packaging and freezing

[sherman]

Probably been covered before but couldn't find anything. What are people's opinions on packaging and freezing whole birds? Have done plenty of grouse and rabbit but usually only meat or pieces.
Thanks

 

[jaku]

I think they keep better whole, not to mention it's a lot easier on processing day, and gives you more options when you want to use the bird. I used to use a 2 gallon ziplock bag, but I got some shrink bags this spring, which are GREAT! My birds look like they came from the store.

 

[sherman]

So just right into the bag into the freezer?

 

[jaku]

Into the bag, dip the bag in hot water, and it shrinks up tight, just like a store bird. Then into the freezer. I can't remember the website that sells them, but the link is on here if you search under shrink bags. There aren't too many places that sell them.

 

[Burbs]

Here is the site that jaku was talking about.

http://www.cornerstone-farm.com/shrink_bags.htm

They were out of stock so I ordered from here..........

http://www.midwesternresearch.com/iw_products.m4p.pvx?;products_no_tree?company=INC?cat=22050

I ordered the 10 X 14's hoping they are big enough. I'll give them a try this weekend and report back.

The ones from cornerstone were 12" wide. jaku, did you have spare room in these or were they fairly tight?

 

[TimG]

Quote:
You want to let them chill for 24-48 hours post processing before freezing, don't you?

Do you shrink wrap before or after the chilling period?

 

[jaku]

Quote:
On some of my bigger birds, 12" might be a little tight. Do you know if Cornerstone was planning on restocking? That will be a bummer if they don't!

 

[jaku]

Quote:
You want to let them chill for 24-48 hours post processing before freezing, don't you?

Do you shrink wrap before or after the chilling period?

After I process, I throw all my birds into a big tub of salted ice water for 24 hours. Then I shrink bag and put in the fridge for another 24 hours. Then I deliver the ones that are sold, and freeze mine. That way, even if people want to eat them the night I deliver, they should have tender birds.

 

[TimG]

Quote:
You want to let them chill for 24-48 hours post processing before freezing, don't you?

Do you shrink wrap before or after the chilling period?

After I process, I throw all my birds into a big tub of salted ice water for 24 hours. Then I shrink bag and put in the fridge for another 24 hours. Then I deliver the ones that are sold, and freeze mine. That way, even if people want to eat them the night I deliver, they should have tender birds.

Have you ever weighed birds pre- and post-soak? I wonder how much "water added" there is.

 

[Burbs]

Quote:
They said they were on order. Too much demand this year.