Sausages are delicious and a rich source of protein the whole family can enjoy. You can make a hearty meal with them quickly when you don’t have much time, and you can eat them for breakfast, in soups, or on a plain hot dog bun. It’s not a surprise that sausage sales are going up since there are so many thing that can be done.
Buying good sausages and storing them the right way until it’s time to cook will keep your family healthy. Because you want your sausages to be fresh before you serve them, you need to know how long they can be kept. That way, you can be sure that the sausages you serve are always the healthiest and tastiest, just the way they should be, no matter who you’re cooking for. Here are some general guidelines regarding the shelf life of sausages.
Italian sausage is a flavorful staple in many cuisines. From simple breakfast sandwiches to hearty pasta dishes, the zesty seasoned meat can liven up a variety of meals. However, like any fresh sausage, it has a limited shelf life. So how long is Italian sausage good for in the refrigerator?
Generally, raw Italian sausage stays fresh in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. Fully cooked links will keep for 3 to 5 days when stored properly. Here’s a comprehensive guide on maximizing the shelf life and safety of Italian sausage stored in the fridge
Overview of Raw and Cooked Italian Sausage
Italian sausage comes in two main forms:
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Raw – Fresh, uncooked sausage seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Must be fully cooked before eating.
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Pre-cooked – Links are pre-cooked but need reheating. More convenience but shorter shelf life than raw.
For food safety it’s important to follow recommended fridge times for raw vs. cooked sausage. Raw sausage harbors more bacteria and spoils faster.
Proper Storage for Maximizing Freshness
Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage. Here are some tips:
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Store sausage in the coldest part of the fridge, below 40°F. Keep away from warm air vents.
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Put in an airtight container or sealed bag to limit air exposure. Air causes oxidation.
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Don’t overfill the fridge. Cold air must circulate freely to keep food safe.
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Separate raw meat from cooked items to prevent cross-contamination.
With ideal storage conditions, raw Italian sausage keeps 1-2 days and cooked links 3-5 days.
Handling Tips for Sausage Safety
Safe handling when cooking and consuming Italian sausage also determines how long it stays fresh and safe:
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Cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill bacteria. Raw sausage can harbor pathogens.
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Avoid cross-contamination by using separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked sausage.
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Cool before refrigerating – Let cooked sausage cool for 30-60 minutes then refrigerate. Don’t overcrowd the fridge.
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Don’t leave out more than 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour.
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When reheating, heat to 165°F. Partial heating allows bacteria growth.
Following proper cooking, cooling, and storage practices is key to food safety.
How to Tell When Italian Sausage Has Spoiled
Despite proper handling, Italian sausage doesn’t last forever. Signs it has spoiled include:
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Grey, brown or greenish discoloration
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Slimy texture and sticky surface
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Ammonia-like, sour or putrid smell
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Mold growth – fuzzy dots or black/green patches
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Significantly dried out or cracked appearance
If you notice any of these signs, err on the side of caution and discard sausage past its prime. Don’t rely on smell alone since some pathogens don’t cause odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions on maximizing the shelf life of Italian sausage:
How can I get 5 days refrigerated?
Fully cooked, pre-cooked Italian sausage links can last up to 5 days. Raw sausage only lasts 1-2 days. Proper, airtight storage extends the shelf life.
Should I keep sausage whole or sliced?
Leaving links whole helps retain moisture better than slicing beforehand. Only separate portions you plan to use within a couple days.
Is it safe to eat after 5 days refrigerated?
No, Italian sausage older than 3-5 days has a higher risk of spoilage and bacterial growth, even when refrigerated properly. Play it safe and discard leftovers after this timeframe.
Can I freeze for longer storage?
Absolutely. Both raw and cooked sausage can be frozen for 2-3 months while maintaining quality. Use airtight freezer bags or containers.
Can I eat refrigerated Italian sausage after the sell-by date?
It’s not recommended. Sell-by dates account for home storage times. Consuming past them risks foodborne illness from spoilage bacteria.
The Takeaway – Enjoy Italian Sausage Safely
When stored properly and consumed within recommended timeframes, Italian sausage can be a delicious addition to meals. Raw sausage keeps 1-2 days refrigerated, while cooked links last 3-5 days. Monitor temperatures, limit air exposure, cook thoroughly, and avoid contamination. Then savor the savory sausage in your favorite dishes while it’s at peak quality and safety.
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How to Tell if Your Sausages Have Gone Bad
If you’ve forgotten the time, the power went out, or you’re not sure if the sausage is still good to eat, look for these signs:
- Strong or unpleasant smell: If your sausage smells strong or unpleasant, it’s already gone bad. If the smell of your sausage is fishy, sour, or acidic, you should probably throw it away. When sausage is bad, it often smells like rotten eggs, so throw it away even if you bought it already cooked.
- As the sausages age, their color may change. If you see a gray or greenish tint, this is usually a sign. You should throw away cooked sausage that turns brown.
- Shape and feel changes: If your sausage gets slimy and loses its color and firmness, it’s probably no longer safe to eat.
- Mold: If your sausages have mold or any other sign of bacterial growth, you should throw them away.
- Loss of moisture: When cooked sausage starts to crack or dry out, it means it’s losing its water. You should throw it away because it’s not fresh enough to eat anymore.
How to Store Sausages Properly
You can prolong the life of your sausages with correct storage. If you pay extra attention to how you store your sausages, they will stay safe to eat and keep their great fresh, spicy taste. Keep the following tips and tricks in mind:
- Keep your hands clean and dry. Before you touch sausages, wash and dry your hands well. It prevents the spread of potentially harmful bacteria. Keep raw meat away from other foods at all times, and clean all surfaces and tools when you’re done.
- They should be kept in the coldest part of the fridge or freezer. Fridge and freezer temperatures are different. Keep in mind that meat should be kept in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
- Follow the two-day rule: Eat fresh sausage no more than two days after buying it. It should be frozen if you plan to use it more than two days after buying it.
- Use the right containers: Whether you’re putting sausages in the fridge or the freezer, make sure you use the right container, like a tub that won’t let air in or a wrap that can handle temperatures below zero.
- If you’re not sure if your sausages are safe to eat, it’s better to be safe than sorry.