Fresh goose - how long to keep in fridge?

[JohnR3]

Hello - I have a fresh goose purchased Friday (butchered same day), hoping to make it on Christmas. I read that 3 days in the fridge is recommended for goose; I'm looking at 5 day. Should I panic? (I've brined it for about 24hrs, and I have it now stored dry in a plastic container). Will the brine help keep it longer?

[darrentran87]

Definitely would not freeze it. Whether or not you've brined it, iI would definitely not have frozen it. Especially since you've brined it, I would take it out of the freezer right now.

[Puffin3]

If your fridge is set to it's coldest setting and you've brined it already I leave it in the fridge with the bag open. 'Air chilled' goose. Fresh goose ought to be fine for at least a week in a cold fridge. Don't freeze it. The frozen ice crystals will actually cut the meat fibers. This could result in a mushy texture. If you hadn't already brined the bird freezing wouldn't be so damaging. Brining draws moisture into the bird.

[teezeetoo]

once it is brined and if your fridge is at least 40 degrees you don't need to freeze it. in fact, it will be better air-dried in the fridge for a while as it sets the skin and gives you a crisper bird.

[JohnR3]

done deal. I don't know if it will freeze through, but it will help me be less concerned about my big holiday meal :)

[pikawicca]

I would pop it in the freezer for 24 hours.