Cryovac is the brand name of a type of superior packaging technology that allows fresh goods to be kept fresher for longer. This means that you can keep products in the fridge for a longer period of time and typically don’t need to freeze any of your meat (which we believe effects the taste and tenderness). As an example, red meat will keep in Cryovac packaging for up to four weeks if kept in a temperature controlled fridge. At The Free Range Butcher we choose to package all of our products in Cryovac for your convenience.

There are some effects of using Cryovac packaging, but we believe these are far outweighed by the advantages. Specifically, the meat will change to a darker red colour while in the packaging due to the lack of exposure to oxygen. The meat will also sweat while in the packaging and this can result in an unpleasant smell when you first open the packaging (this is not an indication of the freshness of the meat). To overcome both of these effects, all you need to do is when you’re ready to eat your meat, simply remove it from the packaging and leave it out for 10-15 minutes. When out of the packaging and exposed to oxygen again the meat will return to the usual red colour. Once you’ve removed the meat, simply rinse out the bag and throw it in the bin and the smell will disappear too.