Expiration & Storage Tips
When does lamb stew meat expire?
Lamb stew meat, when refrigerated properly in its original packaging, can stay good for up to 2-3 days past the sell-by date printed on the package. Once opened, it should be used within 1-2 days for best quality. If you've chosen to freeze your lamb stew meat, it can extend its life up to 6 to 9 months. If it's homemade lamb stew, it is generally good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
How do you tell if lamb stew meat is bad?
If your lamb stew meat has gone bad, there will be definite signs. First of all, check the color. Fresh lamb is pink to pale red. If it's darker or even gray, it's likely not good to eat. Similarly, check the smell. Spoiled lamb gives off a strong, unpleasant smell, unlike the slightly gamey smell of fresh lamb. If the meat feels slimy or tacky to touch, this is also a sign of spoilage. Also, if there's mold or any discoloration, discard it immediately.
Tips for storing lamb stew meat to extend shelf life
• Always store lamb stew meat in the coolest part of your fridge, ideally at or below 40°F (4°C).
• If you're not planning to use the lamb within a couple of days of buying it, consider freezing it for longer shelf life.
• Before freezing, portion out the meat according to your typical uses. This way, you can defrost only what you need and prevent unnecessary waste.
• Use heavy duty freezer bags to package the lamb stew meat, eliminating as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Always remember to fully defrost frozen lamb stew meat in the refrigerator. This could take up to 24 hours, so plan ahead.
• Never leave lamb stew meat out at room temperature for more than two hours as it can rapidly grow bacteria making it unsafe to eat.