Pork roll, sometimes called Taylor ham or Trenton pork roll, is a processed meat product popular in parts of the Northeastern United States This salty, smoky, deliciously pink meat is a staple breakfast food, often served sliced and fried up with eggs
But like any perishable food, pork roll has a limited shelf life. Knowing how long it lasts can help you enjoy it while it’s fresh without having to throw any away.
In this complete guide I’ll cover everything you need to know about pork roll’s refrigerator shelf life. including
- How long pork roll lasts unopened
- How long pork roll lasts after opening
- How to tell if pork roll has gone bad
- How to store pork roll properly
- Can you freeze pork roll?
- How long frozen pork roll lasts
- FAQs about pork roll storage
Let’s start with answering that burning question…
How Long Does Unopened Pork Roll Last in the Fridge?
An unopened package of pork roll will generally stay fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks past the sell by or use by date printed on the packaging.
Some brands of pork roll recommend using it within 7-10 days of opening. Others say it will last 2-3 weeks from the date of manufacture.
So as you can see, recommended timeframes vary a bit by brand. Your best bet is to go by the date printed on the specific package you have and give yourself a buffer of a few days to a week beyond that.
Properly stored in the fridge, pork roll stays fresh and edible for that duration but may start to decline in quality and flavor.
Proper Storage of Pork Roll
To maximize its shelf life, pork roll needs to be stored properly. Here are some tips for keeping pork roll fresh for as long as possible:
-
Keep unopened pork roll in its original airtight packaging. This protects it from exposure to air, light, and foodborne contaminants.
-
Place the package on a shelf or in a deli drawer towards the back of the refrigerator, where temperatures are coldest.
-
Once opened, rewrap pork roll tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag. Push out any excess air before sealing.
-
Store opened pork roll towards the front of the fridge, where temperatures are slightly warmer. Since it needs to be eaten faster, you don’t want it too cold.
-
Keep pork roll separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood to prevent cross-contamination. The juices can spread bacteria.
Following these simple storage guidelines will ensure your pork roll stays fresh and optimally intact. Now let’s look at what happens after you open it.
How Long Does Pork Roll Last After Opening?
Once you open the package, pork roll’s shelf life decreases. This is because exposure to air starts to degrade the quality of the meat.
For best quality, use opened pork roll within 5-7 days. It may still be safe to eat for a few days after that, but the taste, texture, and color will start to deteriorate.
To maximize freshness after opening, be sure to re-wrap the pork roll very tightly in plastic wrap. Remove as much air as possible before sealing it. Store it towards the front of the fridge.
Write the date you opened it on the package with a marker so you know when it was first exposed to air. This makes it easy to keep track.
Only prepare what you plan to eat within the next 3-4 days to avoid waste. And don’t let pork roll sit out on the counter after cooking—refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
How to Tell If Pork Roll Is Bad
Pork roll that’s gone bad may make you sick, so it’s important to know how to identify when it’s no longer safe to eat. Here are a few ways to tell if your pork roll has spoiled:
-
Slimy texture – Fresh pork roll should be smooth and firm to the touch. If it feels sticky, slimy, or mushy, it’s gone bad.
-
Discoloration – Look for fading of the characteristic pink color or grayish brown spots. This indicates spoilage.
-
Dull or tacky packaging – If the packaging has lost its airtight seal, the pork roll will spoil faster. Check for tackiness, dullness, or any holes.
-
Unpleasant sour smell – Pork roll gives off a slightly salty, smoky smell when fresh. If you detect a potent sour odor, it’s gone off.
-
Mold growth – You may see fuzzy mold growing on the surface of bad pork roll. Mold is a definite sign to throw it away.
-
Past use by date – Trust the use by or sell by date as an indicator of freshness. Err on the safe side and don’t eat pork roll more than 1 week past this date.
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your pork roll shows any signs of spoilage, don’t risk eating it.
Storing Pork Roll in the Freezer
For longer term storage, you can freeze pork roll. This stops bacteria growth and extends the shelf life significantly.
Here are some freezer storage tips:
-
Freeze unopened pork roll in its original airtight packaging. Or, wrap opened pork roll very tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
-
For maximum freshness, use frozen pork roll within 2 months.
-
Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before use, not on the counter.
-
Once thawed, use within 3-4 days and don’t refreeze.
Properly wrapped pork roll that’s kept constantly frozen at 0°F will stay safe indefinitely, though the flavor will start to suffer after about 2 months.
FAQs About Pork Roll Storage
Here are answers to some common questions about storing pork roll:
How long does opened pork roll last in the fridge?
Use opened pork roll within 5-7 days for best quality and safety. Discard any leftovers after that.
Can you store pork roll in the pantry?
No, pork roll is perishable and must be refrigerated. Storing it at room temperature will allow harmful bacteria to multiply.
Can you freeze pork roll after the use by date?
It’s best to freeze pork roll by or before the use by date for ideal quality. You can technically still safely freeze it for a short period after the date, but the texture may suffer.
How long is frozen pork roll good for?
Properly frozen pork roll will maintain quality for about 2 months. After that, it’s still safe to eat but the taste declines.
Can you refreeze thawed pork roll?
It’s best not to refreeze thawed pork roll. Refreezing can damage the texture. If needed, thaw only what you will use within 3-4 days.
How do you thaw frozen pork roll?
Defrost frozen pork roll slowly in the refrigerator, allowing 12-24 hours. You can also defrost in the microwave if you plan to cook it immediately.
Is it safe to eat pork roll after the use by date?
It’s generally not recommended to eat pork roll more than 1 week past its use by date, even if refrigerated. At that point, spoilage bacteria may start growing.
The Bottom Line
When stored properly in the fridge, unopened pork roll will stay fresh for around 1-2 weeks past the printed date on the package. Once opened, it’s best to use pork roll within 5-7 days.
For longer freezer storage, pork roll can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Keep your eyes out for any signs of spoilage like stickiness, smelliness, or mold. Following the storage guidelines here will help ensure your pork roll stays tasty and safe to eat.
Now that you know all about how long pork roll lasts, you can enjoy every last slice without having to worry about waste or food poisoning. Just remember to practice smart storage!