When you buy a lot of meat from Swiss Farm, you know how great it is to have a freezer full of delicious meat that you can eat whenever you want. But we know it can be hard to figure out what to do with your frozen meat and how to defrost it the best way.
Here is a quick guide from our butchery and other experts in the field on how to safely store and thaw your Swiss Farm meat.
Defrosting meat in the fridge is the safest method according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Large cuts of meat, or whole birds (like a chicken), generally take a whole day to defrost safely. Accordingly, a generally rule is to allow 10 – 12 hours per kilogram of meat.
Defrosting meat thoroughly is essential as it prevents an uneven cook. For example, if the meat is defrosted wrong, the outside might be cooked but the inside might still be frozen, which means it could have bacteria on it. Luckily, defrosting is very easy, and is a proven method to prepare frozen meat.
It’s helpful to plan what and when you want to defrost so that you have enough room in the fridge and time to let the meat fully defrost. So, here’s how to do it:
2. Place meat on a tray at the bottom of the fridge (the tray will catch any juices).
Planning to cook up a delicious pork joint for dinner soon? If you bought it frozen, you’ll need to defrost it properly first for the best results. Defrosting meat in the fridge is the safest method, but exactly how long does it take to defrost a pork joint this way?
In this detailed guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about defrosting pork joints in the fridge. We’ll discuss
- Recommended fridge defrosting times based on the joint size
- Why the fridge method is better than other defrosting techniques
- Tips for safe and effective fridge defrosting
- What to do if you’re short on defrosting time
- How to store the joint after it’s thawed
Let’s get into it!
Recommended Defrosting Times for Pork Joints in the Fridge
The general rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours of defrosting time in the fridge for every 5 pounds of meat.
So for example
- 5 lb pork joint – allow 24 hours in the fridge
- 7 lb pork joint – allow 33-36 hours in the fridge
- 10 lb pork joint – allow 48-60 hours in the fridge
The defrosting time can vary a bit depending on the shape and thickness of the joint. Leaner cuts may defrost faster than fattier options.
For large joints over 10 pounds, it’s best to allow a full 60 hours (2 1/2 days) for full defrosting just to be safe.
The key is allowing enough time for the joint to thaw slowly and completely through to the middle while still cold.
Why the Fridge Method is Best for Defrosting Pork
Out of all the defrosting options out there, thawing pork in the refrigerator is the gold standard. Here’s why it’s the best approach:
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It’s the safest method – The fridge prevents bacterial growth. Meat left at room temp can reach the “danger zone” between 40-140°F where bacteria multiply quickly.
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Leads to even thawing – Fridge thawing happens gradually, allowing the inside to defrost as thoroughly as the outer areas.
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Maintains texture & flavor – Slow defrosting helps retain the pork’s juiciness and quality. Fast thawing can toughen and dry out the meat.
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Convenient “set & forget” – Once you start fridge defrosting, you can leave the pork alone to thaw with no need to monitor it.
The controlled cool environment is ideal for keeping that pork tasting its absolute best.
Tips for Safe and Effective Fridge Defrosting
Follow these handy tips for safe, successful pork joint defrosting:
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Plan ahead – Leave enough defrosting time for the meat size. An extra day doesn’t hurt.
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Place in a container – Put the pork in a bowl or pan to contain any drips as it defrosts.
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Use the bottom shelf – Place the pork on the bottom fridge shelf so juices can’t drip onto other food.
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Don’t refreeze thawed meat – Cook thawed pork right away rather than refreezing.
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Avoid room temp thawing – Never leave the pork out on the counter to defrost.
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Use a meat thermometer – Always check the internal temp to confirm the pork is fully cooked through.
Stick to these fridge defrosting best practices for delicious, moist and safe pork dinner results.
Alternative Quick Defrosting Options
What if you’re short on defrosting time? Here are a couple quick alternatives:
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Cold water method – Submerge the joint in cold water, changing the water every 30 mins. Only use this if cooking immediately after.
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Microwave defrosting – Use your microwave’s defrost setting according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cook the pork right away.
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Cooking frozen – You can cook pork from frozen or partially frozen. Just allow 50% extra cooking time. Use a meat thermometer.
While quick, these methods may lead to uneven thawing and have more food safety risks. The fridge is still the gold standard for quality.
Storing Thawed Pork Joint in the Fridge
Once that pork joint is defrosted, here are some storage tips:
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Put it in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents contamination from fridge odors.
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Store on the bottom shelf below any other raw meats or ready-to-eat foods.
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Cook within 3-5 days for best quality and food safety. Don’t refreeze thawed meat.
Proper storage keeps your thawed pork protected and optimized for cooking.
The Takeaway
Allow 24 hours per 5 pounds for full, safe fridge defrosting of pork joints. While quicker methods exist, fridge thawing delivers the best taste, texture and safety by far. Follow the storage, temperature and food handling tips above for delicious results.
With the proper defrosting time and method, you’ll be ready to serve up tender, juicy pork perfection to your hungry dinner guests in no time.
Defrosting meat without the fridge
If you don’t have room in the fridge or can’t use it, you can defrost your meat in cold water. Just keep in mind that the rules are a little different.
Putting the meat in a container and running cold water over it is a faster way to defrost it. Cold water speeds up the defrosting process without increasing the meats outside temperature. To keep it from getting contaminated, all raw meat, even whole birds, should be sealed in a container and put under running water.
So how long does it take in colder water?
According to the FSA, one pound of meat can defrost within an hour by using this method.
How to Defrost Meat Quickly & Safely
How long should a pork joint be refrigerated?
Defrosting a pork joint in the fridge is the safest and most reliable method. It allows the meat to thaw slowly and evenly, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and ensuring that the meat stays fresh. The general rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours of fridge time for every 5 pounds of meat.
How long does pork take to defrost?
The general rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours of fridge time for every 5 pounds of meat. So, if you have a 10-pound pork joint, it will take around 48 to 60 hours to fully defrost in the fridge. It’s important to note that this method requires some planning ahead, as it can take several days for larger joints to fully defrost.
Can You defrost a pork joint?
Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your pork joint is fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached the recommended internal temperature. By following these tips, you can safely and effectively defrost your pork joint in the fridge, ensuring that it stays fresh and delicious for your meal.
How long does pork take to thaw?
Allow the pork to sit in the refrigerator undisturbed until it’s fully thawed. The entire process should take 24 hours for every five pounds of meat. That means a 10- to 12-pound pork shoulder will take 48 to 60 hours to thaw. When you’ve used the refrigerator method, the thawed pork should be consumed within three to five days.