There’s no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to beef sticks. In fact, there’s quite a bit of confusion surrounding this delicious, filling, meaty snack.
We wanted to set the record straight and answer any and all questions related to beef sticks. Let’s dive right in.
Venison sticks, also known as snack sticks or summer sausage, are a tasty way to enjoy wild game meat. However, like any perishable food, proper storage is crucial for safety and quality. So how long do venison sticks last? How can you maximize their shelf life?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about venison stick freshness. You’ll learn refrigerator, freezer and pantry storage times, how to identify spoilage, and tips for keeping your venison in top condition. Let’s get started!
An Overview of Venison Sticks
Venison sticks are thin, snack-sized dried sausages made from ground venison and other seasonings. Key features include:
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High protein, low fat content from venison.
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Cured and/or smoked for preservation and flavor
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Include spices like black pepper garlic mustard seed.
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Often contain some pork or beef fat
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Size ranges from small sticks to 8-10 inch links.
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Convenient, shelf-stable snack food.
With proper handling, these flavorful sausages can stay fresh for months.
Refrigerator Storage Time
For best quality, store venison sticks in the refrigerator. Here are the timelines:
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Unopened, store-bought: Up to 6-8 months past the sell by date.
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Homemade: Approximately 4-6 months in an airtight container.
The cool, constant temperature of the fridge (40°F or below) slows bacteria growth and oxidation that causes spoilage. Keep venison sticks furthest from the door, as this area tends to be warmer.
If humidity in your fridge is low, pack the sticks with a piece of bread or crumpled paper towel to prevent excessive drying.
Freezer Storage Time
For maximum shelf life, freeze your venison sticks:
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Unopened, store-bought: 1 year past printed date.
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Homemade: 9-12 months is optimal.
At a constant 0°F or below, freezer storage stops food spoilage in its tracks. With properly wrapped venison sticks, freezer burn can be avoided as well.
Divide summer sausage into portions prior to freezing for easier use. Vacuum sealing or plastic freezer bags work best for storage.
Pantry Storage Time
With the right preparation, venison summer sausage can be shelf-stable like commercial sticks:
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Cured and smoked venison – 1-2 months sealed at room temperature.
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Uncured venison – Not recommended for shelf storage due to food safety risks from bacteria.
Curing introduces salts and preservatives that inhibit microbial growth. For homemade shelf-stable sticks, use a commercial curing mix and smoking.
Once opened, refrigerate for best quality. Discard if odor, color, or sliminess develops.
How to Tell If Venison Sticks Are Bad
Venison sticks may look and smell fine even when spoiled, so it’s important to watch for subtle clues:
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Sliminess – Bacteria breaking down meat causes slippery textures.
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Discoloration – Gray, brown, or green hues indicate oxidation.
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Mold – Fuzzy growth means venison sticks went bad.
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Off odors – Rancid, sulfurous, or ammonia-like smells mean don’t eat!
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Texture changes – Soft or mushy spots show loss of freshness.
When in doubt, remember: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Storing Venison Sticks for Freshness
Follow these tips to keep venison sticks fresher longer:
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Store in airtight packaging, not just wrapped in paper.
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Divide into smaller portions before freezing for easy use.
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Monitor freezer temperature; 0°F is ideal.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations by not opening freezer often.
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When refrigerated, keep venison furthest from the door in most consistently cold area.
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Consume within 3 days after opening for food safety. Reseal after using.
Proper, consistent temperatures preserve freshness best.
Thawing Frozen Venison Sticks
To safely thaw venison sticks:
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In the fridge – Place in a bowl to catch drips and thaw for 1-2 days.
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In cold water – Seal in bag and submerge, changing water every 30 mins. Takes 2-3 hours.
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In the microwave – Use defrost setting and microwave in short bursts, flipping occasionally.
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On the counter – Fast but unsafe; only thaw for an hour or two. Cook immediately.
Avoid methods like hot water or room temperature that could cause bacterial growth during the thaw process.
Cooking and Reheating Venison Sticks
Venison sausage needs thorough cooking and reheating:
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Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F.
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Reheat cooked sausage to 165°F.
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Bring frozen sausage to 165°F, not just thawed temperature.
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If microwaving, cover and rotate for even heating.
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Cook within 1-2 days of thawing in fridge for best quality.
Proper cooking kills any pathogens present and prevents foodborne illness.
Key Takeaways on Venison Stick Freshness
To summarize key points on maximizing venison stick shelf life:
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Refrigerate for 4-6 months, freeze for 9-12 months.
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Monitor for changes in smell, color, texture.
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Portion into smaller sizes before freezing.
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Thaw slowly in fridge, not room temperature.
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Cook thoroughly and reheat fully to safe 165°F.
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Store open packages no more than 3 days.
With proper handling and storage, you can enjoy delicious venison summer sausage for many months to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are some commonly asked queries:
Can you eat venison sticks without cooking?
Pre-cooked venison sticks are shelf-stable and safe to eat straight out of the package. However, homemade or thawed sausage must reach 165°F internally before consuming.
How can you tell if venison sticks are still good?
Check for foul odors, sliminess, discoloration or mold. Discard if any signs of spoilage. When unsure, remember “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Do venison sticks need to be refrigerated?
Commercially prepared sticks don’t require refrigeration until opened. Homemade sausage should be stored in the fridge or freezer for food safety. Refrigerate all venison within 3 days of opening.
Can you freeze venison sticks twice?
Freezing, thawing, and refreezing venison is not recommended as it allows moisture loss and texture changes. Discard if venison sticks were previously frozen then thawed.
What happens if you eat bad venison sticks?
Consuming spoiled venison can cause food poisoning leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. In rare cases it can even progress to life-threatening complications. Always inspect meat carefully and verify safe storage times.
Following sound storage practices will keep your venison sticks tasty and safe for the long haul. Just remember to monitor closely for any signs of spoilage. With proper handling, you can avoid waste and enjoy your homemade or store-bought venison sausage for months to come.
What are meat sticks?
A meat stick is ground and seasoned meat that is stuffed into a casing, cooked, dried, and packaged.
You can use different kinds of meat to make meat sticks, like beef, pork, turkey, chicken, or even rare meats like elk, bison, and venison. There are different kinds of meat sticks, and some are made with just one type of protein.
Meat sticks are similar to an encased sausage with a few key differences.
First, a meat stick is non-perishable and shelf-stable. It can be safely stored at room temperature without any special handling or refrigeration. It is non-perishable which means when properly handled it will not spoil. Other common non-perishable foods include jerky, country hams, canned foods, flour, rice, pasta, oils, and spices.
Secondly, meat sticks are ready-to-eat, meaning they do not require any cooking. You can simply open the package and enjoy. This makes meat sticks a great on-the-go snack, ready for anything.
Lastly, meat sticks are typically smaller in circumference than a traditional sausage. The average diameter of a meat stick is ¼ inch to ½ inch.
How long do beef sticks last?
Unopened beef sticks should last for up to one year from the date of production. All beef sticks made in the United States should have a “best by” date written on the package.
Once opened, beef sticks are best consumed within three days.