Summer sausage has long been a favorite of charcuterie lovers and is often served as an appetizer or snack. But while it’s tasty, summer sausage can keep for quite some time after you buy it — so how long is summer sausage good for? – It can last for up to three months
From shelf life to storage tips, this article will provide you with all the facts you need to make sure that your delicious summer sausages last as long as possible. Read on to learn more about what makes summer sausage tick and why it’s such a staple in so many homes.
Related:
- How Long To Smoke A Brisket
- How Long Can Cooked Bacon Sit Out
- How Long Can Ham Sit Out
- How Long Does Cooked Pork Last In The Fridge
- How To Cook Brats In The Oven
What is Summer Sausage?
Summer sausage is a type of cured and smoked sausage. It has a smoked flavor, but the flavor can vary from mild to sharp depending on its recipe. Summer sausage is typically made from pork, beef, or a combination of both types of meat that are ground together with spices and other ingredients.
Summer sausage is usually sold in semi-dry or pre-cooked forms and does not require refrigeration for storage, making it a popular snack for camping trips, hikes, and other outdoor activities. It has a long shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
What Are The Different Types of Summer Sausage?
Summer sausage comes in many varieties, including Chorizo, Thuringer, and Cervelat.
Chorizo is a spicy variety of summer sausage made from pork or beef that is seasoned with garlic, chili powder, and other spices.
The Thuringer variety has a mild flavor profile and originates from Germany. It is usually made from beef and pork and is seasoned with garlic, pepper, allspice, coriander, nutmeg, and other spices.
Cervelat summer sausage is a semi-dry variety of summer sausage that originated in Switzerland. It is made from beef or pork, and seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, mustard seed, black pepper, and other spices.
How Long Is Summer Sausage Good For?
Semi-dry summer sausage can last for up to three months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Pre-cooked summer sausage generally has a shorter shelf life of up to two months when stored properly. It is best to check the expiration date on the package before consuming summer sausage.
Additionally, if you are unable to determine how long a particular variety of summer sausage has been stored, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it after two months. It is also important to store all varieties of summer sausage correctly in order to ensure that they remain edible for as long as possible.
It is important to note that summer sausage should always be stored at temperatures below 40°F to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. If the temperature is too high, it can cause the sausage to spoil or even become dangerous for consumption. Additionally, summer sausage should never be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
What is The Reason for Summer Sausage’s Long Shelf Life?
Summer sausage can last for a long time due to the salt curing, fermentation, and drying processes used in its production. These techniques work together to preserve the sausage and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Salt curing involves soaking the meat in brine or dry-curing it with salt to prevent bacteria from growing and spoiling the food. The salt also helps to preserve the flavor and texture of the meat.
Fermentation is a process in which bacteria are allowed to grow on the sausage and convert some of the sugars into lactic acid, creating an acidic environment that makes it difficult for other harmful bacteria to survive.
Finally, drying helps to remove moisture from the sausage, making it more shelf-stable and prolonging its lifespan.
By combining these three processes, summer sausage is able to stay edible and safe for consumption over a long period of time when stored correctly.
Can Summer Sausage Go Bad?
Like all perishable foods, summer sausage can go bad if it is not stored or handled properly. Summer sausage is a type of cured meat that has a long shelf life when stored correctly.
If left unrefrigerated for too long, or if it’s exposed to air or moisture, it can spoil and become unsafe to eat. To ensure that summer sausage lasts as long as possible, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
If unopened, it can last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Once opened, it’s recommended to consume the sausage within 1-2 weeks if stored in the refrigerator or 1-2 months if stored in the freezer.
What Are The Signs That Summer Sausage Has Gone Bad?
Summer sausage is a type of cured meat that has a long shelf life when stored properly. However, like all perishable foods, it can spoil and become unsafe to eat. To determine if summer sausage has gone bad, there are several signs that you can look for.
The first sign is the smell. If the sausage has a sour or unpleasant odor, it may have gone bad.
The second sign is appearance. If the color of the sausage has changed from its original color, it may be a sign that it has spoiled. Additionally, visible mold spots on the sausage are a clear indication that it should be discarded.
The third sign to look for is texture. If the sausage feels slimy or sticky to the touch, it may have gone bad.
Finally, if the taste of the sausage is different from what you are used to, it may be a sign that it has spoiled.
Is It Necessary To Refrigerate Summer Sausage?
Summer sausage is a type of cured sausage that has a long shelf life and does not require refrigeration if it is unopened and properly stored. However, once the sausage is opened, it should be refrigerated to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.
It is also important to store all types of summer sausage in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness. Summer sausage should never be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours, as this can cause it to spoil.
What’s the Shelf Life of Summer Sausages in The Fridge?
Although the USDA states that unopened summer sausage can be stored for up to 3 months, some sources suggest that it can last longer if kept in a cool, dry place. Unopened summer sausage should last for at least 6 weeks when stored properly. When placed in a well-regulated refrigerator or freezer, the storage life of an unopened summer sausage can be extended up to 6 months.
The shelf life of an open summer sausage, however, is shorter than that of an unopened one. The storage time for an opened summer sausage depends on how it was stored and the condition it was in when opened. Generally speaking, once opened, summer sausage should be consumed or frozen within 1-2 weeks.
FAQs
How Should I Store Summer Sausage?
Summer sausage should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Is It Safe to Eat Summer Sausage That Has Been Left Out?
No, it is not safe to eat summer sausage that has been left out. Summer sausage is a type of cured meat and can spoil quickly if exposed to the air or moisture for too long.
Can You Freeze Summer Sausage?
Yes, you can freeze summer sausage. Unopened summer sausage will last up to 3 months in the freezer, while opened summer sausage should be consumed or frozen within 3 months of opening.
Does Summer Sausage Need to Be Cooked?
No, summer sausage does not need to be cooked. Summer sausage is a type of cured meat and is safe to eat without cooking because it has already been cooked during the curing process.
Is Summer Sausage a Healthy Choice?
Summer sausage can be part of a healthy diet so long as it is eaten in moderation. It is high in sodium and fat, so it should not be eaten in excess. Additionally, consuming leaner cuts of summer sausage can help keep the overall fat content lower.
Conclusion
To summarize, depending on the variety of summer sausage and the conditions that you store it in, its shelf life can be quite long. Generally speaking, processed summer sausage can be stored at room temperature in a safe container away from direct sunlight for up to three weeks. Refrigerated versions can last much longer, up to six months or more if refrigerated between 0 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and vacuum sealed.
We encourage anyone who enjoys summer sausage to follow proper storing instructions and note the use-by dates found on packages to ensure they are enjoyable treats and not potential health hazards.
