What to freeze raw meat in?

[savingmomof2boys]

We buy most meat (chicken, ground beef, steaks, pork, fish) in bulk and would like to find something reusable to freeze the meat in. Up until now we have been using ziploc bag but it seems like such a waste. I would like to avoid anything plastic.

What do you freeze raw meat in?

[IowaGold]

My last butchering I used vacuum bags (and the meat is still perfect 1.5 years later), but that's more plastic that you don't want, so you could try butcher paper. I used that the couple of times before and it worked pretty darn well. I got the roll at the local farm store but I've also seen it at places like Bass Pro and Cabela's. It's lined to prevent juices from leaking-I'm not sure if it's plastic or just a waxy material.

[babycat42]

Have your tried using Freezer Paper?

[savingmomof2boys]

I never thought about using butcher paper. I will look into that.

Has anyone ever used glass containers?

[sarahannecloud9]

The problem with a glass container is the air exposure. You will have freezer burn in my experience. I love butchers paper. It's more of a biodegrateable option than baggies. I have to admit though, I do bags. Way easier and cheaper. Most of our frozen is blanched veggies from the garden, so I have to have leak-proof.

[ajbailey89]

I do bags. But I buy Hefty Zip bags and wash them out and reuse them for more meat.

[AutumnRose]

Originally Posted by ajbailey89 I do bags. But I buy Hefty Zip bags and wash them out and reuse them for more meat.

YEP! My sis in law puts hers right back in the freezer so they never get a chance to mix in with other things or really grow bacteria.

[jbug_4]

Originally Posted by AutumnRose YEP! My sis in law puts hers right back in the freezer so they never get a chance to mix in with other things or really grow bacteria.

This what i do too. But I also wrap meal sizes of the meat in wrap and place in bags so I will have 4 meals or more of the meat in one bag (I buy 5 pound s of hamburger separate and wrap it in one pound portions then freeze all in the same bag, or buy a pork loin, cut my chops and wrap 4 chops in each wrap then all goes in the same bag). Because they are wrapped its easy to pull out 1 meals worth. Since I buy the same bulk meat every time I reuse the same bag, but I never take it out of the freezer for longer then it takes to get meals worth of meat out of it.

I do use glass if its going to be short term and on thing like waffles, pancakes, or freezer meals (make ahead casseroles and such). My glass has lids for the freezer and there are fine for stuff like that, but I wouldn't use them for meat or veggies. I haven't noticed freezer burn with them but definitely more gets into them then the bags.

[geez0pete]

I either use butcher paper or select zip top bags. Both Ziploc and Glad are BPA free.

ETA: I also wash plastic my bags and reuse them.

[savingmomof2boys]

Thanks for all the ideas. I guess I will be sticking with bags. I have been separating portions in quart size bags but I am going to try to wrap portions then put multiple portions in gallon size bags.