How long can I keep my meat in the fridge prior to smoking? Thawing frozen meat for smoking

[wambamsam]

Wondering how long is alright to keep meat in the fridge prior to smoking it.

I purchased a 10lb brisket flat and a couple 6lb boston butts hoping to smoke them this weekend but something came up. 

I most likely wont get around to smoking them until 2weeks from the purchase date. Is that too long?

Wondering if 2weeks in the fridge I'm better off freezing them for another rendezvous?

Any input would be great!

 

[noboundaries]

If they are cryovac sealed nice and tight just recently you should be fine.  They may have a packed date or sell by date on them which will give you an indication.   If you have a vacuum sealer you can seal them yourself and they will be fine in the fridge.  If not cryovac'd or vacuum sealed, freeze them. 

 

[wambamsam]

They are cyrovac from Sams Club, I think the sell by dates are coming up quick. By the time I would get to smoking them they will probably be a 7-10days past the sell by date?

I should be alright for some time if I open them and repackage with my vacuum sealer?

I suppose another freeze on them wont hurt either as long as I let them thaw in the fridge several days prior to prepping.

 

[noboundaries]

I'd freeze them.

 

[timberjet]

If you do repackage them put your rub on before you seal them up. One less step when you get around to it and the flavor will be excellent. Just my 2 cents.