How to Freeze Squirrel Meat
If you’ve been wondering how to freeze squirrel meat, then this article will show you how to clean and prepare a squirrel for freezing. We’ll also cover getting rid of the squirrel and cleaning it. Once you have your squirrel, you can start to prepare the meat for freezing. Here are some tips and tricks to make your squirrel meat taste as good as possible. Enjoy! Whether you’re looking to feed your family or to simply treat yourself to a tasty snack, these tips will help you get started.
Getting rid of squirrels
Before freezing squirrel meat, it’s important to make sure that the animal’s organs are separated from its skin. This will ensure that the meat is fresh. You’ll need to first gut the animal, which is a delicate process. Split the pelvis along its midsection, and remove the last bits of the intestine. Once the organs are separated, you’ll need to separate the meat into pieces. You can then freeze them in ice cubes, or in a vacuum-packed bag.
Once the animal is killed, you’ll need to prepare it for freezing. First, make sure it’s sanitized by removing the fur, and then remove any visible signs of rancidity. You’ll need to prepare it with a little peanut butter or fruit as bait. If the squirrel doesn’t smell good, throw it away. Second, take a knife and slice it into pieces. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
You’ll also need to freeze the meat for several days after removing the squirrel from your yard. This is because squirrels tend to be scared and stressed when humans approach them. Besides, a squirrel’s blood can contain parasites that can harm humans. It’s also important to remember that squirrels can freeze when shot. Besides, squirrel meat can go bad after three days. It may also turn red if it’s stored for too long.
Cleaning a squirrel
While many hunters shy away from cleaning a squirrel before freezing the meat, this traditional small game is an excellent addition to any dinner. The animal is easy to kill, doesn’t require hunting blinds or specialized equipment, and cleaning it can be done in a matter of minutes. In general, grey squirrels are best to hunt for meat, but red squirrels are smaller but pack a surprising amount of meat for their small size.
When cleaning a squirrel, you should be careful to remove all the hair before processing it. Despite the squirrel’s small size, it is not impossible to remove its hair. However, it can be hard to get rid of it. Before skinning the meat, make sure that the animal is flat on its back, with its hind legs raised. The tail and flap should be visible along the ground. When skinning, don’t forget to remove the tail and flap.
After cleaning a squirrel, split it in half or quarters, and place the meat in ice-cold water to soak away any blood. Next, soak the meat in a brine solution until it reaches a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the meat to sit in the brine for about 3 hours before cooking. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to six months.
Preparing squirrel meat for freezing
The first step in preparing squirrel meat for freezing is to rinse the meat under cool water and dip it in buttermilk or seasoned flour. Then, fry it in hot fat. Then, allow it to rest for at least three minutes before serving. For young squirrels, you can skip steaming or dipping the meat in the seasoned flour. The seasoned flour will remain in the pan while cooking the meat. You can add some milk or water to it to make a squirrel gravy that is good with hot biscuits.
Before freezing, squirrel meat should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any traces of blood. It is not recommended to consume squirrel meat that has been exposed to strong chemicals. In addition, squirrels are high in cholesterol, so people with high cholesterol should limit their consumption. However, squirrel meat is generally safe for consumption and may even be better than chicken or beef. It is also rich in protein and contains few calories. It can be eaten by vegetarians and vegans, as long as you wash the meat well before cooking.
To prepare squirrel meat for freezing, you can cut it into pieces, split it in half, and put it into plastic bags or containers made of waxed freezer paper. Once the squirrel is dressed, you should wrap it in an airtight plastic bag, and place it in the freezer. You can store the prepared squirrel meat in the freezer for up to 6 months. Once it has frozen, you can thaw it safely in cold water.
What is the best way to package squirrel meat for freezing?
First remove the entrails and discard them.
Cut off the head feet and skin the squirrel.
Wipe the meat with a vinegar-soaked cloth to remove any blood.
Rinse the meat with cold water and pat dry.
How long can you store frozen squirrel meat?
Frozen properly packaged squirrel meat can last for 6-9 months.
What is the best way to thaw frozen squirrel meat?
The best way to thaw frozen squirrel meat is to place it in the refrigerator 24 hours before you plan to cook it.
Can you refreeze thawed squirrel meat?
No you should not refreeze thawed meat.
What parts of the squirrel can you eat?
You can eat the squirrel’s meat organs brains and marrow.
What is the nutritional value of squirrel meat?
Squirrel meat is a good source of protein niacin phosphorus and selenium.
What are some of the best ways to cook squirrel meat?
Squirrel meat can be cooked in a variety of ways including frying baking stewing and pressure cooking.
What should you do if you find a dead squirrel?
You should contact your local game warden or wildlife biologist.
How can you tell if squirrel meat is bad?
You can tell if squirrel meat is bad if it has a sour smell is discolored or is covered in mold.
What is the best way to store fresh squirrel meat?
Fresh squirrel meat can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for 6-9 months.
What is the best way to cook frozen squirrel meat?
Frozen squirrel meat can be cooked in a variety of ways including frying baking stewing and pressure cooking.
What is the best way to store cooked squirrel meat?
Cooked squirrel meat can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-6 months.
What are some of the best recipes for squirrel meat?
Some of the best recipes for squirrel meat include stew chili and pressure cooker squirrel.
What are some of the health benefits of eating squirrel meat?
Some of the health benefits of eating squirrel meat include the fact that it is a good source of protein niacin phosphorus and selenium.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
