How Long Does Swiss Colony Sausage Last? A Complete Guide to Storing and Enjoying Their Delicious Gifts

Swiss Colony is beloved for their gift boxes packed with premium sausages cheeses, sweets and more. Their old-world style cured meats are made with care using traditional techniques. But with any perishable food, proper storage is key to safety and preserving freshness. So how long does Swiss Colony sausage last after opening?

This guide will walk you through exactly how long different types of Swiss Colony sausages last how to tell if they’ve gone bad and tips for storing them to extend their shelf life.

An Overview of Swiss Colony Sausage

Swiss Colony sources their sausages from small-scale local producers who use artisanal methods. Popular varieties include:

• Hard salami – Coarsely ground beef and pork seasoned with garlic and peppercorns.

• Summer sausage – Tangy, dried sausage normally made from a blend of beef and pork.

• Snack sticks – Thin mini-sausages in flavors like maple brown sugar and cheddar cheese.

• Cheese spreads – Creamy cheese blended with spices and often bacon or peppers.

These cured sausages are shelf-stable until opened. Their ingredients are simple – just meat, spices, and curing salts. No artificial preservatives are added.

Shelf Life of Unopened Swiss Colony Sausage

Properly stored, an unopened pack of Swiss Colony sausage will last:

• At room temperature – 1 month
• Refrigerated – 2-3 months
• Frozen – 4-6 months

The exact shelf life depends on the type of sausage:

• Hard salami – 1-2 months
• Summer sausage – 3-4 weeks
• Snack sticks – 2-3 weeks
• Cheese spreads – 1 month

For best quality, store unopened packs refrigerated and consume by the use-by date printed on the package.

How Long Does Opened Swiss Colony Sausage Last?

Once exposed to air, the shelf life of opened Swiss Colony sausage shortens considerably. Follow these guidelines for storage in the refrigerator:

• Hard salami – 2-3 weeks
• Summer sausage – 2-4 weeks
• Snack sticks – 1 week
• Cheese spreads – 2-3 weeks

For optimal freshness and food safety, use opened sausage within 1 week. Rewrap tightly before refrigerating to prevent drying out.

At room temperature, opened Swiss Colony sausage only lasts 1-2 days before spoiling. Freeze any uneaten portions for 1-2 months.

How to Tell if Swiss Colony Sausage is Bad

Look for these signs that Swiss Colony sausage has gone bad and should be discarded:

• Mold growth
• Slimy texture
• Discoloration or grey/green spots
• Rancid or ammonia-like smell
• Very salty, bitter, or unpleasant flavor

When in doubt, remember: “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk eating spoiled sausage.

Proper Storage of Swiss Colony Sausage

Follow these tips to maximize the shelf life of Swiss Colony sausage:

• Refrigerate unopened packs and use within 2-3 months.
• Freeze for long-term storage of 4-6 months.
• Rewrap opened packages tightly before refrigerating.
• Label packages with opening date and use within 1 week.
• Store towards the back of the fridge, away from the door.
• Cooked sausage leftovers should be refrigerated and discarded after 3-4 days.

Proper storage keeps Swiss Colony sausage safe and fresh for the longest possible time after opening.

Can You Freeze Swiss Colony Sausage?

While not recommended by Swiss Colony, their sausage can be frozen to extend the shelf life. To freeze properly:

• Wrap unopened packs tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Eliminate air exposure.
• Place packs in freezer bags for added protection.
• Freeze at 0°F or below. Use a freezer thermometer.
• Label with contents and freeze-by date. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
• Thaw frozen sausage slowly in the refrigerator.

Note that freezing can make the texture crumbly or dry. Use thawed sausage in cooked dishes rather than eating raw.

Food Safety Tips for Enjoying Swiss Colony Sausage

Follow these guidelines when handling and eating Swiss Colony sausage:

• Refrigerate sausage within 2 hours of opening package.
• Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw sausage.
• Cook sausage thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
• Separate raw sausage from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Discard any sausage that smells or looks spoiled. Do not taste questionable sausage.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.

By properly storing, handling, and preparing Swiss Colony’s sausage according to food safety principles, you can safely enjoy every last bite without worries. Just don’t leave their delicious sausage gifts sitting out too long once opened.

With the right storage conditions and handling, Swiss Colony’s quality cured meats can stay fresh for weeks or months, even after opening. Just be diligent about promptly refrigerating any opened packages, monitoring for spoilage signs, and enjoying their tasty sausages within the recommended 1 week timeframe for optimal flavor and texture.