Meat
How long does liver last in the fridge?
Liver, tongue, and the other variety meats keep just 1–2 days in the fridge — cook or freeze on day one and don’t let them drift.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1–2 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 3–4 months |
Can it sit out?
Liver and other variety meats is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if liver and other variety meats has gone bad
- A strong sour or metallic smell beyond liver’s usual iron note
- A slimy coat that comes back within minutes of rinsing
- Liver gone gray-green or dull brown instead of deep glossy red
- Watery, cloudy liquid collecting in the tray
When in doubt, throw it out.
Soak liver in milk in the fridge before cooking — it takes the hard mineral edge off without softening the texture.
Quick answers
How long does liver last in the fridge?
Liver, tongue, and the other variety meats keep just 1–2 days in the fridge — cook or freeze on day one and don’t let them drift.
Can you freeze liver and other variety meats?
USDA’s freezer window for liver and other variety meats is 3–4 months.
How long can liver and other variety meats sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to liver and other variety meats. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).