Are you a fan of Canadian bacon? Do you like to buy it in bulk and store it for later use?
If so, you may be wondering how long it can last in the refrigerator. The answer may surprise you.
While the shelf life of Canadian bacon is similar to regular bacon, there are some differences to keep in mind.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of storing Canadian bacon, including how long it can last in the fridge and freezer, how to properly store it, and how to tell if it’s gone bad.
So grab a slice of bacon and let’s dive in!
How Long Can You Keep Canadian Bacon In The Refrigerator?
Raw Canadian bacon can last up to a week in the refrigerator, while cooked bacon may last up to ten days. However, it’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and the actual shelf life may vary depending on factors such as how the bacon is stored and the type of bacon.
If you plan on storing Canadian bacon in the fridge, it’s important to keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent any air from getting in and causing the bacon to spoil faster.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the sell-by date of the bacon. While Canadian bacon can last longer than the sell-by date if stored properly, it’s still a good idea to use it before that date to ensure maximum freshness.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to use the Canadian bacon before it goes bad, you can always freeze it. When properly stored in the freezer, Canadian bacon can last up to six months.
What Is Canadian Bacon?
Canadian bacon, also known as back bacon, is a type of bacon that comes from the back of the pig. It’s a leaner cut of bacon that includes the pork loin and may also include a portion of the pork belly. Unlike American bacon, which is made from the pork belly, Canadian bacon is derived from the same cut used for pork chops. It’s typically cured, smoked, and sliced into rounds. Canadian bacon is commonly found in British and Irish cuisine and is often served for breakfast or brunch. In Canada, the back bacon is not smoked or pre-cooked. It is almost always the lean, boneless pork loin of the animal that is pickle-cured and rolled in a fine golden cornmeal. While American Canadian bacon and actual Canadian bacon found in Canada are two different things, they both have a similar shelf life when stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer.
Properly Storing Canadian Bacon
Properly storing Canadian bacon is essential to maximize its shelf life and maintain its quality. If you plan on storing uncooked, unopened Canadian bacon, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to eight months. However, if you have opened the package, it’s important to wrap the bacon in tin foil or store it in an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help prevent any air from getting in and causing the bacon to spoil faster.
Cooked Canadian bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels before freezing. This will help prevent freezer burn and ensure that the bacon stays fresh for a longer period of time. When properly stored in the freezer, cooked Canadian bacon can last up to 48 weeks.
It’s important to note that sliced Canadian bacon can only be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. If you have unsliced slabs of Canadian bacon, they can be wrapped with foil or placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks at a time. However, they should not be frozen as they can turn rancid very quickly.
When storing Canadian bacon in the freezer, it’s important to wrap it properly or place it in an airtight container. Overwrapping the store package with heavy-duty foil or other freezer wrapping and pushing all the air out of the package before tightly closing the wrapping around the inside package is recommended. The Food Marketing Institute recommends a one-month storage limit for unopened Canadian bacon. Our maximum recommendation would be one to three months for Canadian bacon and other cured meats. The longer you store it, the more the quality and flavor will deteriorate.
Can You Freeze Canadian Bacon?
Yes, you can freeze Canadian bacon. Freezing Canadian bacon is similar to freezing other types of bacon or ham. It’s important to wrap the Canadian bacon tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain its quality.
If you plan on freezing opened, uncooked Canadian bacon, it’s recommended to remove the portion you want to freeze as soon as you open the package. Be sure to wrap the portion for freezing in heavy duty freezer plastic wrap or bags, making the package air-tight. Freeze quickly to a temperature of 0 degrees F. or lower.
Canadian bacon that has been opened and cooked can be frozen for up to six months as long as it is properly wrapped in a resealable plastic bag or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. This will help preserve the taste and increase the shelf-life of the Canadian bacon.
It’s important to note that while Canadian bacon can be frozen for longer periods of time, the quality and flavor may deteriorate over time. It’s recommended to use frozen Canadian bacon within six months for optimal taste and quality.
How To Tell If Canadian Bacon Has Gone Bad
Canadian bacon is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. However, it’s important to know how to tell if Canadian bacon has gone bad to avoid any potential health risks.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate the freshness of Canadian bacon is by its smell. Fresh Canadian bacon should have a slight smoky smell, but if it smells sour or rancid, it has gone bad and should be discarded immediately. Additionally, spoiled Canadian bacon will often be slimy or sticky to the touch, which is another clear sign of spoilage.
Another way to tell if Canadian bacon has gone bad is by its appearance. Fresh Canadian bacon should have a bright pink color with white or pale-yellow fat. If the color starts to fade into a grey, brown, or greenish hue, it’s a clear indication that the meat has spoiled.
Lastly, you can also tell if Canadian bacon has gone bad by its texture. Spoiled Canadian bacon may feel slimy or sticky rather than soft and moist. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw out the Canadian bacon.
Delicious Recipes To Make With Canadian Bacon
If you have some Canadian bacon that you need to use up before it goes bad, there are plenty of delicious recipes that you can make with it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Sheet Pan Pizza with Canadian Bacon: This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Simply spread pizza dough on a sheet pan, top with tomato sauce, cheese, and Canadian bacon, and bake in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
2. Canadian Bacon Mushroom Frittatas: These mini frittatas are great for breakfast or brunch. Line muffin tins with Canadian bacon, crack an egg into each cup, and top with sautéed mushrooms and cheese. Bake in the oven until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.
3. Canadian Bacon and Egg Breakfast Sandwich: This classic breakfast sandwich is always a crowd-pleaser. Toast an English muffin, top with Canadian bacon, a fried egg, and cheese. Add some sliced avocado or tomato for extra flavor.
4. Canadian Bacon and Potato Hash: This hearty dish is perfect for brunch or dinner. Sauté diced potatoes and onions in a skillet until crispy, then add chopped Canadian bacon and cook until heated through. Serve with a fried egg on top for added protein.
No matter how you choose to use your Canadian bacon, be sure to store it properly to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. With these delicious recipes, you’ll never let any of your bacon go to waste!
