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How Long Do Pork Pies Keep in the Fridge? Everything You Need to Know

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Pork pies are a beloved British snack that have become popular worldwide. With their pastry crust enveloping a tasty pork filling, they make a convenient and delicious bite. But like any perishable food, proper storage is key to enjoying pork pies at their best. So how long do pork pies keep in the fridge? What’s the best way to store them? Read on for a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life of pork pies.

An Overview of Pork Pies

Before diving into storage methods, let’s review what exactly pork pies are. Pork pies consist of chopped or minced pork and fat, seasoned and packed into a hot water crust pastry This pastry crust is then molded by hand around the meat filling The iconic pork pie shape features straight sides and a slight rounding or doming of the top crust.

Inside the pie, there is a jelly made from pork stock that fills in the cracks and adds moisture. The pork filling in traditional English pork pies like Melton Mowbray pork pies is not cooked ahead of time. This results in the iconic gray coloration of the uncooked pork center.

Modern mass-produced pork pies often precook the pork for food safety But artisanal pork pie makers often stick to the traditional uncured raw pork filling for authentic flavor and texture.

How Long Do Pork Pies Last in the Fridge?

Unlike many other baked goods, pork pies go bad quickly and don’t last long on the shelf. When stored properly in the refrigerator, pork pies will keep for 5-7 days.

The pastry may start to lose its crispness after 2-3 days. But the pork pie will remain safe to eat for a full week when kept chilled at 40°F or below.

Any pork pies not eaten within 5-7 days should be discarded. Bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli can multiply even when refrigerated, making the pies unsafe after this timeframe.

Maximizing Fridge Life

To get the full 5-7 days of safe shelf life from your pork pies, follow these fridge storage tips:

  • Keep pork pies chilled at 40°F or below. The colder the better for slowing bacteria growth.

  • Leave pies wrapped in their original packaging or parchment paper until ready to serve. This prevents drying out.

  • Place wrapped pies in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection.

  • Avoid overcrowding the fridge, as this reduces air circulation and cooling efficiency.

  • Check pies daily and discard any that smell bad or appear slimy. Don’t risk eating a pie past its prime.

  • When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out.” Better safe than sorry.

Freezing for Extended Storage

While pork pies will only last about a week in the fridge, they can be frozen for much longer storage. Properly frozen, pork pies can keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.

To freeze:

  • Wrap pies tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent freezer burn.

  • Place wrapped pies in freezer bags, squeezing out excess air. Freezer burn ruins texture.

  • Label bags with contents and freeze-by date. Include the date purchased as a reference.

  • Freeze at 0°F or below for maximum shelf life. Consistent 0°F freezing is ideal.

  • Avoid freezer burn by minimizing openings. Use oldest pies first when dipping into the freezer stash.

Thawing and Serving Frozen Pies

When ready to enjoy frozen pork pies, thaw using the following methods:

  • For same day use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allowing 8-12 hours for full thawing.

  • For quicker thawing, leave pies sealed in packaging and run under cool water until thawed. Change water every 30 minutes to speed thawing.

  • Microwave thawing is not recommended, as it can create hot spots that impact pastry texture.

  • Once thawed, allow pies to come to room temperature or serve chilled as desired.

  • Do not refreeze thawed pork pies, as this creates food safety issues. Eat within 3-4 days.

Enjoying Pork Pies Safely

No matter which storage method you use, keep the following food safety tips in mind:

  • Wash hands before handling pork pies to prevent cross contamination.

  • Use clean cutting boards and utensils when slicing pies to serve.

  • Never leave pies sitting out for over 2 hours. Toxin producing bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.

  • Do not try to extend the shelf life of pies by cooking. Reheating does not destroy all dangerous bacteria that can be present.

  • When reheating thawed frozen pies, reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F. Check temperature with a food thermometer.

By understanding ideal fridge, freezer, and food safety practices, you can safely enjoy scrumptious pork pies for days to come. Follow these storage guidelines, pay close attention to quality and spoilage signs, and your tasty pork pies will be their best right up until the last bite.

how long do pork pies keep in fridge

How to store your pies correctly and can they be frozen?

To store the pork pie, keep it wrapped in parchment paper and put it in the fridge between 0°C and 8°C. Take your pork pie out of the fridge an hour before you want to eat it and peel off the paper. This will let the flavors develop. Freezing: Keep the pork pie wrapped in its parchment paper, then wrap in tinfoil. Place the wrapped pie in a polythene freezer bag and place in the freezer. Will store for up to 3 months. Defrosting: Remove the pork pie from the freezer. Remove the polythene bag but leave the pork pie wrapped in the tinfoil and parchment paper. Place the wrapped pork pie in your fridge to defrost for 24 hours. An hour before you eat the pie, take it out of the fridge and take off all the plastic wrap. This will let the flavors develop.

Where can you find the Shoppe?

In the heart of Melton Mowbray’s town centre. 10 Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. LE13 1NW. We are currently undergoing major refurbishment during the first four months of 2024. A pop-up shop is available in the Bell Centre, unit 19a.

How to Freeze a Pie

FAQ

How long do pork pies last in the refrigerator?

We try to ensure that your pork pies reach you with a life on them of 6 days.

Can you eat pork pies 5 days out of date?

A use-by date on food is about safety. This is the most important date to remember. Never eat food after the use-by date, even if it looks and smells ok, as it could make you very ill.

How long will a homemade pork pie keep?

Once at room temperature, chill the pie overnight. It will keep for up to 5 days.

How long do meat pies last in the fridge?

How to Store Meat Pie. Store your leftover meat pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or in the microwave.

How do you store a pork pie?

Here are some steps to follow: 1. Wrap the pork pie in parchment paper or cling film to prevent it from drying out. 2. Place the wrapped pork pie into a sealed container to keep it fresh. 3. Store the container in the fridge at a temperature of 0-5°C. 4. Make sure to consume the pork pie within five days of storing it in the fridge.

Can You refrigerate pork pies?

Yes, you can refrigerate pork pies. If you plan on consuming your pork pies within five days, it’s best to store them in the fridge. Once you’ve opened the pie, it should be consumed within three days. When refrigerating your pork pies, it’s important to cover them well to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.

How long do pork pies last?

When stored in the fridge, pork pies can last up to 5 days. However, it’s important to note that the pastry may start to go soft after a couple of days, especially if using a water pastry. To extend the shelf life of your pork pies, consider freezing them. Pork pies can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months when wrapped properly.

Can pork pies be left out at room temperature?

If you need to leave your pork pies out at room temperature for a short period of time, they can be kept for up to four hours. However, it’s important to make sure the temperature of the room is not too warm. If the temperature is above 37°C, bacteria will multiply rapidly, doubling in number every 10 minutes at this temperature.

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