Holiday Ayo - After performing the qurban worship during Eid al-Adha, Muslims often have a large stock of meat.

To keep the qurban meat fresh, safe to consume, and not spoil quickly, it is important to know the right way to store it. 

Here is a guide to storing qurban meat so it lasts longer as reported by various sources: 

1. Store at the Right Temperature 

Storage temperature greatly affects the durability of the meat. According to FoodSafety.gov, raw meat should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C or lower. 

For long-term storage, meat can be frozen at a temperature of -18°C or lower. This temperature slows the growth of bacteria and maintains the quality of the meat. 

2. Use Tight Packaging 

Packaging meat tightly can prevent contamination and maintain moisture. Healthline recommends wrapping meat in plastic wrap or airtight bags before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. 

This helps prevent exposure to air which can cause meat to spoil quickly.

3. Choose the Right Storage Location in the Refrigerator 

Placing meat at the bottom of the refrigerator can prevent dripping meat juices from contaminating other foods. 

The Better Health Channel recommends storing raw meat in a sealed container and placing it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. 

This is important to prevent cross-contamination with ready-to-eat foods or vegetables. 

4. Pay Attention to Storage Time 

Meat has a safe storage time limit. Healthline states that raw meat is generally safe to store in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. 

If it is not going to be cooked within that time, it is best to freeze the meat to extend its shelf life.