Expiration & Storage Tips
When does ground bison expire?
Unopened, ground bison maintains its quality in the refrigerator for up to 2 days past the sell by date. Once opened, it should be used within 1-2 days. Should you choose to freeze it, bison meat maintains its quality in the freezer for up to 4 months. As with most meats, ground bison can also be safely consumed after these time frames if it has been stored correctly, but the quality in texture and flavor may be impacted.
How do you tell if ground bison is bad?
Checking if ground bison has gone bad involves a combination of sight, smell, and touch. First, check its color. Fresh ground bison has a bright red to cherry red color, but turns grey or brown when spoiled. Also, bison meat that's gone bad will have an off odor which is a distinct, pungent smell. In addition, it will be sticky or slimy to touch. If you notice any of these signs, please discard the meat immediately.
Tips for storing ground bison to extend shelf life
• Store ground bison in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically at the back of the lower shelf.
• If you're planning to utilize the bison beyond the two-day mark in the refrigerator, consider freezing it instantly, right after purchase.
• It is best to divide the ground bison into portion sizes that you'll use in a single meal prior to freezing, this way you only defrost what you need and maintain the quality of the remaining meat.
• When defrosting, move the frozen bison to the refrigerator for slow and safe thawing. Avoid room temperature defrosting to prevent bacterial growth.
• Remember to use airtight containers or freezer-safe bags when storing it in the freezer to prevent freezer burn.