Are you a fan of liverwurst or liver sausage? If so, you may be wondering how long this delicious meat product can last in your fridge after opening.
With conflicting information online, it can be hard to know what to believe. But fear not, we’ve done the research for you and compiled all the information you need to know about storing and consuming liver sausage safely.
From how to tell if it’s gone bad to the best ways to store it, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and read on to learn everything you need to know about the shelf life of liver sausage.
How Long Is Liver Sausage Good For After Opening?
Liver sausage is a fresh meat product that needs to be refrigerated after opening. It should be eaten within six days to ensure optimal freshness and quality. However, the shelf life of liver sausage can vary depending on how it’s packaged and stored.
If the liver sausage is in a small package of slices, it shouldn’t be kept for more than 3-4 days after opening. On the other hand, if it’s wrapped like a whole liverwurst, it can last longer due to the high salt content and lack of exposure to air. In this case, it may last up to a week or even 10 days.
Freezing liver sausage is also an option to extend its shelf life. When frozen, it can last for up to two months. Freezing is always a better option than just storing it in the refrigerator.
What Is Liver Sausage?
Liver sausage is a type of sausage that contains liver as one of its main ingredients. While the name may suggest that liver is the predominant ingredient, it usually only makes up around 20% of the total contents of the sausage. Liver is a rich and dense meat, and using too much of it would make the sausage unpalatable. Liver sausage is made by partially cooking a mixture of ground meats, spices, and ingredients like onions and garlic, and then stuffing this mixture into a casing made from cleaned intestines. The sausage may be made lighter with the addition of bread crumbs, rice, or other fillers. Liver is a highly nutritious organ meat that is rich in vitamin A, iron, and protein, making liver sausage a healthy food choice. There are many different types of liver sausage, including liverwurst and braunschweiger, which have distinct flavors and cultural significance in different regions around the world. Liverwurst is typically pork-based and served with dark whole grain breads and mustard, while braunschweiger is made from pork trimmings, livers, and bacon trimmings, and is often smoked to create a distinctive flavor. Liver sausage has a unique taste that may not be to everyone’s liking, but it can be enjoyed in sandwiches or as part of various cooked appetizers.
How Long Can Liver Sausage Be Stored In The Fridge After Opening?
Liver sausage can be stored in the fridge after opening for up to 6 days. It is important to keep the liver sausage refrigerated as soon as possible after opening to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. If you are unsure about the freshness of the liver sausage, there are a few ways to check. Firstly, check the “sell by” and “use by” dates on the packaging. If these dates have passed, it is best to throw out the liver sausage.
Secondly, use your senses to check for freshness. The liver sausage should have an appetizing meaty aroma and should not smell sour or have a foul smell. It should be a uniform greyish or light brown meaty color with no traces of green or white mold on it. The sausage should have a firm or spreadable consistency and should not be watery. If it tastes sour or unpleasant in any way, throw it out.
Finally, it is important to note that the shelf life of liver sausage can vary depending on how it’s packaged and stored. If it’s in a small package of slices, it should not be kept for more than 3-4 days after opening. However, if it’s wrapped like a whole liverwurst, it can last up to a week or even 10 days due to its high salt content and lack of exposure to air.
Signs That Liver Sausage Has Gone Bad
Liver sausage may go bad if it’s not stored properly or if it’s past its expiration date. Here are some signs to look for to determine if your liver sausage has gone bad:
– Smell: Liver sausage should have an appetizing meaty aroma. If it smells sour or has a foul smell, it’s a sign that it has gone bad and should be discarded immediately.
– Sight: Liver sausage should be a uniform greyish or light brown meaty color. If you see any traces of green or white mold on it, it’s a sign that it has gone bad and should not be consumed. The sausage should also have a firm or spreadable consistency and should not be watery.
– Taste: If the liver sausage tastes sour or unpleasant in any way, it’s a sign that it has gone bad and should be thrown out. It should have a salty, savory, meaty flavor.
– Texture: Liver sausage should have a firm texture that is easily sliced or is spreadable and creamy, like pate. It should not feel dry, grainy, slimy, or watery.
It’s important to note that if the “use by” date has come and gone, or if the liver sausage has not been refrigerated, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it. As always, if in doubt, toss it out to avoid any potential health risks.
How To Properly Store Liver Sausage To Extend Its Shelf Life
If you want to extend the shelf life of your liver sausage, proper storage is key. Here are some tips to help you store your liver sausage properly:
1. Refrigerate immediately after opening: As soon as you open the package, put the liver sausage in the refrigerator. It should be kept at a temperature between 33-41°F.
2. Wrap it tightly: To prevent air exposure and moisture, wrap the liver sausage tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure that it’s completely covered and sealed.
3. Store in an airtight container: Another option is to store the liver sausage in an airtight container. This will help prevent air exposure and keep it fresh longer.
4. Freeze for longer storage: If you want to extend the shelf life of your liver sausage even further, freezing is the best option. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then put it in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. Make sure to label it with the date so you know when it was frozen.
5. Thaw properly: When you’re ready to use the liver sausage, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing it at room temperature or in warm water, as this can promote bacterial growth and spoilage.
By following these simple steps, you can extend the shelf life of your liver sausage and enjoy it for longer without worrying about spoilage or food waste.
Can You Freeze Liver Sausage?
Yes, you can freeze liver sausage to extend its shelf life. However, it’s important to use a heavy-duty freezer with a constant temperature that doesn’t fluctuate. Due to the texture and high fat content of liver sausage, the taste may become somewhat bland and the consistency may become a bit gritty after freezing. To freeze liver sausage properly, wrap it in wax paper and place it in a resealable plastic bag. Place it in the freezer and it should last up to two months. It’s important to note that homemade liver sausage may contain fewer preservatives than store-bought liver sausage, so it may not last as long in the freezer. It’s recommended to keep homemade liver sausage in the freezer for up to a month only and always look for signs of spoilage before consuming it. Overall, freezing liver sausage is a great way to preserve it and make it last longer.
Tips For Consuming Liver Sausage Safely
While liver sausage is a delicious and nutritious food, it’s important to consume it safely to avoid any potential health risks. Here are some tips for consuming liver sausage safely:
1. Check the expiration date: Always check the expiration date before purchasing liver sausage. If it’s already expired, do not consume it.
2. Store properly: Once you’ve opened the package, store the liver sausage in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. This will help prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
3. Use within six days: As mentioned earlier, liver sausage should be consumed within six days after opening to ensure optimal freshness and quality.
4. Don’t leave it out: Avoid leaving liver sausage at room temperature for more than two hours as it can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.
5. Avoid cross-contamination: When handling liver sausage, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling it. Also, avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw meat products.
By following these tips, you can safely consume liver sausage and enjoy its delicious taste and nutritional benefits without any health risks.