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.
Dry summer sausage is a flavorful cured sausage that makes a convenient ready-to-eat snack But how long does unopened summer sausage stay fresh at room temperature or in the fridge and freezer? Follow proper storage methods to extend the shelf life of unopened packages
Overview of Dry Summer Sausage
Summer sausage is a dried and fermented sausage typically made from a mixture of beef and pork It gets its name from being a sausage that could keep without refrigeration during the warm summer months
Characteristics of dry summer sausage:
- Made from ground beef and/or pork
- Cured with salts and seasonings
- Contains spices like pepper, mustard seed, garlic
- Fermented and air dried to lower moisture
- Sold vacuum-sealed or without packaging
- Has a firm, dry texture when properly cured
- Safe to eat without cooking
The curing process preserves the summer sausage, creating a shelf-stable product when unopened.
Shelf Life at Room Temperature
An unopened package of dry summer sausage can be kept at room temperature for a period before needing refrigeration.
Properly stored, unopened summer sausage will maintain peak quality for about 4-6 weeks at room temperature.
To maximize shelf life
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Store in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight.
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Keep tightly sealed in original packaging if applicable.
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Use within 6 weeks for highest quality.
Refrigerator Shelf Life Unopened
For extended freshness, an unopened package of summer sausage can also be refrigerated.
Kept at 40°F or below, unopened dry summer sausage will keep at optimal quality for about 6 months in the refrigerator.
Freezing Unopened for Long Term
Unopened packages of summer sausage can be placed in the freezer to prolong shelf life even further.
Properly frozen at 0°F, unopened dry summer sausage maintains peak quality for 8-10 months in the freezer.
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Use freezer bags or wrap tightly in plastic to prevent freezer burn.
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Use frozen summer sausage within 10 months for best flavor, texture and color.
Identifying Spoiled Summer Sausage
Check unopened dry summer sausage for these signs of spoilage:
- Mold on casing
- Slimy or sticky casing
- Strong, unpleasant odors
- Discolored or dried-out appearance
If an unopened package shows any odd changes, it is best to discard.
Safely Enjoying Summer Sausage
Follow these tips for safe use:
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Refrigerate after opening.
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Discard if mold develops.
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Keep raw meats like summer sausage separate from other foods.
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Cook meats like poultry thoroughly to 165°F internally.
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Wash hands, surfaces, utensils after contact with raw meats.
Proper handling and storage helps prevent foodborne illness from summer sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat summer sausage after the expiration date?
Yes, unopened summer sausage can safely be eaten after the printed expiration or best by date, provided it was stored properly and there are no signs of spoilage. These dates indicate peak freshness rather than safety.
How long can opened summer sausage last?
Once opened, properly refrigerated summer sausage will maintain best quality for 3-4 weeks. Freeze for longer storage.
Can summer sausage be frozen?
Yes, summer sausage maintains quality well in the freezer. Unopened packages can be frozen for 8-10 months at 0°F. Opened summer sausage can keep 2-3 months in the freezer.
The Verdict on Unopened Summer Sausage
With the right storage conditions, unopened dry summer sausage can keep for 1 month at room temperature, 6 months refrigerated, or 8-10 months frozen before opening. Keeping summer sausage sealed and stored properly helps prolong its shelf life so you can enjoy this convenient snack anytime.
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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.
