As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchasesHow Long Do Pickled Sausages Last?
Do you love pickled sausages? Maybe you’re partial to a juicy Vienna, or perhaps you prefer a sour pickle. Whatever your preference, there are a few better ways to preserve meat than fermenting it with salt and bacteria. But how long do pickled sausages last? Even if you store them in the refrigerator, these sausages will not keep forever. You will have a limited time to eat them before they go bad. Depending on their acidity level, they may begin to deteriorate within a week or last for several months. Here is what you need to know about the shelf life of pickled sausages.
How to Tell if Pickled Sausages Go Bad
To determine if pickled sausages have gone bad, look for signs of spoilage. If you notice leaking or mold or are unfamiliar with the appearance of the sausages, toss them. If the sausages have been refrigerated, they may simply show a loss of quality. For example, they may have lost their crunchiness or changed color. While these are not signs of spoilage, they indicate that the sausages are no longer at their best. If you are fond of pickled sausages, you know they have a distinct smell. If they smell unpleasant, they have most likely gone bad. You may also notice a change in taste if they have gone bad.
So How Long Do My Pickled Sausages Last?
As we’ve mentioned, pickled sausages are preserved by a high level of acidity. This acidity, along with the salt used in the process, inhibits the growth of bacteria. As a result, pickled sausages will last a long time — sometimes even years. While the exact time that pickled sausages last will depend on the brand, you can expect them to last for several months at the very least. If you store the sausages in the refrigerator, they may last even longer. But don’t take our word for it — test their expiration date for yourself by checking the date on the package.
How to Store Pickled Sausages for the Long Term
If you want your pickled sausages to last for months or even years, you’ll need to store them correctly. First, you’ll want to put them in a dry, low-humidity environment. Ideally, you’ll want to store them in an unopened bag or container. This will prevent moisture from getting into the sausages and causing spoilage. If you’ve already opened the sausages, transfer them to an airtight container. If you notice signs of mold, throw them out. Ideally, you will store the sausages in the refrigerator. While you can store them at room temperature, you’ll want to do so for less than a week. Otherwise, they may begin to deteriorate.
Tips to Make Pickled Sausages Last Longer
If you’ve ever kept pickled sausages, you’ve probably noticed that they do not last as long as other pickled foods. To make them last longer, try the following tips:
• Pickled sauerkraut will last longer than pickled sausages.
• Keep the temperature of your storage area below 37˚F.
• Keep the sauerkraut in a sealed container.
• Avoid opening the container regularly.
Conclusion
Pickled sausages are already fermented, so it’s unlikely they will go bad quickly. However, they will lose their quality over time. While it’s unlikely you’ll find a rotten pickled sausage, you’ll notice a change in texture as the various ingredients change. You’ll also notice a change in taste as the flavours of the pickling liquid blend together with the sausages. We recommend consuming pickled sausages within three months. If you prefer to keep them in the fridge, they may last even longer.
