Is Zummo Sausage Fully Cooked? Everything You Need To Know

Zummo sausage is a popular smoked sausage brand that has been around for over 100 years. Originating in East Texas Zummo sausage comes in a variety of flavors and is a staple at barbecues and tailgates across the southern United States. But one question that often comes up is – is Zummo sausage fully cooked and safe to eat right out of the package?

In this article, we’ll take a close look at Zummo sausage and answer the question: is Zummo sausage fully cooked? We’ll cover:

• What is Zummo sausage?
• Is Zummo sausage pre-cooked?
• Does fully cooked mean ready to eat?
• How to tell if Zummo sausage is done
• Safe handling and storage

What Is Zummo Sausage?

Zummo sausage is a smoked sausage that comes in links, ropes or patties Some of the most popular Zummo sausage flavors include

• Original Smoked Sausage
• Hot Link Smoked Sausage
• Kielbasa Smoked Sausage
• Smoked Cajun Style Andouille Sausage
• Beef Smoked Sausage

The sausage contains pork, beef, spices, salt, sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, garlic, natural flavors, oleoresin of paprika, and sodium nitrite. It has a signature smoky flavor and spicy kick.

Zummo sausage is a staple at tailgates, barbecues, breakfasts, and wherever delicious smoked sausage is enjoyed. The brand has a rich 100-year history and is proudly made in Texas.

Is Zummo Sausage Pre-Cooked?

The short answer is yes – Zummo sausage is fully cooked and pre-cooked right from the factory. This means it has already been cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature before packaging.

According to the Zummo website and product packaging, all of their sausages are “Ready to Eat” right out of the package. The sausage is smoked and cooked thoroughly during manufacturing, so no additional cooking is required.

This makes Zummo sausages convenient for barbecues, parties, camping trips, and other occasions where ready-to-eat foods are desired. You can feel confident eating Zummo sausage directly from the package without concerns over raw meat or food safety.

Does Fully Cooked Mean Ready To Eat?

Seeing “fully cooked” on a sausage package can cause some confusion over whether that means it’s ready to eat. Fortunately, for Zummo sausage, fully cooked does indeed mean ready to eat.

The USDA defines ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products as those that can safely be consumed without any additional preparation steps. This includes cooking. For sausages like Zummo, fully cooked means:

• The raw sausage mixture was heated to 160°F minimum internal temperature.

• It was packaged and shipped in a ready-to-eat form.

• No additional cooking or preparation is required for food safety.

So yes, for Zummo smoked sausage, the terms fully cooked and RTE both indicate that the sausage can be eaten straight out of the package without cooking. However, you may choose to gently heat it up for improved flavor and texture.

How To Tell If Zummo Sausage Is Done

Since Zummo sausage is pre-cooked, there’s no need to check for doneness when preparing it. However, if you ever have doubts about whether a Zummo sausage is fully cooked, here are some ways to check:

• Read the package: Zummo packaging clearly states the sausage is fully cooked and ready to eat. If in doubt, look for this wording.

• Internal temperature: Pre-cooked Zummo sausage should reach 160°F. Re-heating to 165°F enhances quality but is not required for safety.

• Color and texture: Zummo sausages will be brown or reddish in color when cooked. They will be firm to the touch.

• Sausage juices: Cut into the sausage. The juices should be clear with no traces of pink/red indicative of undercooking.

As long as the Zummo sausage was handled properly after opening, you can be assured it was fully cooked and safe to enjoy. But if in doubt, remember you can always re-heat it to 165°F just to be extra safe.

Safe Handling And Storage Of Zummo Sausage

To keep Zummo sausage safe and prevent bacterial growth, here are some tips:

• Refrigerate after opening. Keep Zummo sausage sealed and stored at 40°F or below.

• Use within 1 week of opening. Discard any sausage kept beyond 7 days.

• Freeze for longer storage. Sausages kept frozen at 0°F or below can last 1-2 months.

• Reheat to 165°F prior to eating if sausage has been in fridge for over 7 days. This kills off any bacteria.

• Watch for red/pink color or slimy texture if reheating previously opened sausage. This indicates spoilage.

• Discard sausage left out for over 2 hours or exposed to temperatures over 90°F. Heat above this point allows bacteria to multiply quickly.

Following safe storage times, temperatures, and handling steps will keep Zummo sausage in top condition and reduce your risk of foodborne illness.

The Verdict – Yes, Zummo Sausage Is Fully Cooked!

After looking at the Zummo brand, their products, and food safety recommendations, we can definitively say that Zummo sausage is fully cooked and safe to eat right out of the package.

The smoking and cooking process used during manufacturing prepares Zummo sausage for immediate consumption once opened. There’s no need to cook it further.

Of course, you may choose to gently reheat the sausage or use it in cooked dishes for improved texture. But in terms of food safety, Zummo sausage is pre-cooked to a ready-to-eat standard and can be enjoyed straight from the fridge.

So go ahead and indulge in the signature smoky, spicy flavor of Zummo sausage at your next barbecue, breakfast, or anytime you crave a tasty smoked meat. With proper handling, storage, and reheating when needed, it’s a quick and convenient protein option that’s guaranteed to satisfy.