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 beloved snack for its zesty, smoky flavor and convenience. But to enjoy it at peak freshness, it’s key to understand proper storage. So how long does summer sausage last refrigerated? With the right techniques, you can extend its shelf life for weeks.
An Overview of Summer Sausage
Before diving into storage let’s explore what makes summer sausage special
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Typically made from a blend of pork and beef. Some versions use chicken or turkey.
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Gets its signature tanginess from lactic acid bacteria used in fermentation
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Flavored with spices like garlic, peppercorns, coriander, and mustard seeds.
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Cured and air-dried but not fully dried; has a soft texture.
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Stores well without refrigeration due to curing and partial drying.
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Available sliced or whole in vacuum packaging or pouches.
Optimal Refrigerator Conditions
To maximize summer sausage’s shelf life, ensure your refrigerator maintains an ideal environment:
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Temperature between 32°F-40°F (0°C-4°C)
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Low humidity to prevent moisture buildup
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Good air circulation so no areas become warmer than others
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Clean to prevent cross-contamination
Checking these factors helps keep summer sausage fresher longer.
Refrigerator Shelf Life of Summer Sausage
When stored properly in the fridge, summer sausage keeps well:
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Unopened refrigerated packages: Up to 3 months
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After opening: 3 weeks
The preserved nature of summer sausage inhibits spoilage bacteria growth. Refrigeration further slows any microbial action.
Storing Unopened Summer Sausage
Follow these guidelines for unopened packages:
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Refrigerate right away after purchasing.
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Keep in original airtight packaging until opening.
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Store on a shelf rather than door to prevent temperature fluctuations.
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Observe expiration date and don’t eat if it has passed.
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Inspect for damage to packaging and discard if compromised.
Proper storage of unopened packages keeps summer sausage fresh for months.
Handling Opened Summer Sausage
Once opened, follow these steps:
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Seal remaining sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Eliminate as much air as possible.
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Portion into smaller pieces to reduce air exposure each time you open it.
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Refrigerate right away at 40°F or below. Don’t leave out more than 2 hours.
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Use within 3 weeks for peak flavor and texture.
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Discard if you notice an off smell, flavor, or slippery texture.
With opened packages, diligent storage and monitoring for spoilage is key.
Freezing and Thawing Summer Sausage
Freezing can extend shelf life but isn’t ideal:
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Can compromise texture, making it dry or crumbly.
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Alters flavor as spices break down.
If freezing, consume within 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
Signs of Spoiled Summer Sausage
Check for these indicators summer sausage has spoiled:
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Sliminess – Should feel dry, not sticky or tacky
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Mold – Presence of fuzz, spots, or discoloration
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Odor – Sour, unpleasant smells
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Taste – Off flavors like bitterness or sourness
Discard any summer sausage with these characteristics. Don’t taste questionable sausage.
Storing Other Sausage Types
Use these fridge timelines for other sausages:
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Fresh raw sausage – 1-2 days
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Cooked sausage – 7 days
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Hard, dry sausage – 3 weeks after opening
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Luncheon meat – 3-5 days after opening
Adjust storage practices accordingly for each variety.
Enjoy Summer Sausage Safely
Storing summer sausage properly lets you enjoy its unique smoky flavor for weeks past its pack date. Monitor refrigerated packages for signs of spoilage and toss at the first hint of sliminess or off-flavors. With diligent fridge storage, summer sausage remains a convenient, tasty snack.
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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.
Does Summer Sausage Need To Be Refrigerated – Quick Answer!
FAQ
How long will summer sausage last in the fridge?
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Product
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Refrigerator (40 F)
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Freezer (0 F)
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Sausage, raw – from pork, beef, turkey
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1-2 days
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1-2 months
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Smoked breakfast links, patties
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7 days
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1-2 months
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Hard sausage
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Opened: 3 weeks. Unopened: indefinitely
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1-2 months
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Summer sausage labeled “keep refrigerated”
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Opened: 3 weeks. Unopened: 3 months
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1-2 months
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How long does sausage last in the fridge after opening?
How to store summer sausage after opening?
How long will smoked sausage last in the fridge?