Freezer burn is a term for the moisture lost from frozen food, which happens when air seeps into the package and causes ice crystals to form on the meat. Freezer-burned meat is safe to eat, but it will have a dry, leathery texture and a depreciated flavor. Here are some ways to salvage freezer-burned meat:

• Trim the affected areas: The damage is usually on the outside of the meat, not penetrating more than a quarter inch or so. If you’re working with a roast, you can trim the outer layers off, similar to how you would trim away silverskin. The same thing goes for ground meat, but you’ll need to do it when it’s partially frozen. You should also trim away the skin or fat off any cut that may be rancid.

• Brine the meat: Since freezer burn causes meat to dry out, you can counteract it with a brine. Salt can help mitigate moisture loss when cooked, making it one of the most effective ways to restore flavor and texture.

• Slow cook the meat: Slow cooking can help make freezer-burned meat more tender and tasty than other forms of cookery. You can use the meat in a well-spiced stew or chili, or even make a broth or stock out of it.

• Feed it to your pets: If the meat is heavily freezer-burned and cannot be salvaged, you can always feed it to your pets. They are typically less picky than humans and will appreciate the treat.

To prevent freezer burn from happening in the first place, its important to wrap the meat securely before freezing it and to avoid storing it in the freezer for longer than is recommended.