Swiss Steak

When you buy Swiss Steak from the grocery store, it's generally good in your fridge for up to 3-5 days if it's fresh and unopened. The 'Sell By' date on the package can be a good indicator, but you should also consider the freshness of meat at the time of purchase. Once the Swiss Steak is opened, you should consume it within 2-3 days. If you want to extend its life further, you can freeze Swiss Steak for up to 6-12 months.

To know if your Swiss Steak has turned bad, first look for any noticeable visual changes in the meat, like a change in color to a gray hue. The surface of the meat becoming tacky or slimy is another bad sign. Apart from the visual cues, smell can be a strong indicator. If you get a sour, ammonia-like smell, then you can be sure the Swiss Steak has gone bad. If you're still in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard it.

• Always store Swiss Steak at a consistent and correct temperature in your fridge (below 40 °F), raw meat is a breeding ground for bacteria at room temperature. • Transfer the steak to a freezer-safe container or bag if you want to freeze the meat. Remove as much air from the packaging as possible to avoid freezer burn. • You might like to defrost your Swiss Steak in the fridge, not on the counter, to ensure it remains at a safe temperature as it thaws. • If you buy in bulk, consider separating the Swiss Steak into meal-sized portions before freezing. This allows you to only thaw what you need and avoid refreezing meat.