Can you refreeze pork after unthawed?

It's not recommended to refreeze pork after it's been thawed.

Here's why:

* Food Safety: When you freeze meat, ice crystals form, damaging the cell structure. Thawing and refreezing causes more damage, making the meat more susceptible to bacterial growth. This can lead to foodborne illness.

* Quality: Refreezing also affects the texture and flavor of the meat. It can become tougher and drier.

What to do instead:

* Use the thawed pork immediately: The safest option is to cook the thawed pork right away.

* Cook and refrigerate: If you can't cook it immediately, cook it and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.

* Divide into smaller portions: Before freezing, divide the pork into smaller portions, so you only thaw what you need.

Important Note: While refreezing thawed pork is generally discouraged, it's important to remember that there is a small window of time where it might be safe to do so. If the pork has been thawed in the refrigerator and has not been at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it might be safe to refreeze. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and cook the thawed pork or refrigerate it for a short period.