WHY FROZEN IS THE NEW FRESH

Frozen, packaged ostrich meat

 

Frozen meat is actually FAR fresher and safer than meat that has never been frozen!









Meat that is merely refrigerated loses nutrients quickly and is a sponge for contaminants.  Freezing meats at peak freshness ensures they lose virtually none of their nutritional value right up to the moment you’re ready to eat.

Grocery shoppers never really know where that  ‘fresh’ meat has been, who has handled it, at what temperature, and how long it’s been since harvest.

This has always been pretty concerning to us, so we are committed to flash freezing our meat at peak freshness in a sterile environment.   This way we can be sure that the meat arriving on your doorstep is as fresh as it was at the moment of harvest.

 

Buying frozen meat means you will have the extra step of thawing your meat but we promise, thawing ostrich is easy! The three options below are the safest, most simple methods to get your fresh meat from the freezer to your plate.

REFRIGERATOR THAWING 

What is the best method?  Prepping ahead of time.  Pulling your filets or ground meat out of the freezer a day ahead of time and giving it at least 24 hours in your refrigerator is ideal.  A pound of meat should take no longer than a day to fully thaw; our 4-6lb Ostrich Tip roasts can take up to 3 days.

Once thawed in this manner, meat is safe to use for at least 5 days.  Meat thawed in the refrigerator is also safe to refreeze within this time frame.

Sometimes, during shipping, individual vacuum-sealed packages can rub together and create small punctures, so to prevent a mess and keep your refrigerator sanitary we recommend placing your meat in a ziplock bag to prevent leaks.


 

 

COLD WATER THAWING 
Craving an awesome ostrich cut but forgot to pull it out to thaw?  You can still make that outstanding meal happen in just a couple short hours.  Thawing in cold water is much faster than the refrigerator, but requires more attention.  Cold water thawing requires a waterproof package or bag to keep water out of your meat.

To be on the safe side, we always recommend you put your AOF meat packages into a waterproof, ziplock bag to keep any errant juices from escaping your vacuum-sealed meat packages in the event there was a micro puncture somewhere along the way, as discussed above.  Your waterproof bag should be submerged in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so as it continues to thaw.  Small packages of meat typically thaw in an hour or less. Larger cuts of meat can take several hours.

Once thawed, it is recommended that the meat be used right away and not refrozen prior to cooking.

 

MICROWAVE THAWING

 

While we don't recommend it, thawing in the microwave is might be your best option if you're in pinch, as it's the fastest thawing method there is.  After thawing in the microwave, always cook immediately after and do not refreeze prior to cooking.

 

 

 

 

For the healthiest and safest red meat, choose American Ostrich Farms sustainable, premium ostrich meat. From steaks to burgers to delicious delicacies, ostrich is the a responsible choice that delivers taste and health while greatly reducing the impact on our environment. 

 

 


ALSO IN BLOG

HOW TO SMOKE OSTRICH MEAT LIKE A PRO

Ostrich isn’t your typical BBQ meat—but that’s exactly why it’s worth smoking. With its beef-like flavor, low fat content, and high nutrient density, ostrich offers a clean and crave-worthy alternative to traditional red meats. But its leanness also means it needs a slightly different approach in the smoker to stay juicy and tender. Whether you're a backyard pit master or new to low-and-slow cooking, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.

OSTRICH OIL VS COCONUT OIL: WHAT’S BEST FOR SUMMER SKIN?

As temperatures rise, our skincare routines should shift to accommodate the unique challenges summer brings: UV exposure, sweat, humidity, and clogged pores. While coconut oil has long been a staple for natural skincare, ostrich oil is gaining popularity for its unique composition and skin benefits. In this post, we’ll explore how these two oils compare—and which might be the right fit for your skin this summer.

WHY LEAN PROTEIN MATTERS FOR DOGS, TOO

Just like humans, dogs need protein to thrive. Protein supports healthy muscles, sustained energy, a strong immune system, and even cognitive function. But not all protein sources are created equal—and when it comes to treats, choosing lean, digestible protein can make a big difference in your pup’s health and vitality.