoming rancid.
You should store your bacon properly after cooking or it can be ruined by an excess of moisture that causes spongy bacon flesh to spoil.
How Long Does Bacon Last?
Bacon is a food with a short shelf life. How long bacon actually lasts will depend on the type of bacon, how it is stored, and the temperature at which it is stored. It also depends on how long it takes for bacteria to grow in the meat.
At room temperature, bacon will last for a couple of hours. Since this is a meat product, it should not be stored for longer than 2 hours, whether it’s cooked or uncooked.
To keep them fresh longer, bacon should be stored in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 months.
How to Tell If Bacon Is Bad?
Food spoilage is something that every chef has to deal with. It could be caused by temperature, humidity, or other factors.
There are certain signs that indicate that bacon is not as safe as it sounds. Some of these signs could mean a problem with the quality of the meat.
Some of the most common signs include:
- Bacon smells really bad
- The bacon is slimy or moist
- There are green or black spots on the bacon
How to Store Bacon
Proper bacon storage is crucial to keep your bacon fresh for longer.
Once you have cooked your bacon, the next thing is storing it properly. There are many ways to store it. Some like to store their bacon on paper towels, but this method is inefficient and will lead to more mess than if you used silicone or parchment-lined pan.
Others like to wrap it in foil with spices and herbs mixed in the mixture, but this can be messy as well. This method of wrapping is also not ideal because the herbs’ flavors can be too overpowering for some people’s tastes.
The best way to store raw bacon is in a refrigerator. This will keep the bacon from drying out and becoming hard.
You can also freeze cooked bacon if you want to save it for later. Place them in a freezer bag before storing them in the freezer.
How To Keep Bacon Fresh Longer
There are a few tips that can help to keep bacon fresh longer. First, always store it in the fridge or freezer to prevent the moisture from escaping.
Secondly, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in your fridge freezer.
Thirdly, if you don’t think you will eat the entire package of bacon within a few days, freeze it for up to six months.
Lastly, to keep bacon fresh for a long time, you need to make sure that it is not exposed to any moisture.
Related Questions
Does bacon go bad if sealed?
The reason why bacon doesn’t go bad when sealed in a package is that there are no oxygen molecules present in an air-tight package, making it safe for consumption without spoiling.
What happens if you eat expired bacon?
If you eat expired bacon, it will only make you sick. Bacon is only good before the sell-by date.
If the bacon has gone bad, the seasoning will start leaching out of the meat into your stomach. The salt content will increase and cause fluid build-up that can cause nausea, cramps, and vomiting.