Summer sausage is a popular snack item that can be found in many gift baskets and meat/cheese packs from companies like Hickory Farms But an important question arises – does Hickory Farms’ summer sausage need to be refrigerated or can it be stored at room temperature? This article will provide a comprehensive answer
What Is Summer Sausage?
Summer sausage, sometimes also called cervelat or braunschweiger, refers to any sausage that is fermented and dried or smoked. It originated as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration was commonplace. The fermentation process helps prevent bacterial growth while the drying/smoking allows the sausage to be stored without spoiling.
There are many types of summer sausage distinguished by the type of meat used spices added, smoking method and thickness. Hickory Farms offers summer sausages made from beef, turkey, venison, and other meats. Their sausages are smoked to add flavor.
Does Summer Sausage Require Refrigeration?
In general, properly cured summer sausages are shelf stable at room temperature. The fermenting and drying process prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that could lead to spoilage. Well-made summer sausages can be stored in the pantry for several weeks unrefrigerated as long as they remain sealed.
However, most experts recommend refrigerating summer sausage after opening to maximize freshness and quality. The packaging helps protect the sausage, so once opened it is more susceptible to mold growth. Refrigeration will slow any further drying out.
So unopened Hickory Farms summer sausage packs can be stored at room temperature but should be refrigerated after opening
How To Store Hickory Farms Summer Sausage
Here are some best practices for storing your Hickory Farms summer sausage:
-
Unopened packs – Store in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight. Avoid areas that get too hot like near the oven.
-
After opening – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. Use within 2 weeks for best quality.
-
Freezer storage – Summer sausage freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap the sausage tightly and freeze unopened packs. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
-
Avoid temperature extremes – Don’t leave summer sausage out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Protect from freezing temperatures or direct sunlight which can accelerate spoilage.
-
Check for spoilage – Look for mold, sliminess, or off odors which are signs that summer sausage has spoiled and should be discarded. Discard if the sausage has an unusual salty or acidic taste.
-
Use food safety practices – Wash hands before handling. Avoid cross-contaminating ready-to-eat foods with raw meat juices. Discard summer sausage that oozes liquid or has a foul smell when opened.
Why Refrigeration Is Recommended After Opening
There are a few main reasons why opened summer sausage shouldn’t be left unrefrigerated:
-
Exposure to air – When sealed, summer sausage has very little oxygen exposure. Once opened, oxygen can interact with fat in the sausage leading to rancidity. The refrigerator slows this down.
-
Moisture loss – The casing and smoke help retain moisture but once removed, summer sausage will continue drying out, negatively impacting texture.
-
Potential mold growth – Anaerobic bacteria inhibited by the curing process can develop into mold after coming into contact with oxygen. Refrigeration prevents this.
So for peak flavor and food safety, it’s best to store open packages of summer sausage in the fridge. The refrigerated shelf life is approximately 2 weeks.
Signs Your Summer Sausage Has Spoiled
Here are indicators that your summer sausage is no longer safe to eat and should be discarded:
- Mold or white film on the surface
- Slime formation
- An uncharacteristically soft texture
- Strange odors – sour, ROTTEN, ammonia
- Off tastes – very salty, acidic, bitter
- Bulging or leaking packages
- Discoloration – greenish, grayish, brownish
- Dry, cracked casing (before opening)
Trust your senses – if something seems off about the summer sausage’s appearance, texture, or smell, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, throw it out.
Storing Other Hickory Farms Products
In addition to summer sausage, many Hickory Farms gift baskets contain other meat, cheese, and specialty food items. Here are some refrigeration guidelines:
-
Hard salami – Unopened, shelf stable for 1 month. Refrigerate after opening.
-
Cheese – Keep refrigerated. Soft cheeses like brie have shorter shelf lives. Hard cheeses keep longer.
-
Wine – Unopened, store upright in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate opened bottles and use within 5-7 days.
-
Other items – Read package instructions carefully. Baked goods, sweets, nuts, and condiments may also require refrigerator storage after opening. When in doubt, refrigerate perishable products.
Proper storage will help Hickory Farms foods stay fresh and delicious. Follow the recommended refrigeration guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze summer sausage?
Yes, fully freeze summer sausage for long term storage up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge before using.
How long does summer sausage last past the “best by” date?
An unopened, properly stored pack should last 1 week past the date. Opened packs have a shorter shelf life of just 2-3 days past the date.
Can I eat summer sausage while pregnant?
Check with your doctor but properly cured ready-to-eat sausages are generally considered safe during pregnancy as long as heated to steaming hot before eating.
Does summer sausage need to be cooked before eating?
Most summer sausages can be eaten straight from the pack without cooking. However, heating to an internal temperature of 160°F kills any bacteria and brings out the flavors.
What’s the white stuff on my summer sausage?
Usually it is harmless mold from natural penicillium molds used in fermentation. Wipe off mold and the sausage should still be safe to eat. Butdiscard if mold recurs or has an off smell or appearance.
The Bottom Line
While properly cured summer sausages are shelf stable when unopened, Hickory Farms recommends refrigerating their summer sausage and other meats after opening for food safety and quality. An unopened pack can stay in the pantry for a few weeks, but once exposed to air, summer sausage is best stored in the refrigerator. Check for signs of spoilage and follow other food safety practices. With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy Hickory Farms summer sausage without worry.
