The Best Way to Store Cold Cuts

Real Simple Magazine
Amy Wilson
Amy Wilson

Q. What is the best way to store cold cuts?


A. Use an airtight container.
Deli meats lose their freshness quickly once sliced, so it's best to keep them for only a few days; packaged meats also last that long after they'e been opened. To prevent spoilage, store both in resealable plastic bags or airtight plastic containers and keep them in the refrigerator's meat drawer or toward the back, where it's usually coldest.
If you're saving food in plastic bags, be sure to follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration guidelines for safe storage. Frozen foods can be stored indefinitely, but the flavor can change when cold cuts are stored past the time limits below.
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
Freezer: 1 to 2 months

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