Are you a fan of pork pies? Do you often find yourself wondering how long they last before they go bad?
Well, you’re not alone! Pork pies are a delicious and popular snack, but it’s important to know how to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that affect the shelf life of pork pies, including storage methods and ingredients.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pork pie enthusiast or a curious newbie, read on to discover everything you need to know about how long a pork pie lasts.
How Long Does A Pork Pie Last?
The shelf life of a pork pie can vary depending on a few different factors. One of the most important factors is the storage method used.
If you’re planning on storing your pork pie in the fridge, it’s important to wrap it in parchment paper and place it in a sealed container. This will help to keep it fresh for up to five days. However, if you’ve already cut into the pie, it will only last for one day.
If you’re not planning on eating your pork pie within five days, it’s best to freeze it. Pork pies can be frozen for up to four to five months, but it’s important to wrap them properly to prevent freezer burn. We recommend wrapping them in two layers, first with waxed paper or parchment and then aluminum foil.
It’s also worth noting that the meat content of a pork pie tends to last longer than the pastry. If you’re using a water pastry, it may start to go soft after a couple of days. However, if you’re using a preservative like salt, your pork pie may last up to six days before it starts to turn.
What Is A Pork Pie?
A pork pie is a traditional English meat pie that is typically served at room temperature or cold. It consists of a filling made from roughly chopped pork and pork fat, surrounded by a layer of jellied pork stock in a hot water crust pastry. The pastry is made using hot water and flour, and it is raised by hand using a mold or a jam jar for support. The filling is heavily seasoned with salt and pepper, and it may also contain a variety of herbs and spices, depending on the recipe. Pork pies are usually eaten as a snack or with a salad, and they are often served with catsup or mustard. While they are most commonly associated with England, pork pies are also enjoyed in other parts of the world, including Maine, where they are a standard Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve treat in some communities.
Factors That Affect The Shelf Life Of Pork Pies
There are several factors that can affect the shelf life of pork pies. One of the most important is the storage temperature. As mentioned earlier, pork pies should be stored in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh. If left at room temperature, they will spoil much faster due to the growth of bacteria.
Another factor that can affect the shelf life of pork pies is the type of pastry used. Water pastry tends to go soft after a couple of days, while pastry made with preservatives like salt can last up to six days before it starts to turn.
The filling of the pork pie can also affect its shelf life. If the filling contains high-moisture ingredients like vegetables, it may spoil faster than a filling with predominantly meat. Additionally, if the meat used in the filling is not fresh, it can cause the pie to spoil more quickly.
The packaging and wrapping of pork pies can also affect their shelf life. As mentioned earlier, proper wrapping is important when freezing pork pies to prevent freezer burn. It’s also important to wrap them in parchment paper and place them in a sealed container when storing them in the fridge.
Lastly, it’s important to note that the shelf life of pork pies is also affected by how they are prepared and handled. If proper hygiene practices are not followed during preparation, it can lead to contamination and spoilage of the pie.
How To Store Pork Pies Properly
Properly storing your pork pies is crucial to maintaining their freshness and taste. Here are some steps to follow for storing pork pies properly:
1. Refrigeration: If you plan on storing your pork pie in the fridge, wrap it in parchment paper and place it in a sealed container. This will help to keep it fresh for up to five days. However, if you’ve already cut into the pie, it will only last for one day.
2. Freezing: If you’re not planning on eating your pork pie within five days, it’s best to freeze it. Pork pies can be frozen for up to four to five months, but it’s important to wrap them properly to prevent freezer burn. We recommend wrapping them in two layers, first with waxed paper or parchment and then aluminum foil.
3. Triple wrapping: For the best results, we recommend a triple wrapping process for your pork pies to best preserve their integrity. Start by wrapping the pork pie in a simple layer of parchment or freezer paper. Once you have the first wrapping layer, wrap the pork pies in a layer of aluminum foil to seal them well and maintain the crust and jelly well.
4. Defrosting: When it comes time to defrost your pork pie, place it in the freezer in a plastic bag or box and freeze as normal (they will be fine for six months). Leave them in the plastic bag or box whilst you defrost them to protect them from condensation that can make the pastry soggy.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your pork pies remain fresh and delicious for longer periods of time.
Signs Of Spoiled Pork Pies
It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of spoiled pork pies to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses. One of the first indicators is a bad odor. Spoiled pork pies tend to emit a sulfur-like smell, which is a clear indication that the meat has gone bad. Additionally, if you notice any mold growth on the pie, it’s best to discard it immediately.
Another sign of spoiled pork pies is a slimy texture. When touching your pork pie, if you feel a sticky or slimy texture, it’s an indication that bacteria has started to grow on the meat. Similarly, if you notice any dark spots or changes in color or smell, it’s best to avoid cooking and consuming the pie altogether.
It’s worth mentioning that reheating meat pies can also pose a risk if they haven’t been cooked and cooled properly. If the pie has been cooked but not cooled quickly enough, bacteria can form and release toxins that can cause food poisoning. Therefore, it’s important to refrigerate any leftover hot pies promptly and not let them sit out at room temperature for more than two hours before reheating.
How Long Can You Keep Pork Pies In The Refrigerator?
If you’re storing your pork pie in the refrigerator, it’s important to eat it within three days of opening and within the “use by date” indicated on the packaging. This applies to both store-bought and homemade pork pies. If you’re not going to consume your pork pie within three days, it’s best to freeze it as soon as possible after purchasing or making it.
To store your pork pie in the refrigerator, wrap it in parchment paper and place it in a sealed container. This will help to keep it fresh for up to five days. However, if you’ve already cut into the pie, it will only last for one day. It’s important to note that if you’re storing your pork pie at room temperature, bacteria can develop rapidly between 40 °F and 140 °F. Therefore, it’s not recommended to leave your pork pie at room temperature for more than two hours.
If you’re planning on freezing your pork pie, it’s best to wrap it in two layers of protection. Start by wrapping the pork pie in a layer of parchment or freezer paper, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to maintain the crust and jelly well. This will help to prevent freezer burn and keep your pork pie fresh for up to four months.
Can You Freeze Pork Pies?
Yes, pork pies can be frozen for up to four to five months. Freezing pork pies is a great way to extend their shelf life and ensure that they remain fresh for future consumption. Whether you have a large batch of pork pies or just want to save some for later, freezing them is a simple process.
To freeze pork pies, it’s important to wrap them properly to prevent freezer burn. We recommend using a triple wrapping process for the best results. Start by wrapping the pork pie in a layer of waxed paper or parchment paper, then wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil. Finally, place the wrapped pork pie in a plastic freezer bag and seal it tightly.
It’s important to freeze the pork pies as soon as possible after they have been baked and within their original use-by date. When wrapped and frozen correctly, pork pies can last up to four to five months in the freezer. It’s also important to defrost the pork pies correctly before eating them. We recommend leaving them in the plastic bag or box while defrosting to prevent condensation from gathering on the pastry and making it soggy.