As a bacon lover, I frequently buy mine from my local butcher shop. The thick slices of artisanal bacon are far superior to the thin, frail strips you find pre-packaged at the supermarket
But with the higher quality comes a shorter shelf life Fresh butcher bacon doesn’t have all the preservatives and chemicals that commercial bacon contains
So how long can you realistically keep butcher bacon before it goes bad? What’s the best way to store it for maximum freshness?
I did some research on butcher bacon storage and put together this complete guide on how long it lasts and how to make it stay fresh longer. Keep reading to become a bacon storage expert!
How Long Does Raw Bacon from the Butcher Last?
According to food safety experts, raw bacon from the butcher will stay good for:
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5-7 days in the fridge after opening the package.
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4-6 months in the freezer if properly wrapped.
The clock starts ticking faster once you open the package since air exposure increases spoilage risk.
For unopened packages, you can safely go 1 week past the sell by date if the bacon was kept refrigerated at 40°F or below.
Always rely on your senses too. If bacon smells or looks off, toss it regardless of the date.
Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness
To get the most life out of your butcher bacon, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:
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Keep unopened packages in the original butcher paper or vacuum sealing.
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Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Remove as much air as possible.
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Store opened packages in sealed containers like zip top bags.
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Freeze any bacon you won’t use within 5 days of opening.
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Maintain a consistent 40°F fridge temp. Use a thermometer to monitor.
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Cook bacon within 5 days of thawing from frozen state.
Splitting the package into smaller portions for the fridge or freezer helps too. Thaw only what you’ll use soon.
Freezing Butcher Bacon
Freezing is the best way to preserve leftover butcher bacon long term.
Bacon frozen continuously at 0°F will last 4-6 months before quality starts to decline.
To freeze:
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Double wrap opened packages in plastic and foil. Remove air.
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Seal portions in freezer bags or vacuum seal if possible.
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Label with contents and freeze date.
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Once thawed in fridge, use within 3-5 days.
With proper freezer care, thawed bacon tastes almost as fresh as the day you bought it from the butcher case.
How to Tell if Butcher Bacon is Bad
Here are some signs that your butcher bacon has gone south:
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Sliminess – Should feel slightly tacky but not outright sticky or slimy
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Dull or faded pink color – Good bacon is vivid pink to red when raw
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Rancid smell – Fresh bacon smells mildly like meat. Bad bacon smells sour or “off.”
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Mold growth – Fuzzy white, green or blue mold is a clear sign of spoilage.
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Dryness or hard texture – Bacon shouldn’t be overly dry or brittle.
Trust your senses. If bacon looks or smells funky, don’t risk eating it. Safety first!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about how long butcher bacon lasts? Here are some common FAQs:
How can I make my bacon last longer in the fridge?
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Store on a lower shelf away from the door where temps fluctuate
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Open only as needed and rewrap tightly
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Use smaller airtight containers like zip top bags
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Maintain fridge temp at 40°F or below
What’s the best way to thaw frozen bacon?
Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the fridge. Never leave it to thaw at room temp. Bacon can also be thawed in the microwave if cooking immediately.
Can you refreeze bacon once it’s thawed?
It’s not recommended. Thawed bacon should be cooked fully within 3-5 days. Refreezing may increase risk of bacteria growth.
What happens if bacon freezes too long?
After 6+ months, frozen bacon may suffer some freezer burn, drying out, texture changes or flavor decline. It’s still safe to eat but best when cooked.
Can you eat butcher bacon after the sell by date if it looks fine?
It should be safe for a few days after if continuously refrigerated. Inspect closely and use your judgment. When in doubt, play it safe and toss it out.
Putting it All Together
The shelf life of bacon from your local butcher comes down to these key points:
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Unopened lasts 5-7 days past sell by date
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Opened lasts just 5-7 days in fridge
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Freeze for 4-6 months maximum quality
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Look for slimy texture, dull color, or rancid smell
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When stored properly in fridge or freezer, butcher bacon stays fresh and delicious for a good long while.
The next time you buy artisanal bacon from your trusted butcher, follow these guidelines to enjoy it at peak flavor.
Got any tips for cooking up the perfect batch of butcher bacon? Share in the comments!