How Long Does Peameal Bacon Last in the Fridge?

Peameal bacon, also known as Canadian bacon, is a beloved breakfast food for many. But like any perishable food, it’s important to store peameal bacon properly to maximize its shelf life. So how long does peameal bacon last in the fridge?

The shelf life of peameal bacon depends on whether it is unopened versus opened, and whether it is stored in the fridge versus the freezer. Read on for a complete guide to maximizing the freshness of your peameal bacon.

Overview of Peameal Bacon

Before diving into storage times, let’s quickly overview what exactly peameal bacon is Peameal bacon is a type of Canadian back bacon made from pork loin. It gets its signature name from the cornmeal (peameal) that is rolled onto the meat before being sliced

Peameal bacon is known for its lean, tender and lightly sweet flavor. It makes for a hearty addition to breakfast sandwiches, omelets, baked potatoes and more. It can be purchased pre-sliced or in larger slabs to slice at home.

When you buy peameal bacon, choose packages that feel cold in the store fridge. Avoid those that appear slimy or smell unpleasant. The color should be a uniform pink to deep red. Grayish patches or dry edges indicate the bacon may be past its prime.

How Long Does Unopened Peameal Bacon Last in the Fridge?

An unopened package of peameal bacon can be kept refrigerated for 1-2 weeks past the printed sell by or use by date on the package, The vacuum sealed packaging helps block oxygen from interacting with the meat and causing spoilage,

Follow these tips for maximizing the shelf life of unopened peameal bacon

• Store unopened peameal bacon on a shelf rather than in the door, which experiences more temperature fluctuations. The ideal fridge temperature for meat is 35-40°F.

• Check the package for a sell by or use by date and be sure to use before this timeframe is up. This date refers to quality rather than safety, but is a helpful guideline.

• Look for changes in color, odor, or sliminess that may indicate spoilage. Trust your senses.

With proper refrigerated storage, unopened peameal bacon can safely keep for 7-14 days past its date before quality starts to decline. But for peak freshness, try to use it within 1-2 weeks of purchasing.

How Long Does Opened Peameal Bacon Last in the Fridge?

Once opened, the clock starts ticking a bit faster on peameal bacon. Exposing the meat to air allows oxidation and bacterial growth. Follow these guidelines for maximizing the shelf life of opened peameal bacon:

• Use opened peameal bacon within 4-7 days for best quality.

• Make sure to tightly reseal or wrap leftovers. Airtight storage helps block oxygen and prevents drying out.

• Keep leftovers on a shelf rather than the door for optimal temperature regulation.

• Check for changes in color, consistency, or smell that may indicate spoilage. Mold or sliminess are signs to discard the bacon.

With proper refrigerated storage, opened peameal bacon can safely keep for 3-5 days past its opened date, but may start deteriorating in quality after 4-7 days. For best results, try to finish it within a week of opening.

How Long Does Peameal Bacon Last in the Freezer?

The freezer can significantly extend the shelf life of peameal bacon. Follow these guidelines:

• Unopened peameal bacon can be frozen for 4-6 months past the sell by date before quality starts declining.

• Opened peameal bacon keeps for 1-2 months in the freezer depending on the efficiency of your freezer and how well it’s wrapped.

• Wrap peameal bacon tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container or bag before freezing. Try to minimize air exposure.

• For longer freezer storage, consider vacuum sealing packages to remove air and prevent freezer burn.

• Defrost peameal bacon in the refrigerator overnight rather than at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

With proper freezer storage, both opened and unopened peameal bacon can safely keep 8+ months before quality declines. But for best flavor and texture, try to use it within the 4-6 month optimal quality range.

Signs Peameal Bacon Has Gone Bad

Trust your senses when determining if peameal bacon has gone bad. Signs of spoilage include:

• Slimy texture or layer of goo on the surface

• Grayish, dull or darkening color

• Dry, stiff edges

• Strong unpleasant or sour odor

• Mold growth

• Taste is off, with a bitter, tangy flavor

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to discard the peameal bacon. Consuming spoiled meats can potentially cause foodborne illness.

