Are you a fan of Canadian bacon? Do you often wonder how long it can stay fresh in your refrigerator?
Whether you’re a bacon lover or just someone who wants to make sure their food stays safe to eat, it’s important to know the shelf life of this popular breakfast meat.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of bacon and how long they can be stored in the fridge or freezer. From unopened packages to cooked leftovers, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping Canadian bacon fresh and delicious.
So, let’s dive in and find out how long your favorite breakfast meat can last!
How Long Does Canadian Bacon Keep In The Refrigerator?
Canadian bacon, also known as back bacon, is a popular breakfast meat that is similar to ham. It is typically made from lean strips of pork loin and has a mild, smoky flavor. But how long can you keep Canadian bacon in the refrigerator before it goes bad?
According to food safety guidelines, fresh Canadian bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. This applies to both unopened and opened packages of Canadian bacon. If you have vacuum-sealed Canadian bacon, it can be stored in the fridge until the “use by” date on the package.
Once you open the package of Canadian bacon, it’s important to tightly wrap it and use it within seven days for best quality. If you don’t plan on eating your Canadian bacon within a week, freezing it is a better option.
Cooked Canadian bacon has a shorter shelf life than fresh Canadian bacon. It can be refrigerated for about three to four days and frozen for up to eight weeks. It’s important to store cooked Canadian bacon in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
Different Types Of Canadian Bacon
While Canadian bacon is typically made from lean strips of pork loin, there are other types of Canadian bacon that are worth mentioning. One of these is English bacon, which is similar to Canadian bacon but is cut from the back of the pig instead of the loin. It has a higher fat content and a richer flavor than Canadian bacon.
Another type of Canadian bacon is Irish bacon, which is also known as back bacon. It is made from the same cut of meat as Canadian bacon but is cured differently, giving it a slightly different flavor. Irish bacon is typically thicker and more tender than Canadian bacon.
Finally, there is also Scottish bacon, which is made from the belly of the pig and has a higher fat content than other types of Canadian bacon. It has a rich, smoky flavor and a chewy texture.
Regardless of the type of Canadian bacon you prefer, it’s important to store it properly to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat. By following the guidelines mentioned above, you can enjoy your Canadian bacon for up to a week in the refrigerator or up to eight weeks in the freezer.
Shelf Life Of Unopened Canadian Bacon
Unopened Canadian bacon can last for about two weeks in the refrigerator and up to eight months in the freezer. This is similar to other types of bacon, such as pork and turkey bacon. It’s important to keep Canadian bacon refrigerated at all times to prevent bacteria growth.
To maximize the shelf life of unopened Canadian bacon, it’s recommended to keep it in its original store packaging until ready to use. This will help prevent any contamination from other foods in the fridge. If you plan on freezing unopened Canadian bacon, it’s best to do so before the number of days recommended for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
When freezing unopened Canadian bacon, it’s important to overwrap the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. This will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the Canadian bacon.
Properly stored unopened Canadian bacon will maintain its best quality for about one to two months in the freezer. However, it will remain safe beyond that time. It’s important to note that this is only for best quality and that Canadian bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
How Long Can Opened Canadian Bacon Last In The Fridge?
Once you open a package of Canadian bacon, it can last in the fridge for up to seven days. However, it’s important to note that the quality and taste of the Canadian bacon may start to decline after the first few days. To ensure the best quality, it’s recommended to use the opened Canadian bacon within three to four days.
It’s also important to store opened Canadian bacon properly in the fridge. After opening the package, tightly wrap the remaining Canadian bacon in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help prevent any bacteria or odors from other foods in the fridge from affecting the Canadian bacon.
If you’re not planning on using the opened Canadian bacon within a week, it’s best to freeze it. Frozen Canadian bacon can last for up to eight weeks and still maintain its quality and taste. Make sure to place the Canadian bacon in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Can You Freeze Canadian Bacon?
Yes, you can freeze Canadian bacon to extend its shelf life. Raw Canadian bacon can be frozen for up to six months, while cooked Canadian bacon can be frozen for up to eight weeks. It’s important to wrap the Canadian bacon well to protect it from freezer burn, which can ruin the quality of the meat.
To freeze unopened Canadian bacon, overwrap the store package with heavy duty foil or other freezer wrapping, being sure to push all the air out of the package and tightly close the wrapping around the inside package. If you cannot use a full package and want to try freezing opened Canadian bacon for a very short time period, remove the portion you want to freeze from the package as soon as you open it, not after it has been in an open package for a while. 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.
When you’re ready to use the frozen Canadian bacon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw it at room temperature or in warm water, as this can promote bacterial growth and spoilage. Once thawed, use the Canadian bacon within three to four days for best quality.
How To Store Cooked Canadian Bacon
If you have cooked Canadian bacon that you want to store in the refrigerator, it’s important to follow proper storage techniques to ensure its longevity. First, let the bacon cool down to room temperature before refrigerating it. Putting hot bacon in the fridge can raise the temperature of the fridge and potentially cause other foods to spoil.
Once the cooked Canadian bacon has cooled down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Glass containers are a good option because they won’t absorb odors from other foods in the fridge. Label the container with the date that you cooked the bacon so you can keep track of how long it has been stored.
It’s also important to only take out what you plan on using immediately. This will prevent you from reheating all of the bacon at once and potentially shortening its shelf life. When reheating cooked Canadian bacon, make sure to heat it until it’s steaming hot (165°F or 75°C) to kill any bacteria that may have grown on it.
Signs Of Spoiled Canadian Bacon
While Canadian bacon has a relatively long shelf life, it’s important to know the signs of spoilage to avoid consuming potentially harmful meat. Here are some signs that your Canadian bacon has gone bad:
1. Appearance: If you notice any discoloration or mold on the surface of your Canadian bacon, it’s best to discard it immediately. The meat should be a uniform pink color with no visible signs of spoilage.
2. Smell: Spoiled Canadian bacon will have a sour or off odor. If your bacon smells bad or has a strong, unpleasant odor, it’s not safe to eat.
3. Texture: Fresh Canadian bacon should be firm and slightly moist. If your bacon feels slimy or sticky to the touch, it’s likely spoiled and should be thrown away.
4. Taste: If you’re unsure whether your Canadian bacon has gone bad, take a small bite and taste it. Spoiled meat will have an unpleasant flavor and may make you feel sick.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. If you suspect that your Canadian bacon is spoiled, it’s best to throw it away and avoid consuming it.
