"Co-owner Aaron Rocchino stresses that freezing will preserve meat quality if it’s stored properly, but it doesn’t reset expiration—aim to use most steaks and chops within about six months (no later than nine) for optimal taste, chicken nearer a year, and ground meat within three to four months. He warns against rapid defrosting methods and recommends slow defrosting in the refrigerator to protect texture and food safety, and highlights that smaller butcher shops can offer steadier supplies and custom butchering—even if they sometimes cost more." - Elazar Sontag