Hacks to Keep a Quarter of Beef Fresh and Tasty

What Do You Need to Know About Storing a Quarter of Beef?

A quarter of beef is a large portion of the beast, cut into four equal sections. Butchers and butcher shops often use it for large purchases. It contains hindquarters, loins, flank, chuck, and brisket along with several other cuts. A quarter of beef weighs between 50 and 70 kilograms (200 and 400 pounds) and can provide substantial meat for diverse recipes.

It is often sold as a whole undissected quarter or in smaller cuts (that’s how we do it at Maleny Black Angus Beef), such as roasts, steaks, and mince. Purchasing a quarter of beef is a great money-saving option, as it allows for easy portioning of smaller cuts for meals. 

Advantages of Beef Quarter Storage

Keeping a quarter of beef in storage can help save on grocery bills while ensuring fresh, high-quality meat is always available. It is essential to consider the storage time and ensure the beef gets consumed within a reasonable time.

Before cooking, thoroughly thaw the meat to avoid any potential foodborne disease. By understanding the factors that affect beef storage, you can ensure that your quarter of beef remains safe, fresh, and delicious when consumed.

Here are some tips for storing a quarter of beef:

Budget-friendly

Buying a quarter of beef can be more cost-effective than purchasing smaller amounts of meat at retail prices. Bulk purchasing often comes with a discounted price, making it an excellent choice for those looking to cut down on their grocery bills.

Purity and freshness

Storing a quarter of beef gives you control over how to prepare and package the meat, ensuring it is always fresh and; of the highest quality. At Maleny Black Angus Beef, we package your cuts for you to make them easier to store and use.

Customizable cuts

To get the specific size cuts of meat you want, you can request any size steak or roast, as your butcher is cutting it. This choice allows you to select the cuts and thicknesses ideal for you.

Ease

Having all the cuts from a quarter of beef in your freezer gives you the ability to quickly thaw any cuts you want for each meal, eliminating the need to visit the supermarket or butcher often.

Support local farmers

Buying a quarter of beef from a nearby farmer, such as Maleny Black Angus Beef, is an excellent approach to help small businesses and local agriculture while positively impacting the local economy and the environment. It minimises the carbon footprint by reducing the transport and refrigeration required to distribute the meat.

Freezing

The key to storing beef is to freeze it as soon as possible after you receive it unless you’re going to cook and eat it within the first few days. It helps preserve its freshness and flavour for a more extended period. Wrap your beef tightly in either freezer paper or vacuum-sealed bags, and store it in a deep freezer that maintains a temperature of -18°C (0℉) or below. 

Remember you don’t need to do that with Maleny Black Angus Beef because we’ve already packaged your meat in cryovacked, labelled, meal-size portions that don’t require any extra handling other than popping them in the fridge or freezer. 

But if you’re packaging your meat yourself, wrapping it in freezer paper or vacuum-sealed bags helps slow down the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, preserving the freshness of your beef. Doing so will also help extend its shelf life and ensure you can enjoy your beef for as long as possible.

Storage Time

Consuming a quarter of beef within 6-9 months of freezing is best for optimal quality. Although a quarter of beef can last up to 12 months in the freezer, the quality of the meat may not be as good as it was initially. It ensures that you can enjoy the full flavour of the beef and avoid any unpleasant taste resulting from extended storage.

Thawing

When it comes to thawing your beef, it’s essential to plan and allow the meat to defrost in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before using it. The easiest way to store meat is frozen until you’re ready to cook it. Avoid thawing your meat in warm water or at room temperature since doing so might encourage the growth of germs and cause food deterioration. The safest and most efficient ways to defrost meat are in the refrigerator or in cold water.

Quantity

Determining the exact quantity of beef you need before purchasing a quarter is critical. This amount of meat can seem substantial, so you must have adequate freezer space to store it. Consider the number of people you’ll be feeding and how often you’ll cook to ensure you purchase the correct amount of beef. 

Don’t forget to factor in any leftovers you may want to keep for later. Additionally, consider your family’s consumption habits and cooking preferences to ensure you’re getting the right amount of meat for your needs.

