Ground pork is a versatile meat that can be used in many different dishes. However, if it is not stored properly, it can go bad quickly. Ground pork has a short shelf life and you should know how to tell if ground pork is bad.
If your ground pork smells funky, sour, or Ammonia-like, it is probably spoiled. The color of the pork can also be an indicator. If it has turned brown or grey, it is no longer safe to eat.
In this article, I will cover 5 easy ways to know if ground pork is bad, how long it lasts in the fridge and freezer, and how to store ground pork to increase for longer.
How to Tell if Ground Pork Is Bad?
Ground pork can turn grey or brown and have an off odor if it has gone bad. It can also become dry and rubbery, or slimy and moldy. If you’re cooking with ground pork regularly, it’s important to pay attention to the expiration date on the package.
1. Color
The color is off. Ground pork that has been freshly ground will be pink in color, with white flecks mixed throughout.
If your ground pork has turned grey or brown then it’s time to throw it out. Not only does this show that the meat is spoiled, but it can also be an indication of possible bacteria growth due to moisture build-up in old meat.
2. Smell
As with any other food item, smelling the ground pork is the quickest way to know if it has gone bad. You can usually rely on your sense of smell to tell if food is bad. Ground pork will have no smell at all if it is fresh.
If the pork has a foul, sour, or “off” odor then it should be considered spoiled and thrown out.
3. Texture
Ground pork can become dry or rubbery over time, which will make it difficult to eat even when cooked. If you press down on your ground pork and it leaves a mark or indent then you should consider throwing it out.
If the ground pork is sticky or slimy to the touch, it has spoiled. When it is slimy, it will undoubtedly have a distinct odor as well.
4. Moldy
Mold grows on food and can quickly spread to other foods. It commonly forms around the edges of old, spoiled meat and is very easy to spot.
If your ground pork has any green or blue spots then it’s time to throw it out – this is an indication that mold could be growing inside the meat as well.
If you spot mold on your meat, you should throw it away completely. You shouldn’t try to remove the mold with your hands so you can cook the non-moldy meat.
5. Expiration Date
Not all ground meats have an expiration date, but if yours does then throw it out after that date has passed. It’s safe to say that the meat’s flavor will change over time, so throw away any ground pork that has gone past its expiration date.
It’s especially important to pay attention to your ground meat’s freshness if you cook with it regularly since most people will not be able to tell the difference between a bad piece of ground pork and a good one.
Keep this list in mind next time you wonder how to tell if ground pork is bad. It’s always a good idea to be aware of how quickly ground meats go bad so you can get rid of any that are expired or no longer good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bad ground pork smell like?
Bad ground pork will have a sour, foul, or “off” odor. It can also give an acidic, ammonia-like smell.
Pork smells bad but not expired?
If the pork smells bad but not expired, it might be spoiled. You should discard the pork if it shows any of the signs we’ve discussed above.
How long is ground pork good for in the fridge?
Ground pork will only last for a few days in the refrigerator. Fresh, uncooked pork will keep for roughly three to five days in the fridge.
You should keep the ground pork in the fridge for only one to two days after being freshly ground.
How long does cooked ground pork last in the fridge?
After being cooked, ground pork can be kept for two to three days in the fridge before being discarded. If you don’t plan on using it within a few days of buying it then consider freezing it instead.
How long can you keep ground pork in the freezer?
You can keep your ground pork in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Some people even buy meat in bulk and keep it frozen, wrapping up small portions as they go.
Ground pork can be kept in the freezer for a maximum of six months if wrapped tightly and stored properly. Also, make sure the temperature is set to 0 °F or below.
If you plan on keeping your meat frozen for a long time, I recommend using freezer bags or storage containers to make sure that no air seeps into the bag and ruins your food.
You can also, check out how to tell if pork is bad?
Final Words
With these tips, you’ll be able to determine the quality of your ground pork, know if ground pork is bad, and whether or not it’s safe for consumption.
I hope that this list has been helpful. If there are any other questions you have, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help you out.
