Peameal bacon, also known as Canadian bacon, is a beloved breakfast food in Canada. This lean, protein-packed cured pork loin can be fried, baked, or grilled for a delicious morning treat. But if you have leftovers, how long does raw peameal bacon last in the fridge or freezer?
Knowing the shelf life of raw peameal bacon allows you to store and enjoy it safely. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how long this cured meat keeps in the fridge and freezer.
What is Peameal Bacon?
Peameal bacon is made from pork loin that has been brined in a salt and sugar cure It gets its signature texture and flavor from being rolled in cornmeal (historically peas, hence the name) after curing. The cornmeal coating gives peameal bacon a distinctive crunch when cooked.
Compared to regular bacon, peameal bacon is leaner with less fat. It provides an excellent source of protein, minerals like iron and zinc, and B vitamins.
This Canadian specialty can be used in any recipe calling for regular bacon. The cure gives it a delicious salty, smoky ham-like flavor when cooked.
How Long Does Raw Peameal Bacon Last Refrigerated?
When shopping, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s “sell by” or “use by” date on the packaging. This will give you a guideline for maximum freshness.
For unopened raw peameal bacon:
- Store in original packaging as a whole piece for up to 1 week past the sell by date.
Once opened, raw peameal bacon lasts:
- 3-4 days in the fridge.
Make sure to tightly rewrap unused bacon in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate at 40°F or below. The curing process gives peameal bacon a slightly longer shelf life than uncured pork.
Watch for signs of spoilage like sliminess, stickiness, dull or darkened colors, and unpleasant odors. Discard if any mold develops. For optimal safety and quality, use refrigerated raw peameal bacon within 3-4 days of opening.
How to Tell if Raw Peameal Bacon is Bad
It’s important to know how to identify spoiled peameal bacon, as eating bad meat can cause foodborne illness. Here are some signs that raw peameal bacon has gone bad and should be thrown out:
- Unpleasant sour, rancid or ammonia-like smell
- Sticky, tacky or slimy texture
- Discoloration – gray, brown or greenish tint
- Mold growth – fuzzy white, green or black spots
- Dryness and very hard texture
When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out!” Rely on your senses of sight and smell rather than eating questionable bacon. Food poisoning is never worth the risk.
How Long Can You Freeze Raw Peameal Bacon?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of raw peameal bacon while maintaining quality. Here are the freezer timelines:
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Unopened, factory-sealed peameal bacon can be frozen for up to 2-3 months past the sell by date.
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Raw peameal bacon that has been opened can be frozen for up to 4 months.
For the longest freezer life, rewrap the peameal bacon tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper. Place in an airtight freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
Proper freezing preserves freshness and prevents freezer burn. Thaw frozen peameal bacon overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Tips for Storing Raw Peameal Bacon
Follow these tips for safe storage and maximum freshness:
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Check sell by/use by dates and choose the freshest product.
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Keep unopened packages stored in the original packaging until ready to use.
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Once opened, rewrap any unused bacon tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
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Refrigerate raw peameal bacon at 40°F or below. Use within 3-4 days.
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Freeze for longer storage if you won’t use it within a week.
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Label frozen items with date and contents. Use within 4 months for best quality.
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Defrost frozen peameal bacon slowly in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Proper refrigeration and freezing let you keep peameal bacon on hand to enjoy its savory flavor and appealing texture when cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze raw peameal bacon without wrapping it?
It’s not recommended to freeze raw peameal bacon without wrapping it first. Exposed to the cold dry air, it would quickly develop freezer burn and dry out. Make sure to wrap peameal bacon pieces or slices tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper before bagging and freezing.
Can I refreeze thawed peameal bacon?
Food safety experts don’t recommend refreezing raw meats like peameal bacon after thawing. The bacteria that multiply during thawing may survive refreezing. Refreezing also causes texture and moisture changes. For best quality and food safety, cook raw peameal bacon within 1-2 days of thawing.
What happens if you freeze raw peameal bacon too long?
Peameal bacon stored in the freezer longer than 4 months may develop rancid flavors and odors. The bacon slices may also suffer extreme freezer damage, becoming dried out and leathery. For best taste and texture, use frozen raw peameal bacon within 4 months.
How can you tell if thawed peameal bacon has gone bad?
Signs that previously frozen raw peameal bacon has spoiled after thawing include an off smell, sticky or slimy texture, dull or greyish color, and any mold growth. Always inspect thawed meats closely and rely on your senses. When in doubt, throw it out.
Knowing the fridge life can help you enjoy peameal bacon’s savory goodness while keeping your food safe. Follow the storage times and freezing guidelines in this article to get the most from this popular Canadian delicacy.