Q&A for How to Age Beef

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I am very confused. There are expiry dates on meat that we buy, and other websites proclaim it must be used within 2 day of that date. Do we just ignore that use-by date?
    jaka kovač
    Community Answer
    If you store it under 5° C it won't spoil, though I would choose meat from a local butcher. If you are still worried you can try aging in oil, but the oil breaks down and dissolves proteins.
  • Question
    I am watching some aging meat while the owners are away. The sealed bag has ballooned. Is this normal?
    Community Answer
    When using a dry aging bag, depending on the manufacturer, your bag may or may not inflate. Most are supposed to have an air tight seal that allows moisture in prevents excess air exposure. You'll have to follow the instructions that came with your dry aging bag to discern whether this is natural for your bag or not.
  • Question
    Do I cook the meat after aging it?
    Community Answer
    Unless you are making a tar-tar steak, you should cook the steak after aging it if you plan to eat it.
  • Question
    Can I freeze 90 day aged meat?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can freeze any aged meat. But when defrosting, it will be less tender and have a weaker flavor. If you age a steak, I would recommend eating without freezing.
  • Question
    How do I control the humidity in the refrigerator?
    Community Answer
    You can try to place a wet towel over the fan, and see if it makes it more humid. Otherwise, contact the company where you purchased the refrigerator from and see if they have any advice, or check the owner's manual.
  • Question
    Can I age meat after it has been frozen?
    jaka kovač
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you will need lower humidity or salt it before aging.
  • Question
    What is the minimum cut of beef I need to get for this?
    Community Answer
    Choice or better. Well-marbled beef is the best way to go and will give you the best outcome.
  • Question
    Do the shelves need to be wire grid, or can they be glass?
    Community Answer
    The shelf can be anything - glass, wire or what not. It's important to put the meat onto a wire rack inside the fridge on the shelf to help with circulation. Having a baking pan under it makes cleanup much easier. Remember, this whole process needs to sanitary, or you can easily ruin any cut of meat. I recommend a quality dry aging bag. It makes it a lot easier for the beginner.
  • Question
    Do I need to put UVC light in the fridge during the dry aging of beef to kill bacteria?
    Community Answer
    At below 40 degrees, you should not have bacteria that will rapidly rot the meat. The most important thing to be sure of for any refrigerated food is having the temp between 34 and 36 degrees.
  • Question
    What happens to the aged meat when mold growth appears?
    Community Answer
    Mold is good. It can be cut off before cooking, I've aged entire carcasses with quite a lot of mold on them, only to cut it off later and the meat was the most tender and delicious ever. Even foreleg muscle, normally used for stew meat, can be mistaken for much finer cuts, better tasting than store bought.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article