Cornish Hen Selection and Storage
Many markets carry fresh game hens ready to cook. Choose hens that look plump, with unbroken, unblemished skin, and cook within 24 hours or get them into the freezer.To freeze fresh game hens, remove the giblets, wash and pat dry before wrapping in an airtight package with all air removed. Properly-frozen game hens can be stored in the freezer at 0 degrees F. for six to nine months.
Markets that do not carry fresh game hens will carry frozen ones in freezer cases, usually sold in pairs, in the meat department along with turkeys and wild game.
Frozen game hens should be allowed sufficient time to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. Some stores will have thawed, previously-frozen birds. It is very important to cook thawed hens as soon as possible, because you have no way of knowing how long they have been thawed. Do not re-freeze previously-thawed hens.
Cooked game hens can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen up to one month.
More About Cornish Hens
• Cornish Hen Selection, Storage, and Freezing• Cornish Hen Cooking Tips
• Cornish Hen History
• Cornish Hen Recipes
Cornish Hen Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Cookbooks
| • | Beer-Can Chicken |
| • | The New York Times Chicken Cookbook |
| • | 365 Ways To Cook Chicken |
| • | Betty Crocker's Best Chicken Cookbook |
| • | More Cookbooks |
