How to Store Bacon So it Retains Its Deliciousness
Bacon is undoubtedly one of America’s famous foods — in fact, the average American eats around 18 pounds of bacon a year. Many would be surprised to know that bacon doesn’t get the nutritional clout it deserves. It is a great source of B vitamins and a wealth of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. If you have just made an order for gourmet bacon that has been sourced from expert American master butchers, you may wonder how to store it safely. Buying in advance is a good idea, since that way you’ll never run out when a last-minute barbecue arises or guests pop in for a super-sized sandwich. Keep these tips in mind so your bacon lasts longer in good condition.
Raw Bacon
Check the expiry date on the package and feel free to keep it in your fridge until this date. If you enjoy bacon frequently or daily and you are buying a large amount, consider ordering smaller packages you can open as you require. This is because once you open the vacuum pack, you will need to use the remaining pieces in around seven days. Store bacon in a sealed receptacle or cover it up tightly in tin foil. You can also freeze and reheat when you need them.
Cooked Bacon
Cooked bacon tastes almost just as delicious when reheated, so if you have made one too many slices, you can keep it for your pancakes or even as a crumble over your favorite salad the next day. Drain them over paper towels first, wrap them in the towels and wrap them with foil or place them in a sealed receptacle or ziplock bag. When you are ready to use them, just fry them up, heat them in the oven to regain its original crispness or simply pop into the microwave for a few seconds if you don't need it crispy.
Keeping Your Fridge in Tip-Top Condition
Keeping your bacon sealed or well wrapped isn’t the only consideration to be made. Your fridge itself should be regularly cleaned to ensure it is free from toxic mold and bacteria. Black mold spores from affected food can build up in your fridge, cleaning utensils, and even dish cloths so make sure that any equipment and utensils in touch with your bacon are clean prior to storage. If you live in a humid area and are particularly concerned about mold, professional testing can help you breathe easier and feel more secure about handling food in your kitchen.
Freezing Bacon
If you have not opened the bacon, then you can feel free to place it in the freezer. Once you have opened the package, however, you will have to take extra steps to ensure it remains in top condition. Roll out a sheet of wax paper, place one slice of bacon along the shorter edge, fold the paper over and repeat with the remaining slices. Once this is done, place your bacon in a Ziploc bag and pop into the freezer. It will keep nicely this way for around two months.
Bacon is a delicious treat that usually doesn’t last long enough to be stored away. In the event you wish to store a bulk buy, freezing may be the best option. For the odd extra piece you have already cooked, individual storage in dry towels or wax paper can help keep the crisp goodness of this revered comfort food.