Summer sausage is a tasty cured sausage that can last much longer than other types of sausage The Johnsonville brand is one of the most popular summer sausages But how long does an unopened pack of Johnsonville summer sausage last? And what is the shelf life after opening?
Overview of Summer Sausage
Summer sausage is a cured, fermented sausage that has been dried and smoked. It has a shelf-stable texture and doesn’t require refrigeration. The curing process helps preserve the sausage by reducing its moisture content. This prevents bacterial growth.
The flavor of summer sausage has a distinctive tanginess from bacterial fermentation during the curing process. It often contains beef and/or pork as well as spices like peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic, and coriander Summer sausage has a firm texture and is meant to be sliced and eaten without further cooking
How Long Does Unopened Johnsonville Summer Sausage Last?
An unopened pack of Johnsonville summer sausage can be stored in the pantry and has a shelf life of about 2-3 months. The exact shelf life depends on the best by date printed on the package.
For maximum freshness and quality, it’s best to store unopened summer sausage in the refrigerator. In the fridge, it will keep for 6-8 weeks past the printed date on the package.
Unopened summer sausage can also be frozen for longer term storage. It will retain quality in the freezer for about 1 year. Make sure to wrap the package tightly in freezer wrap or foil before freezing.
How to Tell if Unopened Summer Sausage is Bad
Signs that an unopened pack of summer sausage has gone bad include:
- Bulging or leaking packaging which may indicate bacterial contamination
- Mold growth on the exterior of the package
- Off odors, smells sour or unpleasant when package is opened
- Discoloration, sliminess, or dryness of the meat
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to discard the sausage. Don’t taste summer sausage if you suspect it may be spoiled.
Shelf Life of Johnsonville Summer Sausage After Opening
Once opened, the shelf life of Johnsonville summer sausage decreases significantly. This is because exposure to air starts the countdown for the sausage to go bad.
At room temperature, opened summer sausage will only last about 3-5 days before spoiling. For maximum freshness, keep refrigerated after opening.
In the fridge, an opened pack of Johnsonville summer sausage will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Make sure to tightly rewrap or seal the remaining sausage to prevent drying out.
The freezer can extend the shelf life of opened summer sausage to 2-3 months. Be sure to wrap in freezer-safe wrap or foil. Defrost thawed sausage in the refrigerator before eating.
How to Tell When Opened Summer Sausage is Bad
It’s important to be alert to signs of spoilage in opened packages of summer sausage. Look for:
- Mold growth on the meat
- Slime layer or sheen on the surface
- Dull or faded coloration
- Dry, cracked, or stiff texture
- Sour or off smells
Dispose of summer sausage immediately if you notice any of these indications it has gone bad. Don’t taste meat that shows spoilage.
Storing Johnsonville Summer Sausage Properly
To get the most out of your Johnsonville summer sausage, follow proper storage guidelines:
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below for maximum shelf life after opening
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out
- Don’t allow product to exceed 70°F during temporary storage or serving
- Discard within 3-5 days if left sitting out after opening
- Use freezer for long-term storage of unopened packs (up to 1 year)
- Label packages with date opened or purchased
- Look for signs of spoilage before consuming
Safely Enjoying Johnsonville Summer Sausage
With proper storage and handling, Johnsonville summer sausage can be safely enjoyed for weeks or months beyond the package date. Keep it sealed and refrigerated to prevent bacteria from growing.
Discard any packages that show signs of spoilage like mold, sliminess, or off-odors. Don’t taste meat that may be bad.
Finally, be sure to enjoy summer sausage before the expiration date for best quality. With its tangy flavor and firm texture, summer sausage makes a delicious anytime snack. Following these storage guidelines will keep your Johnsonville sausage fresher for longer.
The Summer Sausage Story
FAQ
Does Johnsonville summer sausage go bad?
How to tell if summer sausage has gone bad?
Is sausage still good after 2 years in the freezer?
How long does Johnsonville sausage last in the fridge?
Does Johnsonville Sausage have an expiration date?
Unlike other food products, Johnsonville sausage does not have a traditional expiration date printed on the package. Instead, they use a “Best Flavor By” or “Sell By” date. For products intended for frozen storage, a Best Flavor By date is printed on the case label indicating the date at which peak freshness is ensured.
How long do Johnsonville brats last?
When it comes to Johnsonville Brats, cooked sausages can last up to five to seven days in the fridge if stored properly, while raw sausages should be consumed within two days of purchase or cooking.
How do I know if my Johnsonville Sausage is sold by date?
To find the sell-by or best flavor by date on Johnsonville sausage packaging, you need to look for the label on the case. For sausages intended for frozen storage, the Best Flavor By date is printed on the case label. For sausages intended for refrigerated storage, the Sell By date is printed on the case label.
How do you store Johnsonville Sausage?
If you want to maximize the freshness and flavor of your Johnsonville sausage, there are a few tips you can follow: 1. Store in the refrigerator: Once you’ve purchased your Johnsonville sausage, make sure to store it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The ideal temperature for storing sausage is between 32°F and 40°F. 2.