Chinese sausage known as lap cheong is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes. Its sweet, salty flavor enhances everything from fried rice to congee. But with any perishable food, proper storage is crucial for safety. Does Chinese sausage go bad? How can you tell if it has spoiled? This guide will cover proper lap cheong storage, shelf life, signs of spoilage, and more.
Lap cheong is a type of Chinese cured sausage usually made from pork It gets its signature red color from food coloring and red fermented rice The sausage is seasoned with soy sauce, rice wine, and spices like five-spice powder, giving it a sweet yet savory flavor.
Unlike fresh sausages, lap cheong is dried and cured This process extends its shelf life to several weeks when properly stored. Common types include liver sausage, chicken sausage, and sweeter versions like rose sausage. Lap cheong is especially popular in Cantonese cuisine
Properly Storing Chinese Sausage
To extend the shelf life and safety of lap cheong, proper storage methods are key. Here are some tips for storing lap cheong:
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Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below for best quality. The fridge slows bacteria growth.
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Store in original packaging until opened, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
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Place lap cheong in a zipper bag if storing with other foods to prevent drying out.
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Avoid prolonged storage at room temperature. Refrigerate within 2 hours of opening package.
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For extended storage, freeze lap cheong for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
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Look for sell-by or use-by dates on packaging to determine ultimate shelf life.
With proper refrigeration and storage, lap cheong can be kept fresh for enjoyment over an extended time period.
How Long Does Lap Cheong Last When Properly Stored?
Thanks to being cured and dried, lap cheong has a fairly lengthy shelf life. You can expect it to maintain best quality for:
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Unopened package: Up to 4-6 weeks past the sell-by date in the fridge.
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After opening: 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
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Freezer: Up to 4 months frozen at 0°F.
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Fridge after thawing: Use within 4-7 days.
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Pantry: A week max if kept cool and dry.
Always go by any use-by dates on packaging first when determining lap cheong’s shelf life. If there are no dates, use your nose and eyes to check for spoilage.
Can You Freeze Lap Cheong?
Freezing extends the shelf life of Chinese sausage for several months. To freeze lap cheong:
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Double wrap sausages tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zipper bag. Remove excess air.
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Freeze lap cheong for up to 4 months at a constant 0°F.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
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Cook thawed lap cheong within 4-7 days for best quality.
With proper freezing methods, you can keep a stash of lap cheong on hand to use whenever a craving strikes!
Signs Your Lap Cheong Has Gone Bad
Trusting your senses is the best way to determine if your Chinese sausage has spoiled. Signs that lap cheong has gone bad include:
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Slimy texture – Should feel firm to the touch. Sliminess indicates bacteria growth.
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Mold – Dry cured sausages may get surface mold. Discard moldy parts or the whole sausage if mold goes deeper.
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Shriveled casing – If the casing is dried out and shriveled, lap cheong may be spoiled. Still, check the inner sausage.
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Off odors – Rotten, sour, or very unpleasant odors indicate spoilage. Fresh lap cheong smells mildly meaty.
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Discoloration – Greenish, grayish, or duller colors than bright red indicate lap cheong is past prime.
When in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk eating spoiled sausage.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Lap Cheong?
Eating spoiled lap cheong that contains pathogenic bacteria could cause foodborne illness. Potential symptoms include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fever, headache, and body aches
- Persistent illness lasting over a week
Severe cases may even require hospitalization. Always discard Chinese sausage with any significant spoilage, especially if it smells unpleasant or has visible slime. Don’t eat lap cheong past its expiration date either.
How to Use Lap Cheong and Maintain Safety
To safely enjoy the flavors of lap cheong, be mindful of these use and handling guidelines:
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Always cook lap cheong thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating.
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Avoid cross-contamination by keeping lap cheong away from ready-to-eat foods during storage and prep.
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When cutting the sausage, use a clean cutting board and knife. Avoid contact with other foods.
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Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw lap cheong.
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Throw away any uneaten lap cheong after cooking a dish, as leftovers may not reheat thoroughly.
Following basic food safety practices helps eliminate risks when enjoying lap cheong.
Common Questions About Lap Cheong Storage
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about storing Chinese sausage:
How long can opened lap cheong sit out at room temperature?
Only 2 hours max. After opening, cook lap cheong within 5 days and don’t leave it sitting out.
Can you refreeze thawed lap cheong?
It’s not recommended. Refreezing may compromise the texture. Cook thawed lap cheong within 4-7 days.
Can you eat lap cheong cold or does it need cooking?
Always cook lap cheong thoroughly to 165°F before eating. Don’t eat raw.
Can you eat lap cheong after the sell-by date if it looks fine?
It’s not recommended since bacteria could be present with no visible signs. Discard expired lap cheong.
How long is lap cheong good for in the freezer past 4 months?
Taste and texture decline after 4 months. Use frozen lap cheong within 5 months to be safe.
The Takeaway – Follow Proper Storage for Safely Enjoying Lap Cheong
When stored properly in the fridge or freezer, Chinese sausage can stay fresh for weeks or months beyond its packaging date. But lap cheong ultimately does expire and spoil given enough time at unsafe temperatures.
Follow the tips here on ideal storage, freezing, shelf life, and signs of spoilage. With good lap cheong handling, you can safely reap its sweet and savory goodness in your favorite Chinese dishes. Just be sure to store lap cheong properly and discard it if you have any doubts about its freshness.