Types of Storage Containers for Quarter Beef

These tips are relevant to anyone packaging their cuts themselves and aren’t so relevant to our Maleny Black Angus Beef customers. When purchasing a quarter of beef, you must consider which storage containers you will use that are suitable for holding meat while keeping it chilled and fresh. 

Freezer bags

These plastic bags, made for freezing, may be used to keep beef. They are reasonably priced, need little room, and make it simple to divide the meat. They might not, however, offer the best defence against freezer burn.

Vacuum-sealed bags

These bags are similar to freezer bags but are vacuum-sealed to remove all air and better protect the meat from freezer burn. Some people choose to store their premium cuts of meat in vacuum-sealed bags since they are airtight and keep the meat fresher for longer. They are more expensive than regular freezer bags but can preserve the quality of the meat for a more extended period.

Plastic containers

These are good options for storing mince or other types of pre-cut meat. They come in different sizes, are reusable, and can be stacked in the freezer to save space. However, they may not provide the best protection against freezer burn and can take up more space than other storage options.

Freezer paper

This heavy-duty paper designed specifically for packaging meat is good for freezing. It is reasonably priced and offers a strong defence against freezer burn. But wrapping meat in freezer paper can be a hassle and may not be the most space-saving method.

Reusable silicone bags

These are eco-friendly alternatives to reusable plastic bags that can be washed and reused. They are an excellent choice for individuals who want to use less plastic, but they might not offer the best defence against freezer burn. They also tend to be more expensive than regular plastic bags.

Glass jars

Glass jars can be an excellent storage solution for minor cuts of beef, such as mince or diced meat, as long as they are properly sealed and kept refrigerated. However, when it comes to large cuts of beef, such as an entire quarter of beef, glass jars may not be an option for long-term storage. It is because glass jars are not designed to hold the weight and pressure of a large cut of beef and may easily break under strain.

To ensure that your beef is stored correctly in glass jars, it’s essential to ensure they are clean and sanitised before use. Additionally, use jars with tight-fitting lids to create an airtight seal. Store the beef in the refrigerator, and use the stored beef within a few days to ensure optimal freshness.

Whatever storage container you choose, ensure it is clean and dry before storing a quarter of beef.

Steps You Must Do to Store a Quarter of Beef Quickly

Prepare the storage area. 

Ensure the storage area is (fridge or freezer) clean and free from any debris or potential sources of contamination. You must also keep the area where the beef is stored at the correct temperature, which is between 0°C and 4°C (32°F and 40°F), to ensure proper preservation.

Butcher and package the beef

After the beef is processed, it must be separated into suitable cuts and packed for refrigeration or freezing. It will help ensure the beef stays fresh for extended periods. It’s essential to use high-quality packaging materials, such as freezer paper or vacuum-sealed bags, to protect the beef from freezer burn and other freezer damage.

At Maleny Black Angus Beef, we do this step for you. All our cuts from a quarter of beef are packaged in cryovacked, labelled, meal-size portions for easy freezing and use.

Label the packages

Again this only applies if you’re not a customer of ours, but you need to clearly label each package with the cut of meat, the date it was wrapped or boxed, and any other relevant information. It will simplify locating and utilising your meat in the future.

Store the beef

After packaging the beef:

1. Please put it in the prepared storage area  (fridge or freezer).
2. If you’re using a freezer, set it to the appropriate temperature and store the beef in the coldest part of the freezer, typically in the back.
3. If you use a refrigerator, store the beef on the lowest shelf.

Monitor the beef

Check the beef regularly to ensure it is fresh and hasn’t been damaged by freezer burn or other issues. Use it within the recommended time frame for each cut of meat to ensure maximum freshness and quality.

These steps will help you keep a quarter of beef safely and successfully so you can continue to eat high-quality meat for several months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keeping a quarter of beef fresh and tasty is possible with the right hacks. You must ensure the beef is appropriately stored from the time of purchase (or delivery) to when you cook it. Additionally, you must use the correct methods for defrosting, marinating, preparing, and cooking the beef. With these tips, and by purchasing high-quality beef from a trusted source such as Maleny Black Angus Beef, you can ensure that your quarter of beef will stay fresh, flavourful, and safe to consume.