Hickory Farms beef sticks hold a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many. These smoky, savory sausages were once a iconic snack, especially around the holidays. But over the years, they seem to have vanished from Hickory Farms offerings.
If you still have some coveted Hickory Farms beef sticks stashed away though you may be wondering – how long do these shelf-stable sausages last? Can you still enjoy those beef sticks past their prime or are they destined for the trash?
This article will explain how long Hickory Farms beef sticks last so you can enjoy every bite of this beloved snack.
An Overview of Hickory Farms Beef Sticks
First, let’s briefly go over what makes Hickory Farms beef sticks so special. In the 1950s, these sausages were one of the first products the company made, and they quickly became a hit.
Some key facts about Hickory Farms beef sticks
- Made from a blend of premium beef and spices
- Cured and hickory smoked for robust flavor
- Typically 4 pounds and 2 feet long when whole
- Thick, large-cut style with a hearty texture
- Sold pre-sliced or whole sausages
- Vacuum-sealed for extended shelf life
- Considered a shelf-stable ready-to-eat product
Keep these qualities in mind as we examine how long this iconic sausage lasts.
Shelf Life of Hickory Farms Beef Sticks
The shelf life of Hickory Farms beef sticks depends largely on whether the packaging is opened or unopened.
Unopened Hickory Farms Beef Sticks
If still in the original vacuum-sealed packaging, Hickory Farms beef sticks can last 1-2 years past the printed “best by” date. The vacuum-sealing and curing process enables these sausages to stay fresh for extended periods in the pantry.
Unopened, they can stay tasty and safe to eat while still within the 1-2 year range after the date. But for peak quality and texture, try to eat them within a few months of the date mark.
Opened Hickory Farms Beef Sticks
Once opened, the shelf life decreases significantly. An opened Hickory Farms beef stick will last just 5-7 days in the fridge.
To maximize freshness of opened packages:
- Reseal or wrap beef sticks tightly after opening
- Store sausages in the coldest part of the fridge
- Use within 5-7 days for best quality
Proper refrigeration is key – consume opened beef sticks within a week for safety and optimal flavor.
Signs Your Hickory Farms Beef Stick Has Spoiled
Watch for these warning signs that your Hickory Farms beef sticks have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Mold growth – fuzzy texture or spots
- Sliminess – sticky or tacky texture
- Unusual odors – sour, sulfurous, or ammonia-like smell
- Very dry texture – dried out, shriveled
- Discoloration – greenish, greyish, or brownish hues
Beef sticks kept too long can also harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella or E. coli. When in doubt, remember the old saying – “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Extending Shelf Life With Proper Storage
To help your Hickory Farms beef sticks last as long as possible:
- Store unopened packages in a cool, dry pantry away from direct light
- Refrigerate opened packages in the coldest area of the fridge
- Wrap or reseal opened sticks tightly before refrigerating
- Avoid temperature fluctuations – don’t leave them out at room temperature
- Use opened beef sticks within 5-7 days for safety and quality
- Freeze extras to prolong shelf life if you won’t use within 5-7 days
- Look for signs of spoilage before eating any older beef sticks
With proper storage, you can keep those Hickory Farms beef sticks around to enjoy for months beyond the printed date on the package.
Freezing Hickory Farms Beef Sticks
Freezing can significantly extend the shelf life of Hickory Farms beef sticks. To freeze properly:
- Double wrap opened packages in plastic wrap or foil before freezing
- Place in air-tight freezer bags or containers
- Try to minimize air exposure when freezing
- Label packages with freeze date and contents
- Use frozen beef sticks within 2-3 months for optimal flavor
- Thaw refrigerated overnight before serving
With freezing, you can keep extra Hickory Farms beef sticks fresh for up to a few months.
Enjoying Hickory Farms Beef Sticks Past Their Prime
Even if your Hickory Farms beef sticks are past their labeled date or approaching the limits of their shelf life, they may still be safe to eat as long as they show no signs of spoilage.
Here are some tips for enjoying beef sticks that are past their prime:
- Unwrap and inspect beef sticks carefully before eating
- Look for any mold, off-odors, stickiness, or sliminess
- Cook older beef sticks thoroughly before eating to kill potential bacteria
- Try slicing and cooking in soups, stews, pasta sauce or casseroles
- If texture seems off, try dicing them small before cooking
- Discard any beef sticks that fail the visual or smell test
While Hickory Farms beef sticks can sometimes be safely enjoyed past their prime, always inspect carefully and discard any that seem spoiled.
FAQs About Hickory Farms Beef Sticks
Let’s review answers to some common questions about Hickory Farms beef stick storage and shelf life:
Do beef sticks require refrigeration?
Refrigeration is only required after opening. Unopened sticks are shelf-stable.
What happens if a beef stick is left unrefrigerated after opening?
It’s unsafe – discard beef sticks left out more than 2 hours after opening.
Can you freeze and re-freeze beef sticks?
It’s best not to refreeze them after thawing. Only freeze once.
Can you eat beef sticks past the expiration date?
Yes, if they show no signs of spoilage and have been stored properly. Use caution and inspect closely.
Why did Hickory Farms discontinue beef sticks?
They shifted focus to gift baskets and boxes. Beef sticks were likely discontinued as a result of this business shift.
The Verdict on Hickory Farms Beef Stick Shelf Life
While we may never know why Hickory Farms moved away from their famous beef sticks, at least now you know how long these sausages stay fresh and delicious.
With proper pantry storage, freezing, and precautions against spoilage, you can continue enjoying Hickory Farms beef sticks months or even years past the package date – depending on whether they are opened or unopened.
Just be diligent about inspecting for signs of spoilage before indulging in these cherished snacks. With the right storage and handling, Hickory Farms beef sticks can remain a tasty treat for a surprisingly long shelf life.
