Maximizing the Shelf Life of Venison Sticks: A Comprehensive Storage Guide
Venison sticks, also known as snack sticks or summer sausage, are a tasty way to enjoy wild game meat. However, like any perishable food, proper storage is crucial for safety and quality. So how long do venison sticks last? What are the best practices for maximizing their shelf life?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down optimal storage times for venison sticks in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry. You’ll also learn how to identify signs of spoilage, prevent freezer burn, and use best thawing methods. Follow these venison stick storage tips and you can safely enjoy this flavorful, protein-packed snack for months to come.
Refrigerator Storage TimeFor optimal freshness, refrigeration is the best place to store venison sticks Here are the timelines to follow
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Unopened, store-bought sticks: Up to 2 months past the expiration or sell by date on the packaging.
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Homemade venison sticks: Approximately 3 to 4 months is ideal when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
The cool, constant temperature of the refrigerator (40°F or below) dramatically slows down bacteria growth and oxidation that leads to spoilage For maximum freshness, store venison sticks towards the back of the top shelf, as this area tends to maintain the most consistent temperature
If humidity in your refrigerator runs low, you can pack the venison sticks with a piece of bread or crumpled paper towel to prevent excessive drying.
Freezer Storage TimeFor the longest possible shelf life. freezing venison sticks is recommended
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Unopened, store-bought: 1 year past the printed expiration date is safe.
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Homemade: Approximately 9 to 12 months for best quality when frozen properly.
The constant 0°F temperature or below of the freezer effectively stops food spoilage in its tracks. Vacuum sealing or storing in plastic freezer bags protects the venison from unwanted freezer burn as well.
Divide the summer sausage into portions sized for 1 or 2 servings prior to freezing for easier, quick thawing and use later.
Pantry Storage Time
With the right preparation, venison summer sausage can safely be shelf-stable:
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Cured and smoked venison: Approximately 1 to 2 months when properly sealed at room temperature.
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Uncured venison: Not recommended for shelf storage due to food safety risks.
The salts and preservatives introduced during curing help inhibit microbial growth that causes spoilage. For homemade shelf-stable venison sticks, be sure to use a commercial curing mix and smoking process.
Once opened, sticks should be consumed within 3 days or refrigerated. Discard if any off odors, color changes or sliminess develop.
Identifying Spoiled Venison Sticks
It can be tricky to identify spoiled venison, as the sticks may still appear normal. Here are signs of spoilage:
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Sliminess or slick texture – caused by bacteria breaking down proteins.
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Discoloration like gray, brown or green hues – indicates oxidation.
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Mold growth – do not consume moldy venison.
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Rancid, sulfurous or ammonia odors.
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Soft or mushy spots – shows loss of freshness.
When in doubt, remember: “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk eating venison sticks that seem questionable.
Storing Venison Sticks for Maximum Freshness
Follow these tips to maintain quality and extend shelf life:
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Use airtight, moisture-proof packaging – don’t just wrap in paper.
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Portion into smaller servings prior to freezing.
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Monitor freezer temperature, 0°F is ideal.
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Avoid opening the freezer often, which causes temperature fluctuations.
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When refrigerating, keep venison sticks in the back where temps are most stable.
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Discard refrigerated sticks after opening if they exceed 3 days.
Consistent, proper temperatures are key for preserving freshness.
Thawing Venison Sticks
Always thaw frozen venison slowly and safely:
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In the refrigerator – place in bowl to catch drips, takes 1-2 days.
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In cold water – seal in bag and submerge, change water every 30 mins.
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In the microwave – use defrost setting in short bursts, flip occasionally.
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On countertop – fast but only for an hour or two to prevent bacterial growth.
Never thaw venison sticks at room temperature or in hot water.
Cooking and Reheating
Venison sausage requires thorough cooking and reheating:
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Cook homemade sausage to 160°F internal temperature.
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Reheat fully to 165°F internal temperature before consuming.
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If microwaving, cover and rotate for even heating.
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Cook within 1-2 days of thawing for optimal freshness and quality.
Proper cooking kills any pathogens present in raw venison to prevent foodborne illness.
Key Takeaways
To summarize key points for maximizing venison stick shelf life:
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Refrigerate 3-4 months, freeze 9-12 months for best quality.
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Check for changes in smell, consistency, or color.
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Portion into smaller sizes before freezing.
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Thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
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Always cook fully to safe 165°F internal temperature.
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Refrigerate opened packages within 3 days.
Following these guidelines for safe handling, thawing, cooking and storage will keep your venison sticks fresh for the long haul. With proper storage, you can avoid waste and safely enjoy delicious venison sausage for many months.
SNACK STICKS MADE FROM HEALTHY 100% NATURAL DEER VENISON & HIGH QUALITY PORK.
Our ICON snack sticks are our top selling product. That’s how long the Lautsbaugh family at Crescent Meats worked to find the perfect recipe for these. They’ve won a lot of awards for their work.
Our Venison Sticks come in two sizes: 1 oz singles and 4 oz packs of 4. They also taste great with garlic. Want to save money on more than a few sticks or packs? Our 1 oz singles come in a nice-looking 24 count box, and our 4 oz – 4 packs come in a 6 count box. Just select the type/style in the flavor drop down area.
-Healthy! 12g protein, 0g sugar, 60 calories, 1g carbs (per stick)
-Regenerative Shelf stable.
-Made with 100% natural venison and high quality pork.
We get a lot of compliments on this stick. There is just the right amount of extra garlic flavor in the same great Original style recipe that is full of high-quality protein.
VENISON GARLIC STICK INGREDIENTS:
It is made of dextrose, pepper, spices, lactic and citric acid that has been encapsulated, celery juice powder (celery powder and sea salt), cherry powder, and cane sugar (evaporated cane juice powder). It is stuffed into a colored collagen casing.
How To Make Deer Sticks (Smoked Venison Sticks on a Pellet Grill) | The Bearded Butchers
FAQ
How long are venison snack sticks good for?
What is the shelf life of meat sticks?
How long does venison jerky stay good in the refrigerator?
How long do smoked meat sticks last?
How long do venison snack sticks last?
Store the venison snack sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When making venison snack sticks, it’s important to achieve the right meat to fat ratio. The ideal ratio for snack sticks is typically 80% lean meat to 20% fat. This ensures that the snack sticks are moist and flavorful.
Do venison sticks need to be refrigerated?
You don’t have to refrigerate venison sticks for the first couple of months because jerky is typically dehydrated, making it shelf-stable. However, to ensure a long shelf life, it’s best to keep them in the fridge or freezer when you don’t plan to eat them right away.
Are venison snack sticks healthy?
Not only are venison snack sticks delicious, but they also offer several health benefits. Venison is a lean source of protein, low in fat, and rich in essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. Making venison snack stick recipe at home is a rewarding process that yields a delicious, healthy snack perfect for various occasions.
How to make venison snack sticks?
When making venison snack sticks, it’s important to achieve the right meat to fat ratio. The ideal ratio for snack sticks is typically 80% lean meat to 20% fat. This ensures that the snack sticks are moist and flavorful. Using pork fat as a source of fat is recommended as it complements the lean venison meat well.