FOOD STORAGE & PREPARATION

About Your Shipment 

Most Creekstone Farms beef and pork products ship frozen. Certain items ship fresh—this will be clearly noted during checkout. Every order is packed in an insulated cooler with dry-ice to maintain safe temperatures in transit. 

If your shipment arrives with partially thawed items or with dissipated dry-ice, please don’t worry. The dry-ice contained in shipments is intended to dissipate during transit for your safety. As long as the internal temperature remains at or below 40 °F (4 °C) upon receipt, product quality and food safety are fully preserved. 

For best results: 

  • Refreeze any items you don’t plan to cook immediately. 
  • Refrigerate and use within 3–5 days if you plan to cook soon. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR ITEMS

Thawing Guidelines

For detailed guidance on safe thawing and cooking practices, please visit the USDA website Here

Creekstone Farms recommends thawing all beef and pork items in their original packaging on a plate or platter in the refrigerator. This method preserves flavor and tenderness while containing any juices released during thawing. 

  • Smaller cuts, such as steaks, typically thaw in 24–48 hours. 
  • Larger cuts, such as roasts or whole tenderloins, may require 3–5 days, depending on size and thickness. 

Allowing sufficient time in the refrigerator ensures your Creekstone Farms products deliver their best taste and texture. 

Cooking Instructions

Cooking times can vary based on your equipment and other factors. To ensure perfect results, we recommend using an instant-read thermometer to verify doneness. 

Creekstone Farms suggests the following method for thawed steaks: 

  • Preheat your grill or pan to maximum heat. 
  • Sear each side for 1–2 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. 
  • Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until the steak reaches your target temperature (see guide below). 
  • Remove the steak 5–10° F below your desired doneness, then let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. 
  • Allowing the steak to rest ensures juices redistribute for optimal tenderness and flavor. Enjoy! 

Click Here to view our recipes!

Doneness Guide

Rare: 120°–130° F Medium Rare: 130°–140° F Medium: 140°–150°F Medium Well: 150°-160° F Well Done: 160°–170° F 

Allowing the steak to rest ensures juices redistribute for optimal tenderness and flavor. Enjoy!