Summer sausage is a type of cured meat that was developed in Europe prior to refrigeration technology. People were able to make a sausage that wouldn’t go bad without refrigeration “in the summer months” by using more than one way to keep it fresh at the same time. ”.
There are a lot of different kinds of summer sausages on the market, like pepperoni, salami, and Spanish chorizo. But traditional German-style summer sausage is a little softer and less dry than these deli meats. This is because of the weather in Germany and the fact that the meat didn’t need as much water taken out to keep it fresh all summer.
Summer sausage is perfect for snacking, picnics, and charcuterie boards. It is typically served thinly sliced and pairs well with wine and cheese.
The best thing about summer sausage is that it’s easy to make, ready to eat, and tastes great at room temperature. You can fry it or put it in a casserole.
Summer sausage was originally made so that it didn’t need to be kept cold. But now we know a little more about food safety, and thankfully, refrigeration is easy to find. Many sausages are safe to leave out of your cooler, but keep in mind that not all summer sausages are the same and some need to be chilled to stay fresh.
If you’re not sure whether your sausage needs to be refrigerated, check with the manufacturer. You can also check the label. If it says “Refrigerate after opening,” you can store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. If it says “Needs refrigeration,” toss it in your fridge. You can also think about where in your grocery store you purchased the item. Your snack should be fine on the shelf if you got it at the checkout stand, but it should stay cool if you found it in the fridge.
Hempler’s makes two kinds of summer sausage that are sold all year, not just in the summer like the name might suggest. There are two kinds of summer sausage we sell: one is made with only beef, and the other with a mix of beef and pork. Both are gluten-free and contain no MSG.
Our summer sausages are already cooked and don’t need to be chilled until they are sliced. This makes them a great food to bring to holiday picnics, hiking trips, or camping trips. Or just use them for a quick & easy dinner!.
Find out where to buy them here, and if the store near you doesn’t have them, ask the manager to get some for them!
Sausages are a beloved staple in many cultures and cuisines around the world. From breakfast sausages to hot dogs at a barbecue, their versatility and flavor make them a go-to protein. However, with so many varieties available, it can get confusing trying to figure out which sausages need refrigeration and which ones don’t.
As a sausage enthusiast I’ve done extensive research to determine what sausages can be safely kept unrefrigerated. In this article I’ll share my findings to help you properly store sausage and avoid food safety issues.
An Overview of Refrigeration Requirements for Sausage
Before diving into specifics it’s helpful to understand some general guidelines about sausage and refrigeration
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Most raw sausages require refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth. This includes popular varieties like breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, bratwurst, etc.
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Cooked sausages also need refrigeration once opened to maintain quality and freshness.
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The exception is shelf-stable, dry cured sausages. The drying process preserves them so refrigeration is not needed.
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Refrigerate sausages after opening, even if the packaging says refrigeration isn’t needed. Better safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.
So in most cases, refrigeration is recommended. But let’s take a closer look at dry cured sausages that can be kept unrefrigerated.
Dry Cured Sausages: The Safest Unrefrigerated Option
Dry cured sausages are preserved through a lengthy curing and drying process that reduces moisture content. This process prevents bacterial growth, meaning refrigeration is unnecessary.
Some common examples of dry cured sausage include:
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Genoa salami
- Hard sausage (saucisson sec)
- Sopressata
- Spanish chorizo
- Saucisse seche (dry sausage)
The low moisture content and addition of salts/preservatives allow these sausages to be shelf-stable at room temperature. However, there are still some best practices to follow after opening:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out
- Refrigerate after 2-3 weeks for best quality
- Discard if mold appears
When stored properly, dry cured sausages can keep for several weeks or even months without refrigeration. Trust your eyes and nose – if the sausage smells bad or looks slimy/moldy, it’s best to throw it out.
Other Shelf-Stable Sausage Options
In addition to dry cured sausages, there are a couple other sausage varieties that don’t technically require refrigeration due to preservatives or processing methods:
Canned Sausages
Canned sausages like deviled ham, potted meat, and Vienna sausages are shelf-stable due to the canning process which destroys bacteria. Unopened cans can be stored in the pantry. Once opened, they’ll keep about 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
Summer Sausage
This smoked, fermented sausage is salt-cured or contains preservatives to make it shelf-stable. Unopened summer sausage can be stored for 1-2 months at room temperature. Refrigerate after opening.
Snack Sticks/Dried Sausage
Snack sticks preserved with nitrites can be kept unrefrigerated for several weeks due to the lower moisture content. Refrigerate after opening for best quality.
While convenient, there are some drawbacks to these non-refrigerated sausage options:
- Higher sodium content
- More preservatives than fresh sausage
- Shorter shelf life once opened
So they may not be ideal for regular use. But they can be handy for camping trips or emergencies when refrigerator space is limited.
Trust Your Senses to Determine if Sausage is Still Good
When dealing with non-refrigerated sausage, it’s important to rely on your senses to determine if the sausage has spoiled:
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Look – Dry cured sausage may develop some harmless white mold, but black or colorful mold means it should be discarded. Also watch for sliminess.
