Benton’s Country Ham, the famous smokehouse and meat producer from Tennessee, creates some of the most delicious artisanal bacon around. From their carefully hand-rubbed dry cure to the hours of patient hickory wood smoking, Benton’s bacon offers incredible depth of flavor in each savory bite.
But with its artisanal production and shipping methods, some questions come up around how long Benton’s bacon lasts after opening and how to store it for maximum freshness. In this article, we’ll breakdown how long you can expect Benton’s bacon to last and provide tips on storage and recognizing when it’s past its prime.
An Overview of Benton’s Bacon
Benton’s bacon starts with heritage breed, antibiotic-free pork that is custom cured and smoked right on site in Madisonville, TN. The pork bellies are carefully dry cured by hand, using just salt, brown sugar, and black pepper. After curing for 2-3 weeks under refrigeration, they get smoked for 2-3 straight days in an old-fashioned wood burning stove using hickory wood.
Once smoked, the bacon is vacuum packed by hand near the smokehouse and shipped unrefrigerated. Since it is dry cured, smoked, and vacuum sealed, Benton’s bacon is shelf stable and able to be shipped year-round without ice packs or refrigeration.
The result is incredibly rich, smokey bacon with old fashioned country ham flavor. It’s undergone a time-honored process perfected by Allan Benton over nearly 50 years in the meat curing business.
How Long Does Unopened Benton’s Bacon Last?
According to Benton’s, their bacon can last 6 months to a year in an unopened, properly stored package. The key is keeping it sealed in the original vacuum packaging and storing it in a cool, dark place away from direct light.
An unopened pack of Benton’s bacon has an impressively long shelf life compared to typical grocery store bacon thanks to the preservation from smoke and the vacuum seal. As long as you don’t open the original packaging, it will easily last 6-12 months stored at room temperature away from light.
If you want to extend the shelf life even further, storing it in the refrigerator allows it to stay fresh in the unopened package for up to 2 years. But room temperature storage works fine for enjoying well within a year of purchasing.
How Long Does Opened Benton’s Bacon Last?
Once opened and exposed to air, Benton’s bacon has a more limited lifespan compared to when vacuum sealed. Here’s a breakdown of approximate timeframes for how long Benton’s bacon lasts refrigerated after opening:
- Refrigerator: 5-7 days
- Freezer: 4-6 months
These timelines can vary a bit based on how well sealed and stored the bacon is after opening. Properly wrapping leftovers in moisture-proof packaging or an airtight container extends refrigerator life closer to a full week. Freezing unused portions right away in an airtight container allows the longest lasting post-opening bacon.
Signs Your Benton’s Bacon Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that your previously fresh Benton’s bacon has crossed over into inedible territory
- Slimy or tacky texture
- Visible mold growth
- Rancid or unpleasant sour odor
- Dull or faded brown color
- Dry, shriveled, or hard as a rock
Bacon reaching any of the above states is past its prime and best discarded. Always inspect and smell your bacon before cooking or eating to catch undesirable changes in quality sooner than later.
Tips for Storing Benton’s Bacon
Follow these tips to help your hardwood smoked Benton’s bacon retain optimal flavor and quality:
- Keep unopened packages in a cool, dark, dry place at room temp.
- Refrigerate after opening and tightly wrap leftovers in plastic wrap.
- Freeze remaining bacon in an airtight container if not using within 5 days.
- Avoid freezer burn by minimizing air exposure when freezing.
- When thawing, keep it in the fridge still wrapped. Don’t thaw at room temp.
- Cook to 160°F. Partially cooked bacon won’t last as long.
- Cook all bacon within 5-7 days of opening for best flavor and texture.
The Takeaway
Benton’s artisanal dry cured bacon made from heritage breed pork lasts 6-12 months in the unopened vacuum sealed package kept at room temperature away from direct light and heat. Once opened, it will maintain quality for 5-7 days tightly wrapped in the fridge. Freezing unused portions keeps the bacon fresh for 4-6 months when properly sealed. With proper storage before and after opening, you can enjoy unbelievable Benton’s bacon for months to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about how long Benton’s bacon lasts:
How long does Benton’s bacon last unopened at room temperature?
6 months to 1 year in an unopened package stored in a cool, dark place.
Does unopened Benton’s bacon need to be refrigerated?
No, it can safely be stored at room temp as long as it remains sealed. Refrigeration extends shelf life to 2 years.
How long is Benton’s bacon good for after opening?
5-7 days refrigerated. 4-6 months frozen.
How can you tell if Benton’s bacon has gone bad?
Signs of spoilage include sliminess, smelling rancid or sour, visible mold, and dull or faded color.
Should you freeze or refrigerate Benton’s bacon after opening?
For maximum freshness, refrigerate for 5-7 days or freeze portions in an airtight container for 4-6 months.
Can you freeze Benton’s bacon in the original packaging?
No, rewrap opened packages in airtight freezer bags or containers first.
Is it safe to eat Benton’s bacon that wasn’t refrigerated during shipping?
Yes, properly cured and smoked bacon like Benton’s can safely be shipped unrefrigerated.
Can you eat Benton’s bacon past the sell by or use by date?
The quality will start declining after that date but it should be safe if properly stored. Inspect it before eating.
How should you thaw frozen Benton’s bacon?
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Bacon can harbor bacteria when thawing improperly.
How long does cooked Benton’s bacon last in the fridge?
Cooked bacon lasts 3-4 days refrigerated and 2-3 months frozen. Reheat fully when ready to eat.
With proper storage and handling, Benton’s incredible bacon can grace your table for many hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, appetizers, and more to come. Follow these guidelines to keep this artisanal delight at peak flavor.
