Is the meat bad?

[Murph]

I too refreeze meat and never understand why people say you can't?? What is the basis for that reasoning?

[Bonesplitter]

You can refreeze it, I dont know why anyone would say you couldnt. How many times do you think they freeze and refreeze the meat you get at the store? It may not be as fresh and tasty but it wont hurt the edibility.

[Reaper]

sounds fine

[Snakelover]

I too refreeze meat and never understand why people say you can't?? What is the basis for that reasoning?

Reduction in flavor, reduction in tenderness, reduction in retained juices when cooked. It's safe; just not as good. It has something to do with the breaking down of cells during the freezing process. Ice crystals expand and destroy cells from the inside. If the meat is then thawed, the water settles in relatively larger deposits so that when it expands again upon freezing, there's a much greater destruction of cells than there is the first time. Probably someone else can explain it better.

[Tommyh]

Reduction in flavor, reduction in tenderness, reduction in retained juices when cooked. It's safe; just not as good. It has something to do with the breaking down of cells during the freezing process. Ice crystals expand and destroy cells from the inside. If the meat is then thawed, the water settles in relatively larger deposits so that when it expands again upon freezing, there's a much greater destruction of cells than there is the first time. Probably someone else can explain it better.

no, you got it right and clear enough.

[Deb]

I too refreeze meat and never understand why people say you can't?? What is the basis for that reasoning?

If the meat never reached a temp above 41 degrees it is fine. If it ever above that do not refreeze it. Freezing does not kill bacteria, it only slows down it's growth. I used to thaw and refreeze meat all the time without any problems before Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services required me to pass the Food Manager Certification Program. The manual said do not refreeze the meat.

[Red_RaiderHTC]

eat it!!!!!

[WCB]

no, you got it right and clear enough.

what is this "freeze" he speaks of???

[Geezy Rider]

Eat it, it's fine. Even if it isn't then worst case is that you get a really effective colon cleanse.

[Tx_hombre]

If it's cold it's still good.
But it isn't good to refreeze the meat.
I'd cook it and invite some folks over to enjoy with you.

x2