Kowalski Hunters Sausage is a pre-cooked, ready to eat smoked sausage that makes a tasty convenient snack But does it require refrigeration after opening? This handy guide will cover proper storage methods to keep Kowalski Hunters Sausage fresh and delicious
An Overview of Kowalski Hunters Sausage
Kowalski Hunters Sausage is a smoked pork sausage seasoned with black pepper, white pepper, and garlic. It was originally created by Stephen Kowalski as a hearty snack for hunters to take on trips. Now it’s enjoyed by snackers everywhere.
The pre-cooked sausages come in 3.75 oz. packs, perfect for grabbing and going. They contain 40 calories per link. Since they are made with pork, Kowalski Hunters Sausages do require refrigeration once opened.
Unopened packs can be stored in the pantry. But after opening, proper refrigeration is key for safety and extending shelf life.
Does Kowalski Hunters Sausage Need Refrigerating?
Yes, Kowalski Hunters Sausage must be refrigerated after opening the package. Even though the sausages are pre-cooked, the raw pork still requires cold temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
Leaving opened packs out too long at room temperature allows dangerous bacteria to multiply quickly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Refrigeration keeps Kowalski Hunters Sausage fresh and slows spoilage.
Follow these storage guidelines:
-
Store unopened packs in a cool, dry pantry up to the sell-by date.
-
Refrigerate opened packs immediately at 40°F or below.
-
Use refrigerated sausages within 5-7 days for best quality.
-
For longer storage, freeze sausages for up to 2-3 months.
Proper refrigeration preserves both the safety and quality of the sausages after opening.
Signs Your Kowalski Hunters Sausage Has Spoiled
Trust your senses to determine if your Kowalski Hunters Sausage has spoiled. Signs of spoiled sausage include:
- Sliminess or stickiness
- Mold growth – discard moldy sausages
- Unpleasant sour, rotten, or ammonia-like smell
- Dull or faded color vs. bright red
- Dry, cracked, or shriveled texture
If your sausage exhibits any of these signs, play it safe and throw it out. Don’t eat sausages past the sell-by date or that have been left out too long either.
Consequences of Eating Spoiled Kowalski Hunters Sausage
Eating Kowalski Hunters Sausage that has spoiled bacteria can cause foodborne illness. Potential symptoms include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Fever and chills
- Dehydration
In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. Food poisoning is highly unpleasant, so proper refrigerated storage is a must.
Tips for Keeping Kowalski Hunters Sausage Fresh
Follow these tips for maintaining safety and maximizing the shelf life of your Kowalski Hunters Sausage:
-
Refrigerate opened packs immediately at 40°F or below. Use within 5-7 days.
-
Wrap sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn if freezing.
-
Look for ice crystals or freezer burn on frozen sausages – signs they are no longer good.
-
When thawing, keep frozen sausages in the fridge until fully thawed before using.
-
Discard any sausages that have an off smell or appearance, even if refrigerated. Don’t risk it.
-
Consume any cooked sausages within 3-4 days and don’t let them sit out over 2 hours after cooking.
Proper refrigerated storage preserves both the quality and safety of Kowalski Hunters Sausage after opening.
Kowalski Hunters Sausage Refrigeration FAQs
Get answers to some common questions about storing Kowalski Hunters Sausage below:
How long can you store opened packages in the fridge?
Up to one week from the date opened. Discard any unused sausages after a week.
Can you freeze Kowalski Hunters Sausage?
Yes. Freeze for 2-3 months at 0°F or below for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
What happens if you leave it out overnight?
Bacteria can multiply quickly at room temperature. Refrigerate opened packs within 2 hours and discard any packages left out over 2 hours.
How can you tell if frozen sausages are still good?
Look for ice crystals and freezer burn. Thawed sausages should still look plump and feel firm. Discard shriveled, dried out sausages.
Is it safe to eat refrigerated sausages after the sell-by date?
It’s not recommended. Use refrigerated packs within 7 days of opening and discard any past the sell-by date, even if refrigerated.
Other Tasty Kowalski Products to Try
If you love the smoky flavor of Kowalski Hunters Sausage, be sure to also try these other Kowalski favorites:
-
Kielbasa Sausage – Available in multiple flavors like Baked Krakowska and Double-Smoked. Requires refrigeration after opening.
-
Pepperoni – Shelf-stable until opening. Refrigerate opened packs for up to 3 weeks.
-
Pierogi – Found in the freezer section. Bite sized dumplings with fillings like potato and cheese or sauerkraut.
-
Smoked Pork Chops – Fully cooked and refrigerated. Enjoy the signature Kowalski smokehouse flavor in every chop.
Kowalski offers many Polish-inspired prepared meats and dumplings to spice up meals or enjoy as snacks. Be sure to refrigerate products like Kowalski Hunters Sausage promptly after opening. Follow the storage guidelines and your sausage will stay fresh and delicious.