Expiration & Storage Tips
When does rack of lamb expire?
When it comes to rack of lamb, the freshness can play a significant role in the quality of your dish. If you buy rack of lamb from the grocery store, it usually comes with a 'sell-by' date, which is generally a safe period of 3-5 days from the date of purchase when refrigerated. Once opened, aim to use it within 3-4 days if you store it in the fridge. For a more extended period, you can freeze the rack of lamb. It can last up to a year in a freezer when packed appropriately, but for optimum taste and texture, it's best used within three months.
How do you tell if rack of lamb is bad?
Determining whether a rack of lamb has gone bad is quite similar to other meats. First, check the color. Fresh lamb should be pink to red and may look darker around the edges. If the meat has turned grey or brownish, it's a sign that it might be going bad. Next, give it a good sniff. Fresh lamb has a gamey or grassy odor, but if it gives off a sharp, unpleasant, sour smell, it's likely spoiled. Finally, feel the surface of the lamb. If it feels slimy or sticky, it's time to discard it.
Tips for storing rack of lamb to extend shelf life
• Make sure to store your rack of lamb in the coldest part of the fridge, usually at the back, where it is away from the door. This temperature control helps in slowing bacterial growth.
• If you're not planning to use the rack of lamb within a few days of purchasing, freeze it to extend its shelf life. Always remember to wrap it tightly in a plastic wrap or butcher paper followed by a layer of aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn.
• It's also a good idea to divide the lamb into serving-size portions before freezing. This way, you won't have to defrost the entire rack if you're just making dinner for two.
• If you've frozen your rack of lamb, defrost it slowly in the refrigerator over 24 hours rather than at room temperature to maintain its quality.