How Long Does Swiss Colony Sausage Last? The Complete Guide

Swiss Colony sausage is a beloved treat that many people enjoy receiving in gift boxes and sampling packs. But with its delicious flavors and textures, it’s easy to want to savor every morsel for as long as possible. So how long does Swiss Colony sausage actually last? Here’s a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life of your Swiss Colony sausages.

An Overview of Swiss Colony Sausage

For those not familiar, Swiss Colony is a Wisconsin-based company that specializes in curating and delivering gift boxes showcasing cheeses, sausages, sweets, and other regional delights. Their sausage offerings include varieties like summer sausage, smoked sausage, cheddarwurst, and more.

Swiss Colony sources their sausages from premier sausage makers like Usinger’s in Milwaukee. The sausages contain no artificial flavors or colors. Swiss Colony ships their sausage freshly made, not processed for extended shelf life like many supermarket brands.

Shelf Life of Different Swiss Colony Sausage Types

The shelf life of Swiss Colony sausage depends largely on the specific type:

Summer Sausage

Summer sausage, including styles like beef summer sausage and Cajun summer sausage, has the longest shelf life of Swiss Colony’s sausages. Unopened summer sausage lasts 1 month at room temperature, 6 months refrigerated, and up to 10 months frozen. Once opened, it will last 1 month refrigerated or 1-4 days at room temperature.

Smoked Sausage

Like summer sausage, unopened smoked sausage lasts 1 month at room temperature, 6 months refrigerated, and 10 months frozen Once opened, smoked sausage will last 1 month refrigerated or 1-4 days at room temperature before spoiling

Cheddarwurst

Cheddarwurst has a shorter shelf life since it contains dairy Unopened cheddarwurst lasts 1 week at room temperature, 1 month refrigerated, and 2 months frozen Once opened, it will last 3-5 days refrigerated.

Cheese Spreads

Swiss Colony cheese spreads last 2 months refrigerated when unopened. Once opened, they last 3 weeks refrigerated. Because they contain dairy and other ingredients like chiles or bacon, they are not shelf-stable like summer sausage.

Proper Storage for Maximizing Shelf Life

Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life of Swiss Colony sausage. Here are some tips:

• Keep sausages in a cool, dry place until opening. Refrigerate or freeze for longest shelf life.

• Wrap opened sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating or freezing. This prevents drying out.

• Portion out cheese spreads into smaller containers for storage to minimize air exposure.

• Don’t store sausages at room temperature once opened. Refrigerate and consume within recommended time.

• Frozen sausages maintain quality for up to 10 months. Thaw completely before consuming.

• Check packaging closely for any variety-specific storage instructions.

How To Tell If Swiss Colony Sausage Is Spoiled

Swiss Colony sausage, like any food, can spoil if left out too long. Here’s how to identify spoiled sausage:

• Unpleasant odors – Rancid, sour, or very strong odors can indicate spoilage.

• Slimy texture – The sausage feels slimy or mushy.

• Mold – Any fuzzy mold spots are a sign to discard the sausage.

• Discoloration – Sausage looks faded or grey rather than its natural color.

• Expired – Sausage is past the use by date printed on package.

When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out” applies to suspicious sausage too!

Can You Freeze Swiss Colony Sausage?

Freezing is a great option for storing Swiss Colony sausage long-term. Sausage can be kept frozen for up to 10 months safely. To freeze:

• Wrap sausage tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Eliminate air exposure.

• Portion sausage in usable amounts so you don’t thaw more than you need at once.

• Label sausage portions with variety and freeze-by date before freezing.

• Thaw completely in fridge before use. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

• Use thawed sausage within 1 week for best quality. Do not refreeze.

While freezing Swiss Colony sausage maintains its safety beyond shelf life, some varieties like cheddarwurst may suffer degradation in texture. Freezing isn’t recommended for all sausage types.

Safe Handling Tips for Swiss Colony Sausage

To safely enjoy Swiss Colony sausage:

• Always wash hands before and after handling raw sausage.

• Follow proper thawing and storage procedures. Never leave sausage at room temp more than 2 hours.

• Separate utensils and surfaces for raw and cooked foods. Don’t cross-contaminate.

• Cook sausage to 160°F internal temperature to eliminate bacteria. Use a food thermometer to verify.

• Discard sausage left out more than 2 hours or showing signs of spoilage. Don’t risk eating unsafe food.

By properly storing, handling, and preparing your Swiss Colony sausage you can safely enjoy every savory bite! Just follow these guidelines for sausage longevity.