Keeping It Fresh

• Food may be kept indefinitely in the freezer at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit, advises U.S. Department of Agriculture. At this temperature, bacteria stops growing, essentially eliminating the chance of foodborne illness. But even though it may be safe, Canadian bacon's flavor and texture change in the freezer. Keep Canadian bacon for no more than three to four months in the freezer if it hasn't been heated, or one to two months if you're freezing it after heating the product.

It's a Wrap

• Wrapping Canadian bacon carefully is one of the keys to avoiding freezer burn. For best results, wrap each portion separately in plastic. This keeps the pieces from sticking together and allows you to thaw only the quantity you want to use. If you don't have plastic wrap, sticking a piece of wax paper in between each portion will work. Place the Canadian bacon into a sealable freezer bag or airtight container and place it in the freezer.

Thawing Methods

• Properly thawing Canadian bacon reduces the risk of harmful bacteria growth and keeps the product tasting fresh. You can thaw Canadian bacon in the fridge where it will naturally defrost over 12 to 24 hours, depending on the thickness. Or, take Canadian bacon stored in a freezer bag and submerge it in cold water until it is thoroughly defrosted. For this method, change the water every 30 minutes. You can also use the "defrost" function on a microwave. Some microwaves will ask you how much the Canadian bacon weighs to calculate the proper defrosting time.

Staying Safe

• Re-freezing Canadian bacon that has been properly thawed and heated can be safe, although taste and texture might not be ideal. Do not leave Canadian bacon out at room temperature for more than two hours. If room temperature is above 90 F, throw the bacon out after an hour.