Qurbani rules to preserve meat 2023

Last Updated on April 30, 2023 by Dr. Ali Shahid

Do you know that the meat of Qurbani often smells, if not handled properly? Yes, you heard it right.

Are you going through the same problem? Then you are in the right place.

There are certain things you need to keep in mind while preserving Qurbani meat. If you do not follow the proper method, it may result in a bad odor.

Always wash the animal properly after sacrifice. After removing its skin, and making its portion, shift it into a refrigerator as soon as possible.

But that’s not it. Do you want to know more? Then keep reading till the end.

What are the Qurbani rules to preserve meat?

1.Drain the blood

Clean the body of the animal properly. Otherwise, it results in an unhygienic taste.

For this, you need to hang the animal upside down and let the blood drain out completely.

It helps to preserve the quality of the meat.

2. Remove the skin

 I would recommend you hire a butcher to remove the skin. They are experts and they have special tools to perform the act.

Remove the skin of the animal as soon as possible. It minimizes the chances of spoilage of the meat.

3. Divide the meat into equal portions

 Cut the meat into smaller portions. It makes it easy for you to store it in the freezer. Otherwise, the freezer becomes overloaded.

I often label each portion with the date of slaughter and store it in the freezer immediately.

4. Store the meat in the freezer

 Meat often loses its taste after some time. To preserve the meat for a longer period, store it in the freezer at a temperature of -18°C or lower.

Wrap the meat tightly in plastic to prevent freezer burn.

5. Use the meat within a reasonable time

 Although frozen meat can be stored for a long time, it is best to use it within six months to ensure its quality.

How long period can you keep Qurbani meat?

The storage time for Qurbani meat depends on several factors such as the temperature, the method of storage, and the type of meat.

In general, fresh Qurbani meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, while frozen meat can last for several months.

If you plan to consume the meat within a few days, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).

Nowadays, people use plastic wraps or freezer bags to preserve the meat. However, frozen meat should be consumed within 6-12 months for optimal quality.

How to remove the smell from Qurbani meat?

I have come across people who complain about the smell of the Qurbani meat. If Qurbani meat has a strong smell, there are a few things you can do to remove it:

Soak the meat in water

 Soak the meat in water for a few hours or overnight. It often helps to remove any blood or impurities that may be causing the odor.

Use vinegar or lemon juice

Add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the water that you’re soaking the meat in. The acidic properties of the vinegar or lemon juice neutralize the odor.

Use salt

Rub salt all over the meat and let it sit for a few hours. Then rinse the meat with water to remove the salt. It results in the reduction of the odor.

Use spices

Use spices such as cumin, coriander, ginger, or garlic when cooking the meat. These spices help to mask the odor and add flavor to the meat.

Store the meat properly

Make sure that the meat is stored in the refrigerator or freezer at the correct temperature. If the meat is not stored properly, it starts to develop an odor.

Cook the meat properly

 Make sure that the meat is cooked properly. Overcooked meat develops a burnt or unpleasant smell.

Tips to Preserve Meat

Freezing

Freezing is the most common and effective method for preserving meat. Cut the meat into smaller portions and wrap it in aluminum foil. Set a temperature of -18°C or lower. Frozen meat can be stored for several months.

Canning

 Canning is another popular method for preserving meat. Sometimes people first cook it and then packed into sterilized jars.

Additionally, the jars are then sealed with lids and processed in a pressure canner. Canned meat can be stored for several months. It is used in stews, soups, and other dishes.

Drying

You may have seen your mothers practicing this method. It is a traditional method of preserving meat.

Furthermore, the meat is sliced into thin strips and then hung in a dry, well-ventilated area to dry.

Once the meat is completely dry, it is stored in an airtight container.

Salting

 Salting is a method of preserving meat that has been used for centuries. The meat is coated in salt and then packed into a container.

Also, the salt draws out the moisture from the meat, which helps to preserve it. Salted meat can be stored for several months.

Smoking

 Smoking is another method of preserving meat.

 The meat is first cured with salt and spices and then smoked over a low fire. The smoke helps to preserve the meat and also adds flavor. It is also beneficial to store meat for several weeks.

It’s important to handle and store Qurbani meat properly to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness.

Make sure to clean and sanitize all surfaces, utensils, and hands that come into contact with the meat. Cook it to the appropriate temperature to ensure its safety.

Final Thoughts

Hence, meat naturally possesses a smell. But the meat of Qurbani has a specific odor. It often irritates people.

So, you may preserve the meat by following above mentioned tips and enjoy it without any worry.