Expiration & Storage Tips
When does veal expire?
If veal is purchased unopened and refrigerated, it can last about 3 to 5 days beyond the 'sell by' date. Once it has been opened, it needs to be consumed within do 3 to 4 days. If you freeze your veal, it will extend its shelf life to about 6 to 9 months past the printed date on the package. Remember to securely wrap and freeze the veal as soon as possible if you're not intending to use it promptly.
How do you tell if veal is bad?
Veal can go bad just like any other meat and the first telltale sign would be a noticeable change in smell. Fresh veal should not have any foul or off-putting smell. The meat should have a slightly sweet and metallic smell due to its high iron content. If the veal has a sour or unpleasant odor, it's a good indication that it's already spoiled. Coloration changes from pink to a grayish hue or the surface becoming slimy also indicates that the meat has gone bad.
Tips for storing veal to extend shelf life
• Store the veal at the back of the fridge where it's coolest.
• Avoid leaving veal out at room temperature for more than two hours.
• For extended shelf life, freeze the veal. Make sure to wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn.
• Use a vacuum sealer if possible to remove air and seal the veal before freezing. This can greatly extend its shelf life.
• Defrost frozen veal in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. This method takes longer but will keep the meat at a safe temperature.