Tips and Tricks for Preserving Sacrificial Meat, Proper Handling Makes it Last

Dream - Tips for storing sacrificial meat so that it doesn't spoil quickly or become rotten start to be known before Eid al-Adha. After all the poor people have received their allocation, usually the organizers of Eid al-Adha will distribute sacrificial meat to the surrounding residents.   

The supply of sacrificial meat is usually abundant during the celebration of Eid al-Adha. The sacrificial meat is distributed to three categories: those who perform the sacrifice, poor families, and close relatives such as family, friends, or neighbors even if they are well-off. 

Sometimes a person receives too much sacrificial meat to the point where they cannot process it all. Considering that it cannot last long, sacrificial meat must be stored properly to prevent it from spoiling quickly. 

You need to know the tips for storing sacrificial meat so that it doesn't spoil quickly. Who knows, it might be useful during the celebration of Eid al-Adha because there is an abundance of sacrificial meat. Let's take a look at the tips below!

Tips for Storing Sacrificial Meat

1. No Need to Wash

 The first tip for storing sacrificial meat so that it doesn't spoil quickly is to not wash it. You might think that washing the meat can clean the dirt and germs that stick to it. However, washing the meat before storing it will actually make it spoil quickly. This is because bacteria will enter the meat during the washing process.

If you want to store it for a long time, it is best not to wash the sacrificial meat beforehand. It's different if you want to process the meat as soon as possible, then you need to wash it thoroughly.

2. Cut the Meat According to Serving Size

The next tip is to cut the meat according to the serving size. Before putting it in the refrigerator, cut the sacrificial meat into pieces according to the serving size. Make sure you have sterilized your hands before cutting the sacrificial meat.

In addition, the knife used must also be sterilized from bacteria and germs. If you are sure it is clean from germs, cut the meat according to the serving size for one cooking session for your family.

3. Store in a Closed Container

After that, the next tip is to store the meat in a closed container. Do not store the meat in plastic, choose a container made of food grade and BPA-free material.

Because the container will come into contact with the meat for a long time. It is feared that harmful chemicals in plastic can enter the meat. Properly stored sacrificial meat can last up to a year.

4. Separate Meat and Offal

The next tip for storing sacrificial meat so that it doesn't spoil quickly is to separate the meat and offal. Offal usually spoils faster than meat. So it's better to separate them in different containers.

This tip is useful to avoid cross-contamination between offal and meat. It is even better to place them in separate freezers.

5. Freeze at -18 Degrees Celsius

In order for the meat to last longer, the way to store sacrificial meat is by setting the right temperature. Freeze the sacrificial meat at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius. The main purpose of freezing the meat is to put it to sleep. The frozen condition of the meat prevents bacteria inside the meat from reacting, making the meat more durable without preservatives.

6. Move to a Lower Temperature Refrigerator

If you want to process frozen sacrificial meat, do not thaw it at room temperature. The way is to move the frozen meat out of the freezer, place it in a refrigerator shelf with a lower temperature so that the meat thaws without losing its cold temperature.

After thawing slowly, then you can take it out of the refrigerator and process it according to your taste. Remember, after taking the meat out of the refrigerator, it is better not to put it back in. Meat that has been taken out of the refrigerator is susceptible to contamination by bacteria, which makes it spoil faster. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the tip of cutting the meat according to the serving size beforehand.

Those are the tips for storing sacrificial meat so that it doesn't spoil quickly. In addition, if you have excess meat, you can also donate it to those who may not receive sacrificial meat at all. That way, you can still enjoy the sacrificial meat while sharing it with others.