Liver sausage, also known as liverwurst or braunschweiger, is a soft, spreadable sausage made from a mixture of ground pork and beef liver. Its smooth texture and tangy, iron-rich taste makes it a tasty topping for sandwiches and crackers. But like any fresh sausage, liver sausage has a limited shelf life once opened.
Knowing how to store liver sausage properly after opening can help extend its freshness. This guide covers everything you need to know about maximizing refrigerator shelf life of opened liver sausage. Read on for storage tips, signs of spoiled liverwurst creative leftover ideas and answers to frequently asked questions.
An Overview of Liver Sausage
Liver sausage contains finely ground pork or other meat blended with pork beef veal, or chicken livers. It is seasoned with spices like nutmeg, allspice, onion, and garlic. Sometimes liver sausage contains fillers like grains or milk powder.
This soft sausage has a distinctive livery taste. Its smooth, spreadable texture makes it perfect for sandwiches, rolls, toast, or crackers. Liver sausage is also called liverwurst, braunschweiger, or liver pâté.
When shopping, look for liver sausage free of preservatives, artificial colors, and other additives. Choose recently made product well before the expiration date. Properly stored liver sausage stays fresh 4-5 days after opening.
How to Tell If Opened Liver Sausage Has Spoiled
Liver sausage is highly perishable once exposed to air. Here are signs your opened liver sausage has spoiled and needs discarding:
- Unpleasant sour, sulfurous, or ammonia odor
- Mold growth – dry fuzzy patches or slimy film
- Very dark grey or greenish tinge
- Liquid pooling inside packaging
- Dry, crumbly texture
Trust your senses. If liver sausage smells or looks “off” at all, don’t risk eating it. Discard immediately if you see any of the above signs of spoilage.
Storing Liver Sausage to Maximize Freshness
Refrigerating opened liver sausage properly is key to maximizing shelf life. Here are some storage tips:
- Keep opened liver sausage refrigerated at 40°F or below
- Seal leftover sausage tightly in original packaging or airtight container
- Use within 4-5 days for optimal freshness and food safety
- Check for sliminess, stickiness, or foul odors daily
- Discard if mold appears or packaging puffs up
The close-knit nature of liver sausage means spoilage bacteria spreads rapidly once exposed to air Follow the above guidelines for storing leftovers safely,
How Long Does Opened Liver Sausage Last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, here is how long opened liver sausage will last:
- Liver sausage luncheon meat: 4-5 days
- Spreadable liverwurst: 4-5 days
- Liver braunschweiger: 4-5 days
For maximum food safety and quality, liver sausage should be consumed within 5 days of opening. Be vigilant about checking for signs of spoilage each time you use it. Discard immediately if liver sausage smells, looks, or feels off.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Liver Sausage
Don’t let leftover liver sausage go to waste. Try these tasty ways to use it up:
- Liver sausage omelette – Dice and add to egg mixture
- Liverwurst pasta sauce – Crumble into tomato or cream sauce
- Liver pâté toast points – Spread on crackers or baguette
- Finger sandwiches – With pickle, onion, and mustard
- liver sausage quiche – Stir into egg and veggie custard
- Potato pancake topping – Dollop on top for breakfast
- Stuff mushrooms – Use as savory filling before baking
With an open mind, you can find endless ways to creatively use up leftover liver sausage. It adds a unique, livery richness to many dishes.
Can You Freeze Opened Liver Sausage?
Freezing can further extend the shelf life of leftover liver sausage. To freeze properly:
- Seal liver sausage tightly in freezer bag or airtight container
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn
- Label package with date and contents
- Freeze at 0°F or below
- Use within 2-3 months for best quality
Freeze liver sausage in recipe-sized portions to avoid waste. Thaw in fridge before using. Avoid refreezing thawed liver sausage more than once.
Common Questions about Liver Sausage Storage
Here are some frequently asked questions about storing opened liver sausage:
How can you tell if liver sausage is bad?
Look for foul odors, mold, slime, or very dark discoloration. Spoiled sausage may be dry and crumbly. Discard at first signs of spoilage.
What happens if you eat liver sausage after it expires?
Consuming spoiled liver sausage risks food poisoning. Stick to the 4-5 day guideline after opening.
Is it safe to eat liver sausage that smells a little off?
No. Any unpleasant or “off” odors mean spoilage bacteria is present. Don’t risk eating liver sausage that smells bad.
Can you get sick from eating moldy liver sausage?
Yes. The toxins mold produces can cause illness. Discard liver sausage immediately if you see any mold.
Should you wash liver sausage before using?
No. Washing introduces more bacteria. Liver sausage is ready to safely eat straight from the package.
Enjoy Liver Sausage Safely After Opening
Liver sausage is a delicious and versatile processed meat. Follow proper refrigerated storage guidelines to enjoy it safely within 4-5 days after opening. Discard immediately at any signs of spoilage. With proper handling, you can continue enjoying the unique flavor of liver sausage for up to a week past opening.