How Long Does Liver Sausage Last in the Fridge?

Liver sausage, also known as liverwurst or leberwurst, is a soft, spreadable sausage made primarily from liver With its smooth texture and distinctive flavor, it makes a tasty sandwich filler, appetizer, or snack But like any fresh sausage, liver sausage has a limited shelf life. So how long does it actually last in the fridge after opening?

An Overview of Liver Sausage

Liver sausage contains a blend of ground pork liver and other meat like pork, veal or chicken livers. It is seasoned with spices such as nutmeg, allspice pepper and marjoram which give it its characteristic flavor. Other common ingredients are onions, eggs, milk or cream.

The high liver content provides moisture, resulting in liver sausage’s soft, spreadable texture similar to pâté. It comes precooked so it is ready to eat straight from the packaging. Liver sausage is more perishable than dry cured sausages.

How Long Does Liver Sausage Last Unopened?

Properly stored in the fridge, unopened liver sausage will keep well for 1 week past the “sell by” or “use by” date on the package. The cold temperature helps slow bacteria growth and preserve freshness.

For best quality, liver sausage should be consumed by the expiry date. But it remains safe for an additional week when kept chilled at 40°F or below.

How Long Does Liver Sausage Last After Opening?

Once opened, the shelf life of liver sausage shortens due to exposure to air and handling. An opened package will normally last 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

To maximize freshness, rewrap liver sausage tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil eliminating as much air as possible. Consume within 4-5 days and discard if it exceeds this timeframe.

Signs of Spoilage in Liver Sausage

Watch for the following signs that indicate spoilage in refrigerated liver sausage:

• Sliminess – Fresh liverwurst should not be excessively moist or develop a slimy film. Discard if this occurs.

• Mold growth – Appearance of mold, even in small spots, signals spoilage.

• Foul odor – A sour, ammonia-like or rotting smell means the sausage has gone bad.

• Discoloration – Unnatural colors like green, grey or black spots indicate spoilage.

• Off tastes – A bitter, sour or rancid flavor instead of a rich, savory taste.

Proper Refrigerated Storage of Liver Sausage

To maximize the shelf life of refrigerated liver sausage:

• Store in original packaging until ready to use. This prevents drying out.

• After opening, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil eliminating air. Air causes mold growth.

• Keep liver sausage in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally at 33-36°F.

• Use clean, dry utensils to handle liver sausage to avoid bacteria transfer.

• Consume within 4-5 days of opening for best quality. Discard if aging over 5 days.

• Freeze remainder for longer storage beyond 5 days.

Properly storing liver sausage chilled preserves freshness and safety. Discard if you see any signs of spoilage.

Can You Freeze Liver Sausage?

For storage beyond 4-5 days, liver sausage can be frozen. To freeze:

• Slice or portion liver sausage for easy use.

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, eliminating air.

• Place in freezer bag or airtight container. Exclude air.

• Freeze at 0°F or below. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Freezing prevents bacterial growth for long-term storage. Refrigerate after thawing and use within 4-5 days.

Safety Tips for Liver Sausage

Liver sausage is a ready to eat product that can be consumed straight from the packaging. However, follow these safety measures:

• Refrigerate promptly after purchase. Don’t leave at room temperature over 2 hours.

• Discard if liver sausage exceeds 5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.

• When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t eat sausage past recommended storage times.

• Cook casseroles or liver spread containing liver sausage to 165°F internal temperature.

By properly storing liver sausage chilled, freezing if needed, and watching for signs of spoilage, you can safely enjoy its unique flavor. Refrigerated liverwurst stays fresh for 4-5 days after opening.

Frequency of Entities:
Refrigerator: 7
Liver sausage: 13
Fridge: 3
Days: 10
Open/Opening: 6
Air: 4
Freeze/Freezing: 5
Mold: 2
Discard: 3
Bacteria: 2