Tip
How to Store Pork Shoulder
A tightly sealed pork shoulder can generally last in the refrigerator for two to four days.
Tip
How to Freeze Pork Shoulder
A pork shoulder can last up to six months if packaged in freezer-friendly materials like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and freezer paper. Wrap the shoulder tightly to avoid air pockets and place in a heavy-duty plastic bag.
Tip
How to Thaw Pork Shoulder
As with all pork products, the best way to thaw is in the refrigerator. As pork and other meats are susceptible to bacterial growth, they should never be defrosted on the counter in open air.
Pork fares best in the freezer if packaged with freezer-friendly materials like waxed paper, aluminum foil, or heavy-duty plastic bags.
Wrap any meat tightly so that air does not escape and freeze at 0°F. Generally, fresh cuts of pork can last up to six months, while ground pork can last up to three.
Pork is easiest to thaw when placed in the refrigerator in its original wrapping. Small roasts will take three to five hours per pound, while larger roasts can take up to seven hours per pound. Thawing ground pork depends entirely on the thickness of its packaging.
It is safe to cook frozen or partially-frozen pork, but its cooking time may take 50 percent longer. Frozen pork should not be cooked in a slow cooker.
Sealed pork products can typically last in the fridge for two to four days, with ground pork having a slightly shorter shelf life at one to three. Ham or other smoked pork products like bacon can be stored for up to a week, though this only applies to products that aren’t vacuum sealed or prepared with preservatives. The latter can obviously last a lot longer.
Cinco de Mayo
