How Long Does Liver Sausage Last in the Fridge?

Liver sausage also known as liverwurst or leberwurst is a type of sausage made primarily from liver. It has a soft, spreadable texture and a distinctive flavor. Liver sausage is perishable and needs to be stored properly to maximize its shelf life. So how long does it actually last in the fridge?

An Overview of Liver Sausage

Liver sausage is made from ground pork liver and other meat like veal or chicken livers mixed with pork or beef. It is seasoned with spices like nutmeg, allspice pepper and marjoram to give it its characteristic flavor. Other ingredients like onions, eggs and milk or cream are also added.

The sausage gets its soft, spreadable texture from the liver which has high moisture content. It is similar to bologna but has a stronger liver flavor.

Liver sausage is highly nutritious, being an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, vitamins A and B12. It provides all these nutrients in a convenient, ready to eat form.

However, it is perishable like most sausage varieties and needs proper storage.

How Long Does Liver Sausage Last in the Fridge?

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, liver sausage will keep well for 4 to 5 days from the date of purchase. The key is keeping it chilled at temperatures below 40°F.

Here are some tips on maximizing the shelf life of liverwurst:

• Check the “sell by” or “use by” date when buying liver sausage. Pick the freshest sausage available.

• Keep the liver sausage tightly wrapped in its original store packaging until you use it. This prevents drying out.

• Once opened, rewrap the sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Eliminate as much air as possible.

• Store the liver sausage in the coldest section of the refrigerator, which is at the back. Keep the temperature between 33-40°F.

• Use clean and dry utensils when taking out portions to avoid introducing bacteria. Don’t return used utensils to the sausage.

• Consume refrigerated liver sausage within 4-5 days of opening the package. Discard if it exceeds this time, even if it looks and smells fine.

• If you don’t plan to eat it all within 5 days, freeze the remaining liverwurst for longer storage.

Signs that Liver Sausage Has Spoiled

Liver sausage, like any perishable food, can spoil before the use by date if not stored properly. Watch out for these signs of spoilage in refrigerated liverwurst:

• Sliminess – Fresh liver sausage should not be slimy or excessively moist. Discard if it has a slimy film or texture.

• Mold – Development of fuzzy mold spots even in small areas is a sign of spoilage. Discard moldy sausage.

• Foul smell – Liver sausage will normally have a mild smell. Foul, sour or ammonia-like odors indicate spoilage.

• Discoloration – Look for unnatural colors like green, grey or black spots. Discard if present.

• Off taste – Spoiled liver sausage will not taste right. It may taste sour or bitter instead of its normal savory umami taste.

Do not eat liver sausage displaying any of these signs even if the expired date has not passed. It is always better to be safe than risk food poisoning.

How to Store Liver Sausage for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage is key to retaining the freshness and extending the shelf life of liver sausage once opened. Here are some storage tips:

• Refrigerate promptly – Refrigerate liver sausage immediately after opening. Leave at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.

• Use original packaging – Keep unused liver sausage in its original store wrap or packaging until you need it. This maintains freshness.

• Eliminate air exposure – After opening liver sausage, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil eliminating as much air as possible. Air causes drying and promotes mold.

• Keep cold – Store liver sausage in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at 33-36°F. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat.

• Use clean utensils – Always use clean, dry knives and utensils when taking out liver sausage to prevent bacterial spread. Never re-dip used utensils into the sausage.

• Check ingredients – Liver sausage with preservatives like sodium nitrite will generally last slightly longer than plain, preservative-free varieties. Check the ingredients list when purchasing.

• Freeze for longer storage – For storage beyond 4-5 days, freeze remaining liver sausage. It will keep for 2-3 months frozen. Defrost overnight in the fridge before using frozen liverwurst.

Safety Tips for Liver Sausage

Liver sausage is a ready to eat product that does not require cooking. However, there are some safety measures to keep in mind when handling it:

• Avoid cross contamination by keeping raw meats like poultry separate from ready to eat liver sausage.

• Wash hands, knives and cutting boards thoroughly before and after handling liver sausage.

• Cook liver sausage thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F if preparing a liver sausage recipe.

• Heat liver sausage or liver pâté to steaming hot, 165°F before eating if you are in a high risk group like elderly, pregnant or immunocompromised.

• Do not leave liver sausage unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours. Discard if left longer at room temperature.

• Do not eat liver sausage past its use by date or if it shows any signs of spoilage as described earlier. When in doubt, throw it out.

Following proper storage times, temperatures and food safety practices will help you enjoy liver sausage safely. Be sure to consume refrigerated liverwurst within 4-5 days and frozen liver sausage within 2-3 months for best quality and safety.