Best Practices for Storing Peameal Bacon

Follow these simple practices to help maximize the shelf life and freshness of your peameal bacon:

• Choose packages without tears or air pockets which can accelerate spoilage.

• Quickly store in the fridge upon returning home from the grocery store. Try not to leave peameal bacon sitting out for over 2 hours before refrigerating.

• Designate a spot in the center or upper shelves of the fridge for raw meats like peameal bacon. Avoid storing in the door which experiences temperature fluctuations.

• Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Minimize air exposure.

• Use opened packages within 4-7 days and freeze any remaining portions for longer storage.

• Label frozen items with the date frozen for easy reference.

• Defrost in the fridge rather than at room temperature for food safety.

By following proper refrigerated storage times and freezing when needed, you can enjoy peameal bacon while minimizing waste. Trust your eyes and nose to determine when it may be time to discard packages that are past their prime. With optimal storage conditions, you can keep both opened and unopened peameal bacon on hand to whip up delicious breakfasts and brunches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if peameal bacon has gone bad?

Check for mold, sliminess, foul odors, dull or dark color, bitter taste, dry or stiff texture. These are signs peameal bacon has spoiled and should be discarded. Good quality peameal bacon looks moist and pinkish-red with no off smells.

Can you freeze sliced peameal bacon?

Yes, sliced peameal bacon can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for 1-2 months in the freezer before quality declines.

How should you thaw frozen peameal bacon?

Thaw frozen peameal bacon gradually in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours for thicker slabs. Do not thaw at room temperature, as this allows bacterial growth. Cook immediately once thawed.

Can you eat peameal bacon raw?

It is not recommended to eat raw peameal bacon. Always cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Raw pork can potentially harbor harmful bacteria. Curing helps control bacteria but does not make the bacon ready-to-eat without proper cooking.

How do you know if bacon is still good after freezer burn?

Bacon with minor freezer burn spots can be trimmed off. But bacon with extensive freezer damage, like large dry sections, is best discarded for quality and food safety. Freezer burn causes rancid flavors and can accelerate spoilage once thawed.

How long is sliced deli peameal bacon good for after opening?

The shelf life of opened sliced deli peameal bacon is shorter than intact packages. Consume within 3-5 days for best freshness and quality. Properly wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or an airtight container and store in the fridge.

Can you cook frozen peameal bacon without thawing?

It is best to thaw peameal bacon in the fridge before cooking. Attempting to cook frozen bacon may result in uneven cooking. But in a pinch, you can cook frozen peameal bacon straight from the freezer – just allow 50% longer cook time.

What happens if you eat bad peameal bacon?

Consuming spoiled, moldy or contaminated peameal bacon could potentially result in food poisoning. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headache, fever and chills. Seek medical treatment if you suspect food poisoning. When in doubt, throw it out!

How can you make peameal bacon last longer?

• Store unopened packages on fridge shelves rather than the door
• Limit air exposure by tightly wrapping opened packages
• Freeze leftovers if you won’t use within 3-5 days
• Check packages for signs of spoilage like smell or sliminess
• Monitor fridge temperature and keep between 35°-40°F
• Always observe sell-by dates and don’t use beyond those timeframes

Following proper storage methods and food safety practices will help extend the shelf life of your peameal bacon.

The Bottom Line

Peameal bacon can last 1-2 weeks unopened, 3-7 days opened in the fridge, and 4-6 months in the freezer (8+ for unopened). Always store opened packages tightly wrapped to maintain quality and freshness for as long as possible. Rely on your senses – if peameal bacon smells bad or appears slimy or moldy, err on the side of caution and throw it away. Following optimum storage guidelines will ensure you have delicious peameal bacon ready for all your breakfast cooking needs!