• Freezing, Storage, Packaging and Handling Facts
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Freezing
Since we only harvest our cattle in the spring and early summer months when the grasses are green and nutrient-rich, we freeze our beef in order to provide it to you year-round. Our freezing technique does not compromise the taste of our beef at all. Our steaks are trimmed and cut by skilled butchers at a small custom cutting facility and immediately flash-frozen. Unlike the slow process of freezing in a home freezer, our process freezes moisture quickly before it can form large crystals that break cell walls. The meat maintains a fresh quality because the muscle fibers are preserved, retaining the innate juiciness of the meat. We use this system because it is an excellent way to enjoy our seasonal grass-fed beef anytime, without compromise.

Storage
Frozen beef should be stored at 0° F or below. Maximum temperature should be 5° F. If your freezer cannot keep ice cream brick solid, then the temperature is above this recommended level. Beef stored properly will maintain its original color, flavor, texture and nutritive value. Recommended maximum storage times are:

Beef CutFreezer @ 0° F
Ground Beef 9-12 months
Roasts 12 months
Steaks 12 months

Always date your freezer packages. Longer storage is not dangerous, but flavors and texture will begin to deteriorate.

Packaging
Beef purchased from Hearst Ranch comes to you frozen in a vacuum package. The individual packages provide flexibility in meal planning because you do not have to thaw the entire delivery we send you in order to prepare a few steaks.

Defrosting
Beef should be defrosted in its original vacuum packaging. The preferred method is to place the meat in the refrigerator until thawed (depending on the temperature in your refrigerator, up to 14 hours).

If you are pressed for time, place sealed vacuum packs in a sink full of cold water. This will bring the thawing time down to an hour or so.

We do not advocate using a microwave set on defrost as this will detract from the quality experience of our beef. It is not recommended to thaw beef at room temperature.