Quality Matters

• Freezing chops in the original package may save time, but the porous packaging allows air to penetrate the plastic. This increases the chances of freezer burn and a loss of meat quality. It's best to remove the chops and wrap them individually so you can pull out only what you need. If you prefer to freeze the whole package, wrap it in a impermeable wrapping first so your chops taste as good after freezing as they would have before.

Wrap Stars

• Plastic wrap, foil or a freezer-safe plastic storage bag provides suitable over-wrapping for the packaged chops. Wrap the package tightly so no air is trapped between the original package and the new wrapping. Label the outer wrapping with the date frozen, then immediately place them in a freezer set to zero degrees Fahrenheit. Use the chops within a year of your freeze date to ensure the best quality and flavor.

Keep the Date

• The “use-by” or “sell-by” date on the original packaging doesn't apply once you freeze the chops. You want to freeze the chops as soon after purchase as possible, or at least by the “use-by” date stamped on the package. If your package has a “sell-by” date, use or freeze the chops within three to five days from the purchase date. To avoid confusion when it's time to defrost, cross out any dates stamped on the packaging and write the date you actually froze the chops.

Take the Chill Off

• The best and safest way to defrost your frozen chops is in the refrigerator at temperatures between 33 and 40 F. Remove them from the freezer 24 hours before you need them, but leave them in their original packaging and freezer wrap. If you must defrost the chops quickly, place the entire wrapped package in a plastic storage bag. Press out the air and seal it closed. Submerge the chops in cold tap water for 30 minutes for each pound of meat. Change the water every 30 minutes so it remains cold, then cook the chops immediately after they defrost.