Sharing the Blessings of Qurbani: Store More, Waste Less!
Eid-ul-Adha, or Qurbani Eid, is a special time for Muslims — a celebration of faith, sacrifice, and community. In Bangladesh, it’s a heartfelt tradition where families come together to offer Qurbani and share the meat with loved ones and those in need.
However, with so much meat distributed and received in a short time, proper storage becomes essential. To keep the blessings from going to waste, it’s important to store Qurbani meat safely and smartly. That’s where the right refrigerator — and a few smart tips — come in.
In this blog, we’ll explore why proper storage matters, how to pick the best fridge for Eid, and easy ways to keep your Qurbani meat fresh, safe, and ready to share.
Let's dive in.
Why Is Proper Qurbani Eid Meat Storage Important?
Qurbani Eid meat storage is essential for several reasons, especially during the hot summer days like this year. Here are the key reasons why the Qurbani Eid meat storage is crucial:
Preventing Food Spoilage: The weather in Bangladesh during Qurbani Eid this year is hot and humid, which promotes rapid bacterial growth and meat spoilage. To ensure safety and reduce food waste, it's important to store meat quickly in a refrigerator. Since Qurbani results in a large amount of meat, careful planning is essential for using it over several days or even months.
Ensuring Food Safety: If the raw meat is not stored perfectly, harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus can grow. Eating this bacteria-affected meat can lead to food poisoning and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever.
Facilitating the Act of Sharing: Qurbani meat sharing becomes easier with family, friends, and the less fortunate, if it is stored perfectly. It allows meat distribution over a longer period.
Economic Benefits: The animals sacrificed for Qurbani are a significant financial investment for many families. So any meat spoilage and inefficient consumption result in a direct economic loss.
Religious and Ethical Responsibility: Preserving the sacrificed meat correctly is a way of showing respect and gratitude to the valuable gift of Allah(SWT).
Best Refrigerator Model for Qurbani Eid Meat Storage
Perfect refrigerator selection during Qurbani Eid is crucial. The following are the best large capacity fridges for Eid:
Frost Free Refrigerator: No frost refrigerators prevent ice and frost buildup in the freezer, maintaining a consistent temperature ideal for storing large amounts of meat.
Double Door Refrigerator: There are two types of double-door freezers: top and bottom freezers, featuring separate doors for the freezer and refrigerator. They are ideal for storing large quantities of meat long-term.
Side-by-Side Refrigerator: A side-by-side refrigerator features two vertical compartments: one for the refrigerator and one for the freezer, both tall and narrow. They have a double door.
French Door Refrigerator: The French door refrigerator features two side-by-side doors for the refrigerator on top and a pull-out freezer drawer at the bottom, allowing easy access to both compartments.
Top Mount Refrigerator: Keep your food fresh and organized with a top mount refrigerator—easy access to daily essentials, spacious freezer for long-term storage, and perfect for managing Qurbani meat during Eid.
Bottom Mount Refrigerator: The bottom refrigerator has the freezer compartment at the bottom and the fresh food compartment at the top.
Freezer: Make Qurbani Eid stress-free with the right freezer—store bulk meat safely, keep it fresh for months, and enjoy hassle-free meals anytime.
Essential Tips and Tricks to Keep Meat Fresh During Qurbani Eid in Your Refrigerator
Freeze Quickly: You have to store the Qurbani meat as quickly as possible. It will ensure better meat quality and safety. Try to freeze the Qurbani meat within 2-4 hours after the slaughter.
Maintain Hygiene: Ensure clean hands, surfaces, and utensils when handling meat to prevent contamination.
Proper Packaging: Package the meat properly to prevent freezer burn, odor transfer, and drying out. Clear bags or containers help to identify the contents without having to open them. They also help to maintain a consistent temperature.
Organize Strategically: Arrange the meat logically to maximize the space and prevent cross-contamination.
Remove the Bone from Meat: Boneless meat takes up less space and is easier to store and use. Removing bones can also help reduce any potential odor.
Remove Excess Fat: Excessive fat can become rancid more quickly. Hence, remove large pieces of fat before storing.
Don't Wash Excessively: Unless visibly dirty, avoid excessive washing. Otherwise, it can introduce moisture that promotes bacterial growth.
First-In, First-Out (FIFO): When you have multiple packages of stored meat, use the oldest ones first to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Keep Fridge Clean: A clean refrigerator helps prevent the growth and spread of bacteria. Regularly clean the interior with a mild detergent and wipe up any spills immediately.
Try Marinating: Marinating meat before refrigerating can help preserve it for a slightly longer period and add flavor. Ensure the marinade covers the meat completely.