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Smell – Refrigerated or not, sausage should not smell unpleasant or sulfurous. Throw it out if it smells bad.
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Texture – Sausage should feel firm to the touch. Discard if it’s slimy or sticky.
Your eyes, nose and hands are the best tools for telling if uncured sausage has been left unrefrigerated too long. When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sick – if the sausage seems questionable, toss it.
Storing Sausage Safely During Power Outages
Power outages can happen anytime and jeopardize food safety when the refrigerator stops working. Here are some tips for keeping sausages safe if you lose power:
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Keep refrigerator/freezer closed to maintain cold air. Sausage can keep 24-48 hours if doors stay shut.
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Place ice packs inside fridge and freezer compartments once power is lost. This helps keep temperature low.
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Transfer sausages to a cooler with ice packs if outage looks long-term.
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Avoid opening refrigerator or freezer doors unnecessarily.
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Cook raw sausages on the grill or camp stove to avoid spoilage.
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When in doubt, remember the old adage: “If in hot water, stay out!” Don’t take risks with sausage that may have been left in the danger zone above 40°F for over 2 hours. Play it safe and throw it away.
With some preparation and prompt eating, you can prevent sausage spoilage during power outages.
Sausage Storage Questions Answered
Let’s recap some common questions about properly storing sausages:
Can you freeze sausage without cooking it first?
Yes, raw sausages maintain quality well when frozen properly. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. They’ll keep 4-6 months in the freezer.
How long can smoked sausage last unrefrigerated?
If it’s a shelf-stable variety like summer sausage, it will last 1-2 months sealed. Refrigerate after opening. Other smoked raw sausages still require refrigeration.
How long can hot dogs sit out unrefrigerated?
Only 2 hours max in the danger zone above 40°F. After a cookout, discard any leftover hot dogs that sat out longer.
Do opened sausage casings need refrigeration?
Yes, all opened cooked sausages need refrigeration, regardless of the packaging. Use opened casings within 5-7 days.
Can hillbilly or farmer’s sausage be unrefrigerated?
No, these raw sausages contain perishable meat and must be refrigerated. Cook or freeze this bulk breakfast sausage within 1-2 days.
Is natural casing sausage refrigerated?
Casing type does not affect refrigeration needs. Most raw sausages require refrigeration even in natural casings. Exceptions are dry cured sausages.
Can vacuum sealed sausages be unrefrigerated?
Not recommended. Even if vacuum sealed, raw fresh sausages have a short shelf life without refrigeration. Refrigerate or freeze vacuum packs.
Sausage Safety Starts with Proper Handling
Now that you know which sausages don’t require refrigeration, keep these food safety guidelines in mind:
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Always read package labels for storage instructions. When in doubt, refrigerate!
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Refrigerate cooked sausages and opened packages within 2 hours after cooking.
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Monitor refrigerated sausage closely and cook within 1 week of opening.
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Cook raw sausages within 2 days of purchasing for best flavor and texture.
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When reheating sausage, cook to 165°F internal temperature.
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Don’t let raw sausage contaminate surfaces and utensils. Wash hands after handling.
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Throw away sausage that smells bad or feels slimy. Do not taste questionable sausage!
Following basic food safety principles will keep both you and your sausage happy.
Enjoy the Convenience of Shelf-Stable Sausage
Thanks to modern preservation methods, we can enjoy the convenience and portability of sausage that doesn’t require refrigeration. Keep an assortment of dry cured sausages like pepperoni, salami, and chorizo on hand to grab for lunches, picnics, camping or whenever the fridge is full.
While fresh raw sausage still needs prompt refrigeration for safety and quality, shelf-stable varieties let you stock up on sausage to have on hand anytime. Just be sure to store them properly, and trust your senses to determine if they’re still safe to eat.
With this guide to mind, you’ll never have to pass up delicious sausage again simply because it’s not refrigerated. Savvy storage opens up a whole world of flavorful sausage possibilities. Just remember to put safety first!
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Does Summer Sausage Need To Be Refrigerated – Quick Answer!
FAQ
Is there any meat that doesn’t need to be refrigerated?
What summer sausage doesn t need to be refrigerated?
Can sausage be kept out of the fridge?
Can I store sausage without fridge?
Can sausage be stored without refrigeration?
When the sausage can be stored without refrigeration, as with most dry sausages, the packaging does not commonly contain handling or storing instructions. The use of dates to guide the store and consumer about the shelf life of a sausage product is voluntary and might indicate the date by which the sausage should be sold or used.
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.
Can summer sausage be refrigerated?
Opened Summer Sausage Once opened, store summer sausage in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and contamination. 3. Vacuum-Packed Summer Sausage
What temperature should sausage be refrigerated?
Temperature: The refrigerator temperature should be set to 40°F (4°C) or below. Packaging: Store sausage in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air exposure. Placement: Place sausage in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back or bottom shelves.