Freezer Burn... Did I mess up?

[SarahFair]

Well I butchered 2 roosters a few weeks ago and they wouldnt fit into any bag I had to I just put them in a garbage back and put them in the freezer. I looked at them today and they have ice crystals over them. Does that mean they are freezer burnt and no good?

 

[Katy]

Quote:
I'd be more worried about them being in the garbage bag......those aren't labeled for food use.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

*Not a freezer burn expert* but I believe the meat actually changes color when freezer burnt. Was the meat wet or moist when you froze it? - if so sometimes the moisture will crystal on the surface of the frozen item. Or has your freezer door been left ajar accidentally in the last week or so?



Some of my homegrown are too large also - plastic wrap and butcher paper (or plastic wrap and newspaper)

 

[greathorse]

Freezer burn stems from the dehydration of food when unprotected from air movement. If the product has only been in the freezer for a couple of weeks you will have very little if any freezer burn. Freezer burn is not a health or wholesomeness issue it is one of taste and texture.

The trash bag would be my biggest concern. I think that some bags have some anitungal, antibacterial, or scent treatments that would be suspect.

 

[ranchhand]

Usually freezer burned meat changes color a bit and looks very dried, shriveled and just not "right".

Sounds like the birds were wet and the water froze on them.
But uhm, Sarah? NO garbage bags ever again! Those things are not food-safe at all. Machine oil, peoples hand germs, etc.

Get a big roll of freezer paper and some freezer tape.

 

[Katy]

Ziplock makes a 2 gallon size. I always keep a box of them around.

 

[SarahFair]

I had no idea about garbage bags! They are the force flex kind...
So should I just throw the chickens out?


I only had gallon size. Ill get 2 gallons next time im at the market!

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Yes, throw them out....it's not worth the risk. Thaw them and feed them to your dogs.