Keeping meat

That is a very general question that depends on two main subjects

the meat :

when was it butchered

how is it packed

what kind of meat is it

the fridge :

how cold is it

how moist is it

how sealed is it

these are just few , the best way to know is to trust your nose, and use the meat as fast as you can.

you also should know that it is not neccesarly a bad thing to put meat for long periods in a fridge - it is a caudally a method of aging , but ! you must know how to do it right so you won't poison you self.

I prefer to err on the side of caution here.  When I buy meat I ordinarily cook it and eat it the same or following day.  If my intent is to prepare beyond that, I will freeze it.

The unknown variable is whatdrives this caution as meat in most cases will be at least 7 days old when it reaches you, hence the shelf life is dramatically compromised and there is potential for the meat to have been exposed to less than optimal temperatures. 

Therefore, if you know how old the meat is when you purchase, you can make a decision as to how long it can go unfrozen.  Rest assured, once you eat spoiled meat, you will be likely to follow my suggestion from that point forward :) 

A couple things I can add to the sayings above , is that a large cut of meat  should be divided into smaller pieces and wrapped separately or placed in shallow containers before refrigerating. At the bottom of

The speed with which meat deteriorates varies and is affected by multiple factors:

1. Poultry, beef, lamb or pork: Different meats mean different edible lifespans. Chicken goes bad more quickly than steak, and it's the easiest problem to spot. It smells almost immediately! Ground beef (1-2 days) doesn't last as long as whole steaks (3-5 days). Unstuffed poultry (1-2 days) will be safe to eat longer than stuffed poultry (1 day or less).

2. Refrigerator temperature: Slow down deterioration by keeping your food cooler or moving meat to the lower drawer that has an adjustable temp lever. Check your frig's temperature with a thermometer.

3. Climate or environment: Where do you live? While living in Colorado, the higher altitude and "thinner air" may mean your food lasts in the refrigerator longer. Move to Arizona and you'll find you're throwing out uneaten groceries more often, especially since it's at a lower altitude and drier. If you live in a humid climate then move to a dry one, you'll also see changes in how long your groceries last.

4. Storage containers: Thin plastic wrap or containers do not protect meat as well as thicker or treated containers. There are some sealable plastic containers infused with nanosilver or other materials, like those found at Sharper Image (FresherLonger Miracle Food Storage) that can help your food stay fresher.

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