How Long Does Raw Peameal Bacon Last? A Complete Storage Guide

As a proud Canadian and bacon lover, peameal bacon holds a special place in my heart and on my breakfast table. With its signature cornmeal coating and salty, smoky flavor peameal bacon is a national treasure and breakfast staple here in Canada.

However, like any cured or raw meat, it’s important to store peameal bacon properly to ensure safety and maximize freshness. With so much conflicting advice online, how long does raw peameal bacon actually last in the fridge or freezer?

In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide to determining the shelf life of raw peameal bacon and tips for safe storage. You’ll also learn how to tell if your peameal bacon has gone bad and when it’s time to throw it out. Let’s dive in!

What is Peameal Bacon?

Before discussing storage, let’s quickly cover what exactly peameal bacon is. Peameal bacon is made from pork loin that has been brined smoked and rolled in cornmeal (historically peas, hence the name). This gives it a distinctive crust and texture.

It has a leaner fat profile compared to traditional bacon, while still delivering that salty, smoky bacon flavor. Peameal bacon is a beloved breakfast food and sandwich topping here in Canada.

Now that you know what it is, let’s look at how to store it to maximize freshness and shelf life.

How Long Does Raw Peameal Bacon Last in the Fridge?

When properly stored in the refrigerator, raw peameal bacon can last up to 1-2 weeks past the printed sell-by or use-by date on the package

Here are some key tips for fridge storage:

• Keep raw peameal bacon in original packaging until opening. Once opened, tightly wrap in plastic wrap or foil.

• Store on a shelf in the coldest part of the refrigerator, avoiding the door.

• A bacon drawer insert can help free up shelf space in a fridge that doesn’t have a lot of it.

• Raw peameal bacon lasts 5-7 days once opened and re-wrapped. Discard if older than 1 week after opening.

The fridge environment and constant temperature of 0°C-5°C (32°F-41°F) slows bacteria growth, extending the shelf life.

Monitor for signs of spoilage and discard if smell, color, or texture seems off. When in doubt, remember the old adage – if it smells funky, it’s chunky!

Maximizing Fridge Shelf Life

Follow these tips to safely maximize raw peameal bacon’s fridge shelf life:

• Choose quality peameal bacon and inspect packaging before purchase. Avoid torn or damaged packages.

• Once home, store unopened peameal bacon on a fridge shelf rather than the door where temperature fluctuations are more extreme.

• Let the bacon rest 20 minutes before refrigerating to avoid temperature shock which can accelerate spoilage.

• Ensure your refrigerator is consistently between 0°C-5°C. Use a thermometer to monitor.

• Promptly return peameal bacon to the fridge after use and tightly rewrap opened packages.

• Label storage containers with dates opened and use within 5 days.

With proper cold storage and handling, raw peameal bacon should last up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

Freezing Raw Peameal Bacon

For long term storage beyond 2 weeks, the freezer is your friend! Here’s how to freeze peameal bacon:

• Wrap unopened peameal bacon tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer bag. Exclude air and seal.

• Opened peameal bacon can also be well wrapped in plastic wrap and/or foil and frozen.

• For best quality, use freezer bags designed for long term frozen food storage. Vacuum seal if possible.

• Label bags with date and contents before placing in freezer.

• Store at a consistent 0°F (-18°C) or below. Don’t allow thawing and re-freezing.

• Raw peameal bacon keeps safely in the freezer for 2-3 months.

With minimal air exposure, frozen storage almost indefinitely extends the shelf life. Just remember – the longer it’s frozen, the more quality deteriorates.

Thawing Safely

To safely thaw frozen peameal bacon:

• For quick thawing, run cold water over bag or leave overnight in fridge. Don’t use hot water.

• Microwave defrosting is an option but can lead to uneven cooking. Use “defrost” setting if available.

• Once thawed, use within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze.

Slow, safe thawing is key to prevent foodborne illness and maintain texture and moisture content.

Signs Your Peameal Bacon has Spoiled

Always inspect raw peameal bacon before use. Here are signs it has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Unpleasant or “off” odor
• Grey, green or brown discoloration
• Slimy texture or sticky surface
• Mold growth – discard immediately if moldy

When in doubt, remember the motto: “When smelly, in the belly!” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled meat.

Safe Handling Tips

Always practice safe food handling with raw peameal bacon:

• Wash hands before and after handling raw bacon.

• Keep raw bacon separate from other foods during thawing and preparation.

• Cook to an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Use a meat thermometer.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.

Following basic food safety provides protection against foodborne pathogens like Salmonella and E.coli O157:H7 that can multiply on raw meats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s quickly answer some common peameal bacon storage questions:

How can you tell if raw peameal bacon is bad?

Look for unpleasant odors, sticky/slimy texture, and abnormal colors like grey, green or brown. Mold is also a clear sign it has spoiled.

Can you freeze raw peameal bacon?

Yes, freezing extends the shelf life of raw peameal bacon up to 2-3 months. Wrap tightly and exclude air.

Is peameal bacon processed meat?

Yes, peameal bacon is considered a processed meat product due to the curing, smoking, and cornmeal coating processes involved during production.

Can raw peameal bacon be eaten without cooking?

No, raw peameal bacon should always be thoroughly cooked before eating to kill any harmful bacteria present.

How long does cooked peameal bacon last in the fridge?

Cooked peameal bacon lasts 3-4 days refrigerated. It’s best to freeze any leftovers you won’t finish quickly.

There you have it! With proper storage and handling, you can safely keep raw peameal bacon on hand and enjoy its signature flavor and crunch for up to 2 weeks refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Trust me, it’s worth stocking up on this Canadian classic!