How to Put Squirrel in the Freezer 
If you are planning to make squirrel meat for dinner, this article is for you. In addition to recipes, this article will also cover the health risks and safety of squirrel meat, as well as the best way to store squirrel meat. It will also be helpful for those who are unsure about storing squirrel in the freezer. So, what are the steps to follow? Read on to get started. Alternatively, you can always buy raw squirrel and cook it yourself.
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Recipes that feature squirrel meat
There are several recipes that feature the delicious meat of the solitary rodent. Using a skillet or Dutch oven, debone and chop the squirrel meat into small pieces. Add the squirrel to the skillet or oven, and coat in flour. Once the meat is thoroughly coated, place it in hot oil. Add a splash of water to the oil to prevent the meat from drying out. Cook the meat in batches, one or two at a time, until it is golden on all sides.
To make fried squirrel, first coat the squirrel with flour. Next, dip it in egg wash. Then, fry it until it is crispy and golden brown. Make sure the squirrel is coated on both sides, and then flip it half-way through frying. This step is crucial because the moisture from the egg wash can seep through the breading. You can use a Dutch oven or large saucepan to deep fry the meat.
To make this dish, you need a heavy pot. Pour a half-inch of oil into the pan. Cover the pot with tinfoil, and let the squirrels cook slowly for about an hour. While the squirrels cook, you can prepare the gravy by stirring in the broth. You can also double the recipe if you’d like, as the leftover sauce can be used for a second serving.
Health risks of eating squirrels
Whether or not you want to try squirrel meat is a matter of personal preference. While it may seem strange to eat meat from a non-human animal, squirrels are actually very nutritious and contain a lot of vitamins and beneficial compounds. Squirrel meat is rich in iron and niacin, two essential vitamins for the human body. However, people with heart disease and those who have an intolerance to high levels of cholesterol should avoid squirrel meat.
Fortunately, many diseases associated with eating squirrels are easily detectable and easy to treat. While the meat of a squirrel is higher in protein and iron than chicken, it does have a higher cholesterol content, making it less suitable for people with cardiovascular problems. So, you should choose a healthy and well-raised squirrel before preparing it for dinner. It is also recommended to prepare the meat in a soft cooker if you intend to consume it.
Although there are few specific health risks associated with squirrel meat, eating squirrel meat can expose you to CJD, a disease caused by the prion protein. A man from Rochester, Minnesota contracted a severe form of muscle and memory loss, and subsequently began to decline mentally. This case shows that people who like eating squirrel meat are at a greater risk of getting CJD than others. However, it is also worth noting that some states consider squirrel brains to be a delicacy, although doctors recommend against it.
Storing squirrels in the freezer
After killing and skinning a squirrel, storing it in the freezer is an excellent option. You can either store it whole in the freezer or cut it up after thawing. If you freeze it whole, it will keep for about 3-4 days. If you’re storing it in the freezer for a long time, it will start to turn tough. To make it tender, brine it. To brine, fill an airtight container with cold water and canning salt. Regular salt will also work. Place the squirrel into the solution and let it soak for at least three days before preparing.
Once you’ve deboned your squirrel, you’ll need to keep the skin in the freezer. The skin should be removed right after the hunt, but the meat should still be whole. Make sure to store it in the freezer at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. You shouldn’t keep squirrel meat on the counter for more than a week, since it will spoil fast. Make sure to have a gallon-sized baggie ready with ice for this purpose.
There are many ways to cook squirrel meat, depending on your preferences. If you don’t feel like cooking it right away, you can also use it for stew. Squirrel meat can be cooked in tomato sauce or wine. Another way to make it tasty is to fry or braise it. You can also try cooking it in bacon fat to give it a flavorful taste. If you decide to cook it in your own kitchen, remember to follow these steps:
1.
What do you need to do to prepare a squirrel for freezer storage?
Answer: To prepare a squirrel for freezer storage you will need to skin and gut the squirrel.
2.
How long can you store a squirrel in the freezer?
Answer: You can store a squirrel in the freezer for up to one year.
3.
What is the best way to thaw a frozen squirrel?
Answer: The best way to thaw a frozen squirrel is to place it in the refrigerator 24 hours before you plan to cook it.
4.
Can you refreeze a thawed squirrel?
Answer: No you cannot refreeze a thawed squirrel.
5.
How should you cook a thawed squirrel?
Answer: The best way to cook a thawed squirrel is to roast it.
6.
What is the safest way to handle raw squirrel?
Answer: The safest way to handle raw squirrel is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with it.
7.
What are the signs of freezer burn on a squirrel?
Answer: The signs of freezer burn on a squirrel are discolored or dried out flesh and a loss of flavor.
8.
What should you do if you find freezer burn on a squirrel?
Answer: If you find freezer burn on a squirrel you should trim away any affected areas and cook the squirrel immediately.
9.
How can you prevent freezer burn on a squirrel?
Answer: You can prevent freezer burn on a squirrel by wrapping it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
10.
What is the best way to store cooked squirrel?
Answer: The best way to store cooked squirrel is in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
cooked squirrel will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
11.
Can you freeze cooked squirrel?
Answer: Yes you can freeze cooked squirrel.
12.
How long will cooked squirrel keep in the freezer?
Answer: Cooked squirrel will keep in the freezer for up to four months.
13.
What is the best way to thaw cooked squirrel?
Answer: The best way to thaw cooked squirrel is in the refrigerator.
14.
Can you refreeze cooked squirrel?
Answer: No you cannot refreeze cooked squirrel.
15.
How long is cooked squirrel safe to eat?
Answer: Cooked squirrel is safe to eat for up to four days.
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.
