Sausages are delicious and a rich source of protein the whole family can enjoy. They can be eaten for breakfast, in soups, or in a basic hot dog bun. They’re great for making a filling dinner when you don’t have much time to prepare. Since there are countless options, it is not surprising that sausage sales are increasing.
Selecting premium sausages and properly storing them until it’s time to cook will help you keep your family healthy. Knowing the shelf life of your sausages will help you make sure they are always fresh before serving. In this manner, you can make sure that you’re serving the healthiest and tastiest sausages possible—sausages the way they should be—no matter who you’re cooking for. Here are some general guidelines regarding the shelf life of sausages.
Turkey sausage a delicious and versatile breakfast staple is a popular choice for many households. But like all perishable foods, it has a limited shelf life. So, how long can you safely keep turkey sausage in the fridge before it goes bad?
The answer depends on whether the sausage is raw or cooked,
Raw Turkey Sausage:
- Refrigerator: 1-2 days
- Freezer: 1-2 months
Cooked Turkey Sausage:
- Refrigerator: 3-4 days
- Freezer: 4-6 months
Important Note: These are general guidelines, and the actual storage time may vary depending on factors such as the quality of the sausage, how it was handled, and the storage temperature. Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions.
Tips for Storing Turkey Sausage:
- Refrigerate or freeze turkey sausage immediately after purchase.
- Store raw turkey sausage in its original packaging or in an airtight container.
- Cooked turkey sausage can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil.
- Do not thaw frozen turkey sausage at room temperature. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.
- Once thawed, cook turkey sausage immediately. Do not refreeze it.
Signs that Turkey Sausage Has Gone Bad:
- Discoloration: The sausage may turn gray, brown, or greenish.
- Slimy texture: The sausage may feel sticky or slimy to the touch.
- Sour odor: The sausage may have a sour or off smell.
- Mold: If you see any mold on the sausage, discard it immediately.
Food Safety First:
When it comes to food safety, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re unsure whether turkey sausage is still good, it’s best to throw it out. Eating spoiled food can lead to food poisoning, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Additional Resources:
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration-food
- FoodSafety.gov: https://www.foodsafety.gov/
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: https://www.eatright.org/
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your turkey sausage stays fresh and safe to eat. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!
How to Tell if Your Sausages Have Gone Bad
Check for the following symptoms if you’ve lost your sense of time, experienced a power outage, or are unsure if your sausage is still edible:
- Strong or disagreeable smell: The first indication that your sausage is bad is a strong or disagreeable smell. You should definitely discard your sausage if it smells fishy, sour, or acidic. Even if you purchased the sausage already cooked, throw it away if you detect a bad odor because cooked sausage frequently has a rotten smell when it goes bad.
- Color variations: Any variations in color are usually a dead giveaway, particularly if your sausages have a gray or greenish tint to them. Your cooked sausage should be thrown out if it becomes brown.
- Texture changes: If your sausage has a slimy texture and has lost firmness and color, it’s likely no longer edible.
- Mold: You should discard your sausages if you notice any mold or other bacterial growth.
- Cracks or dryness: When cooked sausage begins to show signs of drying out or cracking, it is beginning to lose moisture. It should be thrown out because it is no longer fresh enough to eat.
How to Store Sausages Properly
You can prolong the life of your sausages with correct storage. Spending more time on storage will ensure that your sausages remain safe to consume and retain that deliciously spicy, fresh flavor that we all enjoy. Keep the following tips and tricks in mind:
- Before handling sausages, make sure your hands are clean and dry by washing and drying them completely. It prevents the spread of potentially harmful bacteria. Always keep raw meat away from other food when handling it, and afterward, wash all surfaces and utensils.
- Store them in the coldest section of the freezer or refrigerator (freezer and refrigerator temperatures differ). Keep in mind that meat should be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
- Observe the two-day rule: Use fresh sausage no later than two days after purchase. Freeze it if you intend to use it more than two days after purchase.
- Use the right containers: Make sure you use an airtight tub or a wrapping that is suitable for temperatures below zero when you refrigerate or freeze sausages.
- Take it safe and dispose of your sausages if you’re not sure if they’re safe to eat.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
How long is packaged sausage good for in the fridge?
Can you eat sausages 7 days out of date?
How can you tell if sausages have gone bad?
How long is turkey summer sausage good for 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?
Even being stored in the fridge, a sausage will still eventually go bad. It will last varying amounts of time depending on what type of sausage it is. A fresh uncooked sausage only has up to three days before it goes bad. How long is packaged sausage good for in the fridge?
How long does pre cooked sausage last?
Some pre-cooked sausages only need to be heated, such as a hot dog or packaged breakfast sausage. These pre-cooked sausages can last in the fridge for up to two weeks if unopened or one week if opened. Dry sausage, such as pepperoni, is usually already cooked. You don’t need to keep it in the fridge if bought whole. Store in a pantry for six weeks.
Can sausage be refrigerated?
All sausages- except dry sausage – are perishable and therefore must be kept refrigerated or frozen. Uncooked fresh sausage can be stored in the refrigerator one to two days; after cooking, keep for three to four days refrigerated (40 °F or less).
How do you keep sausages fresh for a long time?
This will keep them fresh for longer. Handle sausages with clean hands — Wash hands before and after touching sausages to prevent the spread of bacteria and cross-contamination. Store sausages in the coolest part of the fridge — Don’t leave sausages in the fridge door, but store them at the bottom.