Separate Cooked and Raw Meat: Always store cooked meat in separate containers and on shelves above raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Accurate Temperature Setting: Always set your refrigerator and freezer to the correct temperature for safe and effective storage of Qurbani meat. The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 0°C and 4°C (32°F to 40°F), while the freezer should be at or below -18°C (0°F). If the meat doesn’t receive proper cooling, it can spoil quickly, especially in warm weather.
Key Considerations During Purchasing a Refrigerator for Qurbani Eid Meat Storage:
You must select some major factors to select the right refrigerator to store a large amount of Qurbani meat effectively.
High Storage Capacity: The key factor during the Qurbani season is the refrigerator's storage capacity, as large quantities of meat need to be stored. To avoid overcrowding, consider models like Side by Side, French Door, or spacious double and multi-door designs.
Efficient Cooling Technology: Maintaining a consistent temperature is essential for preserving the meat's freshness and safety. Select refrigerators with advanced cooling technologies, such as a Frost-free refrigerator.
Multi-Door Design: A multi-door refrigerator has separate compartments (typically 3 to 5 doors) for different needs. This model facilitates better food organization, energy efficiency, flexible storage, and convenience in food storage.
Inverter Technology: Inverter technology enhances energy efficiency and performance in refrigerators by adjusting the compressor speed according to cooling needs. This reduces electricity use and maintains a stable internal temperature, ensuring quality meat storage.
Dedicated Storage Compartments: Some modern refrigerator models have dedicated compartments for fish and meat. These separate storage zones maintain a standard temperature to enhance the quality of food storage and prevent cross-contamination of odors.
Effective Air Circulation: Uniform air circulation is essential for preventing hotspots on meats and maintaining consistent temperatures across the compartments. So select a refrigerator with uniform cooling.
Durability and Reliability: Qurbani means extra load on the refrigerator. You must select a reputable brand known for its durability and reliability.
How to Store Qurbani Meat for Maintaining Better Quality
Cool Down the Meat First (Briefly): Freshly cut meat has some temperature inside it. That's why you need to cool it down at room temperature for a short period (1 to 2 hours maximum) before refrigerating.
Wash the Meat (If Necessary): If the meat is visibly dirty, gently clean it with cool, normal water. Then dry it with a paper towel before storing. If it is clean, skip washing to avoid bacterial spread.
Make a Meal Size Pack of the Meat: Divide the meat into your family's meal size to avoid repeated thawing and refreezing which degrades the quality.
Package Properly: Use airtight food-grade plastic bags or containers with tight-fitting lids for packing. Wrap the family meal-sized portion in a plastic bag and then keep it in a container for better storage.
Label Each Pack: Clearly label each pack with the date of storage and the type of meat. Writing names on the packets will help to distribute to he friends and family.
Place the Meat Strategically: Store the raw meat on the lowest shelf or in the dedicated meat drawer to prevent drips from other food items.
Maintain Proper Temperature: Ensure your refrigerator temperature is consistently between 0°C and 4°C (32°F and 40°F).
Avoid Overloading: Don't overload your refrigerator with too much meat at once. This can hinder proper air circulation and affect cooling efficiency.
Popular Refrigerator Brand Available in Bangladesh
Some reputable refrigerator brands in Bangladesh are Hitachi, LG, eco+, Haier, Samsung, and Whirlpool. They have different models with variations in features and price.
For example, The Hitachi refrigerator price in Bangladesh starts from around BDT 60,000(basic model) and varies depending on the model, location, and retailer policy.
FAQs
Q. Which fridge is best in Bangladesh?
Hitachi is the best refrigerator in Bangladesh for its advanced technology, robust build quality, dual fan cooling, a Nano Titanium Deodorizer, and energy efficiency. You can select a Hitachi refrigerator for meat storage without hesitation.
Q. Which fridge is best for the home?
The best fridges for home in Bangladesh are eco+, Haier, Hitachi, LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
Q. Which is better French door or a regular refrigerator?
French door refrigerators provide spacious, eye-level storage and a modern look, but they are pricier and can have less organized freezers.
Traditional top-freezer models are budget-friendly and energy-efficient, but require bending to access fresh food. Single-door bottom-freezer units offer eye-level access like French doors but have wider door swings and still require bending for freezer access.
Choosing between them depends on your priorities.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right refrigerator is essential for storing Qurbani Eid meat. Look for models with high capacity, efficient cooling, inverter technology, and dedicated compartments for freshness and safety.Reputable brands like Hitachi, LG, eco+, Haier, Samsung, and Whirlpool offer reliable large capacity refrigerators for Eid. Visit our House of Butterfly to find the best refrigerator for your needs at great prices.