The Complete Guide to Pork Storage and Shelf Life

You brought home some fresh pork from the store and put it in the fridge—but how long will it stay fresh? Pork is juicy and highly perishable, making proper storage essential for both taste and food safety. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to store pork properly, the shelf life by cut and packaging type, thawing tips, and signs of spoilage .     1. Things to Check Before Storing Pork Freshness: Look for bright pinkish-red color and a clean, non-slimy surface Smell: Avoid meat with sour or sharp odors Vacuum sealing: Vacuum-packed pork has a longer and safer shelf life ※ Vacuum-sealed cuts from supermarkets are typically safer for longer storage. Pork sold in standard trays should be consumed quickly or frozen immediately. 2. Recommended Refrigerator Storage Times by Cut Cut Refrigeration (0–4℃) Note Pork Belly 1–2 days High fat content spoils faster Shoulder 2–3 days Bal...