8 Important Tips for Properly Storing Qurbani Meat After Eid al-Adha

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant Islamic holidays, closely associated with the act of sacrificing qurbani animals, such as goats and cows. After the sacrifice, the meat is distributed among family members, neighbors, and those in need.

To ensure that the meat remains safe and suitable for consumption, it is essential to understand the correct methods of storage. Improper handling can lead to spoilage and foodborne illnesses.

Below is a comprehensive guide on how to store qurbani meat, whether from goats or cows, to maintain its freshness and quality until it is ready to be cooked.

1. Do Not Wash the Meat Before Storing

One of the most common mistakes is washing the meat before storing it. While this may seem like a hygienic practice, it can actually promote bacterial growth, especially if the water is not clean or if the meat is not thoroughly dried.

Tri Ujilestari, a researcher at the Center for Food Technology and Process Research at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), recommends avoiding washing meat if it is going into the refrigerator or freezer. Cleaning is only necessary if the meat is visibly dirty and will be cooked immediately.

2. Cut the Meat According to Usage

Before storing, cut the meat into smaller portions based on your household's needs. For example, divide it into half-kilogram or one-kilogram packages. This makes it easier to thaw only what is needed without defrosting the entire batch.

You can also separate different cuts, such as breast, thigh, or ribs, to make meal planning more convenient.

3. Use Airtight Packaging

After portioning, immediately pack the meat using plastic wrap, ziplock bags, or airtight containers. Try to remove as much air as possible from the packaging to reduce the risk of ice crystal formation and oxidation, both of which can affect the meat’s quality.

Using airtight containers also helps maintain the meat’s moisture and prevents cross-contamination from other foods in the refrigerator or freezer.

4. Label Packages with Storage Dates

Every package should be labeled with the date it was stored. This helps track how long the meat has been kept and supports the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, where older meat is used before newer stock.

This simple step is key to avoiding spoilage and ensuring food safety.

5. Store at Appropriate Temperatures

Meat storage depends on how soon it will be used:

• Short-term storage (refrigerator): If you plan to cook the meat within 3 to 5 days, store it in the coldest section of your refrigerator, ideally between 1°C and 4°C.

• Long-term storage (freezer): If the meat will be stored for a longer period, place it in the freezer at -18°C or below. This will help preserve its quality and inhibit microbial growth.

6. Follow Recommended Storage Durations

The ideal storage duration varies based on the type of meat and the storage method:

• Fresh meat in the refrigerator: 3-5 days

• Ground meat in the refrigerator: 1-2 days

• Fresh meat in the freezer: up to 6-12 months

• Ground meat in the freezer: 3-4 months

Sticking to these time frames will help preserve the meat’s taste, texture, and safety.

7. Thaw Meat Properly Before Cooking

Frozen meat should not be thawed at room temperature. The safest method is to move it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw gradually over about 12 hours.

Alternatively, place the sealed package in a container of clean, cold water. This method maintains the meat’s structure and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination.

8. Practice Good Hygiene When Handling Meat

Cleanliness is crucial when handling qurbani meat. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching raw meat. Use separate knives and cutting boards for meat and other foods to avoid cross-contamination.

Also ensure that storage containers and the interior of the refrigerator or freezer are clean and free from any food residues.

Aulia Sabrini Saragih and Yolanda Agne contributed to the writing of this article.

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

80,000 Palestinians Gather for Eid al-Adha Prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

1 hari lalu

Eid al-Adha in Gaza: No Meat, No Joy, Only Survival Under Israeli Blockade

1 hari lalu

Prabowo Hands Out Envelopes of Money to Public After Eid Prayers at Istiqlal Mosque

1 hari lalu

UN Secretary-General Sends Eid al-Adha Greetings Amid Global Conflict

1 hari lalu

Prabowo, Cabinet Ministers Gather for Eid al-Adha Prayer at Istiqlal Mosque

1 hari lalu

Eid al-Adha in Jakarta: 69,000 Animals Expected for Sacrifice

1 hari lalu

How to Choose Healthy Qurban Animals for Eid al-Adha, According to IPB Expert

2 hari lalu

Eid al-Adha Traditions Across Indonesia, from Aceh to Bali

2 hari lalu

Antam Gold Price Climbs Ahead of Eid al-Adha

2 hari lalu

President Prabowo Set to Join Eid al-Adha Prayer at Istiqlal Mosque

2 hari lalu