Handle carefully and store properly to preserve freshness. Use right away or freeze. Vacuum-packaged sausage can be frozen as is. Other items should be wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. Try to eliminate air from the package whether wrapping in Ziploc® bags, freezer paper, or plastic wrap. You can freeze items for 1-2 months without affecting the flavor and quality of the sausage. Sausage frozen for more than 2 months will gradually undergo a loss of flavor and quality.
We recommend leaving sausage in vacuum packages until used to prolong shelf life. After opening a vacuum package, remove the remainder of the package. Rewrap sausage tightly to keep air out. If sausage is moist, wipe dry before repackaging. Some people like to let Summer Sausage age unwrapped in the refrigerator. As it ages, moisture is lost, sausage gets harder, and flavor intensifies. Proper storage, safe thawing methods, and prompt usage will eliminate most sources of sausage spoilage. If, in spite of proper handling, sausage looks or smells spoiled, use common sense and discard.
*The above refrigeration chart’s “use by” date in the refrigeration column refers to sausage that has had the vacuum packaging taken off or that was bought from a store deli (i.e. e. , sliced, chunk, bulk). With an unopened vacuum package, refer to its “sell by” date and use it before it expires.
Summer sausage is a tasty cured sausage that can be enjoyed all year round. Its flavorful taste and longer shelf life compared to other sausages make it a popular choice. But like any food, summer sausage eventually goes bad. So how long does opened dry summer sausage last in the fridge or freezer?
An Overview of Dry Summer Sausage
Dry summer sausage is a type of cured and fermented sausage that has been dried to around 50% of its original weight. It has a firm texture and intense smoky flavor. The drying process helps preserve the sausage by removing moisture that could cause spoilage.
Some key traits of dry summer sausage
- Made from beef and/or pork
- Uses curing salts like sodium nitrite to preserve and add color
- Gets smoked to add flavor
- Fermented and air-dried
- Has a shelf-stable texture but is not fully dried like salami
Its low moisture content allows unopened dry summer sausage to be stored for weeks at room temperature. Once opened it requires refrigeration to last.
How Long Does Unopened Dry Summer Sausage Last?
An unopened package of dry summer sausage can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. The curing and drying process helps prevent bacterial growth that causes spoilage.
For even longer shelf life, unopened dry summer sausage can be refrigerated for up to 3 months. Keeping it refrigerated helps slow any moisture loss and flavor change that may still gradually occur.
Unopened dry summer sausage can also be frozen for up to 10 months while maintaining good quality. Freezing stops any further moisture loss or other deterioration.
Maximizing Refrigerator Shelf Life After Opening
Once opened, dry summer sausage requires refrigeration. But how long does it last in the fridge after opening?
Properly stored opened dry summer sausage will maintain best quality for about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
Here are some tips for maximizing fridge life after opening dry summer sausage:
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Place opened package in a resealable plastic bag or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
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Minimize air exposure by pressing out any air from packaging before sealing.
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Store towards the back of the fridge at temperatures around 40°F or below.
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Use opened refrigerated dry sausage within 3 weeks for best flavor, texture, and freshness.
Freezing Opened Dry Summer Sausage
For even longer storage, opened dry summer sausage can be frozen.
Properly frozen, opened dry summer sausage will maintain optimal quality for 8-10 months in the freezer.
To freeze:
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Re-wrap or seal package well as mentioned above.
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Place in freezer bag or wrap additional layer of foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
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Freeze at 0°F or below.
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Use frozen dry sausage within 10 months for best quality.
Signs Dry Summer Sausage Has Spoiled
Dry summer sausage that has gone bad will show signs of spoilage. Look for these indications it has spoiled:
- Off or rancid odors
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Dull or grey coloration
- Mold growth
- Dry, cracked, or hard textured
Discard any spoiled summer sausage. Consuming bad sausage can cause foodborne illness.
Storing Unopened vs. Opened Summer Sausage
How you store unopened versus opened summer sausage impacts its shelf life.
Unopened Summer Sausage Storage
- Room temperature: Up to 6 weeks
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 months
- Freezer: Up to 10 months
Opened Summer Sausage Storage
- Refrigerator: 2-3 weeks
- Freezer: 8-10 months
Always refrigerate opened packages and use within 3 weeks. Freeze for longer storage. Discard if dried out, slimy, or shows other signs of spoilage.
Safe Handling of Summer Sausage
To safely enjoy dry summer sausage:
- Refrigerate opened packages and use within 3 weeks.
- Discard if moldy or shows signs of spoilage.
- Cook thoroughly if reheating sliced sausage.
- Avoid cross contamination by keeping raw and cooked meats separate.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Properly storing opened dry summer sausage in the fridge allows you to continue enjoying its intense flavor for up to 3 weeks. Freezing extends shelf life even longer. With proper handling and storage, you can make every bite of summer sausage last.
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A Note About Cheese…
We carry only natural cheeses made directly from rich whole milk. As natural cheeses, they are prone to some crumbling. We recommend allowing cheese to come to room temperature before slicing. Most cheese can be frozen in its original packaging for 6-8 weeks and still maintain good quality. After opening the package, take out the cheese that’s still inside, dry it off, and then tightly wrap it again to keep air out.
SUMMER SAUSAGE | How many days should I hang my summer sausage
FAQ
How long is summer sausage good for after opening?
How long is dried sausage good for after opening?
How to tell if summer sausage has gone bad?
How long is deer summer sausage good in the fridge?
How long does dry summer sausage last?
How long does opened dry summer sausage last in the fridge? Opened dry summer sausage will maintain best quality for about 3 weeks in the refrigerator. To further extend the shelf life of dry summer sausage, freeze; when freezing, place dry summer sausage in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?
Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.
Does dry summer sausage need to be refrigerated?
The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions – keep opened dry summer sausage refrigerated at all times. To maximize the shelf life of opened dry summer sausage, place the opened package inside a resealable plastic bag or wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
How long can you keep cooked summer sausage in the fridge?
Conversely, freezers and refrigerators can keep cooked summer sausages in edible condition for up to a week or two. But remember, if the sausage has been left out in temperatures above 90°F, its shelf life outside the refrigerator drops to just one hour due to the rapid growth of harmful bacteria.