Taylor pork roll also known as Taylor ham is a beloved New Jersey specialty. But like any processed meat, it has a limited shelf life once opened and exposed to air. So how long does Taylor pork roll stay fresh in the fridge after you open the package?
Understanding proper storage times handling, and signs of spoilage can help you safely enjoy every slice without waste. Here’s a comprehensive guide to maximizing the shelf life of opened Taylor pork roll.
Overview of Taylor Pork Roll
Taylor pork roll is a type of seasoned, smoked pork shoulder meat that originated in New Jersey. It has a distinctive salty-smoky flavor profile and smooth, finely ground texture. Taylor pork roll can be sliced and pan-fried, grilled, or baked into various dishes like sandwiches and breakfast plates.
The shelf life of unopened, packaged Taylor pork roll is quite long thanks to the curing process. But once exposed to air, the clock starts ticking faster on freshness. Let’s look at how long it lasts once you open the package.
Refrigerator Storage Time for Opened Taylor Pork Roll
According to USDA food safety guidelines, opened Taylor pork roll will maintain best quality for 3-5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness:
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper with all air expelled.
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Place in an airtight container if not using original packaging.
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Store on a refrigerator shelf rather than the door to minimize temperature fluctuations.
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Maintain a consistent temperature of 40°F or below.
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Use clean utensils each time to avoid introducing bacteria.
The cold temperature is critical for slowing bacteria growth. Use opened Taylor pork roll within 5 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezer Storage Time for Opened Taylor Pork Roll
For longer term storage of opened Taylor pork roll, the freezer is ideal. When frozen correctly, it will keep 1-2 months with minimal impacts to quality. Follow these freezer storage tips:
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Let pork roll cool before freezing to avoid temperature spikes.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight bags removing as much air as possible.
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Portion into usable amounts so you’re not repeatedly thawing and refreezing.
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Label bags with contents and freeze date for easy identification.
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Maintain constant temperature of 0°F or below.
Freezing puts a pause on the clock for enjoying opened Taylor pork roll. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
How to Know if Opened Taylor Pork Roll Has Spoiled
Always rely on your senses in addition to storage times. Look for these signs that opened Taylor pork roll has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture and appearance
- Unpleasant sour or off odors
- Discoloration – unnatural gray, green, or brown hues
- Dry, stiff, or crunchy texture
When in doubt, remember – if it smells funky, it’s junky. Don’t take chances with spoiled meat.
Safe Handling Tips for Opened Taylor Pork Roll
- Discard any unwrapped pork roll left out more than 2 hours.
- Separate raw pork roll from cooked foods in fridge.
- Wash hands, utensils, surfaces after contact with raw pork roll.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F before eating.
Follow these simple rules to safely enjoy Taylor pork roll and minimize foodborne illness risks.
Common Questions About Opened Taylor Pork Roll
Can you refreeze thawed Taylor pork roll?
It’s not recommended. Refreezing causes more moisture loss and textural changes. Use within 3-4 days.
How can you extend the shelf life of opened Taylor pork roll?
Use strategies like overwrapping in plastic, storing in smaller portions, monitoring temps, and freezing promptly.
Is freezer burned Taylor pork roll safe to eat?
Freezer burn only impacts quality. Pork roll is still safe to eat if freezer burned, but the taste and texture will suffer.
What’s the best way to use up Taylor pork roll nearing its discard date?
Cook it into flavorful fried rice, scrambled eggs, pasta carbonara, or soup to complement other ingredients.
Can you eat Taylor pork roll a few days past the recommended fridge life?
It’s not advised. Even if it looks fine, bacteria accumulate quickly after 5 days. Discard pork roll over 5 days old.
The Takeaway on Taylor Pork Roll Storage
When stored properly in the fridge or freezer, opened Taylor pork roll can safely stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days and 2 months respectively. Monitor for signs of spoilage, handle carefully, and refrigerate unused portions immediately after cooking. By maximizing shelf life, you can savor every slice of this iconic New Jersey specialty.
What Is Pork Roll?
If you haven’t spent time in the Mid-Atlantic region, you may not have heard of pork roll. It is a food that is only found in New Jersey and is often served at diners and other casual restaurants.
Pork roll gets its other name, Taylor ham, after Taylor Provisions, Inc. in Trenton, New Jersey, which was the first company to produce it in 1856. At first, the product was sold as “prepared ham,” but the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 made changes that meant it no longer met the federal standards for ham products. Instead, the company called their product “pork roll,” which became a general term for the food item even if it wasn’t made by Taylor Provisions.
How to Cook With Pork Roll
Even though pork roll is fully cooked when it’s made, it’s not served cold on sandwiches like most deli meats are. Instead, it’s griddled on both sides and served hot, similar to Canadian bacon.
Pork roll must be sliced into thin rounds before it’s fried, grilled, or seared. It’s either sold in cylinders to be sliced at home or may be sold in pre-sliced packages.
Before cooking pork roll, make several shallow cuts about half an inch to an inch deep around the edges of each slice. This will keep the meat from curling up while it cooks and allow it to stay in contact with the cooking surface.
Melt the butter in a frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side until browned. You can put the hot pork roll on a bagel, roll, or English muffin and top it with cheese and scrambled or fried eggs. You can also put it on a breakfast platter with eggs, toast, and home fries.