Stephen Kowalski was an avid hunter and wurstmacher. He was always looking to imporve his hunting expierence. Thats when he created a dried Polish sausage he remembered from Poland. Starting in 1961, the company has advertised the product continually, making it the original Hunter Sausage. If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Kowalski Hunters Sausage is a popular snack made of smoked sausage seasoned with garlic and black pepper. But does it require refrigeration or can you store it at room temperature? In this article, we’ll take a close look at Kowalski Hunters Sausage, its ingredients, and proper storage methods to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
Overview of Kowalski Hunters Sausage
Kowalski Hunters Sausage is a ready-to-eat smoked sausage snack made by Kowalski, a beloved meat company based in Michigan. It was originally created by founder Stephen Kowalski as a tasty, portable sausage for hunters to bring along on hunting trips.
This spicy sausage is made from a blend of coarsely ground pork and beef seasoned with garlic and black pepper. It has a smoky savory flavor perfect for snacking. Kowalski Hunters Sausage comes fully cooked in convenient 3.75 oz sticks.
The brand markets it as a handy grab-and-go meat snack requiring no preparation. But does it require refrigeration for food safety and maximum freshness?
Does Kowalski Hunters Sausage Need Refrigeration?
Yes, Kowalski Hunters Sausage does need to be refrigerated. While the sticks come fully cooked, the pork and beef content means this sausage can still spoil if left unrefrigerated.
Once opened, the sausage should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and maintain quality. Leaving the package open at room temperature allows harmful bacteria to multiply quickly increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
Kowalski Hunters Sausage is only safe to eat if it is kept in the fridge, where bacteria can’t grow. As soon as you open that package, put it in the fridge!
Ingredients in Kowalski Hunters Sausage
To understand why Kowalski Hunters Sausage needs to be kept cool, let’s look at what it’s made of:
- Pork
- Beef
- Garlic
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Spices
The pork and beef contain proteins and moisture that can allow bacterial growth at room temperature. Refrigeration slows this growth to keep the meat safe.
The other ingredients help provide the signature flavor, but do not prevent spoilage without proper cold storage.
How Long Does Kowalski Hunters Sausage Last Refrigerated?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, Kowalski Hunters Sausage will maintain best quality for:
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Unopened package: Up to 3 weeks past the sell-by date.
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Opened package: 3-5 days.
Be sure to consume any opened sausage within 3-5 days. Leftover pieces can be stored in an airtight container, but should not be left for more than 5 days maximum.
Check for any signs of spoilage before eating, such as off-colors, sour smell, or slimy texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
Storing Kowalski Hunters Sausage for Travel
Many people like to take Kowalski Hunters Sausage along for hiking, camping, or road trips. Here are some tips to keep it safe when away from refrigeration:
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Pack in a cooler with ice or freezer packs. This provides cold temps.
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Use a thermos cooler that can keep contents chilled up to 12 hours.
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Only keep sausage in cooler for max 5 hours out of refrigeration.
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Avoid opening the cooler repeatedly to maintain interior temperature.
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Discard any warm or melted sausage after 5 hours outside of refrigeration.
With proper use of coolers and limiting time unrefrigerated, you can safely enjoy Kowalski Hunters Sausage even when traveling or camping off-grid!
Signs Kowalski Hunters Sausage Has Spoiled
It’s important to check your sausage for any signs of spoilage before eating. Here’s what to look for:
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Unpleasant odors – Should smell like smoked meat, not sour or ammonia-like.
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Discoloration – Should be pinkish-red, not gray, green, or black.
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Mold growth – Should not have any fuzzy mold.
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Slime layer – Should not have a slimy texture or film.
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Off tastes – Should taste like smoked meat, not bitter or “off”.
If you notice any of these signs, the sausage has spoiled and should be discarded. Do not taste or eat sausage with signs of spoilage.
Other Storage Tips for Kowalski Hunters Sausage
Here are some other storage recommendations for maintaining the quality of your Kowalski Hunters Sausage:
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Keep refrigerated immediately after opening package.
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Store in original packaging or in sealed container.
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Place in coldest section of refrigerator, not door.
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Avoid repeated temperature fluctuations.
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Do not freeze, as this alters texture.
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Consume within 3-5 days of opening for best freshness.
Following proper cold storage guidelines keeps your Kowalski Hunters Sausage tasting great while reducing any food safety risks.
Enjoying Kowalski Hunters Sausage Safely
Kowalski Hunters Sausage makes for a tasty and convenient meat snack you can feel good about when stored properly. Just be sure to:
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Refrigerate promptly after opening.
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Use ice packs if taking it on-the-go.
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Check for spoilage before consuming.
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Discard any sausage left unrefrigerated for over 5 hours.
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Consume within 3-5 days of opening package.
With the right storage and handling, you can safely enjoy the signature smoky, savory flavor of Kowalski Hunters Sausage anywhere your adventures take you! Plus, it provides a good source of protein in a portable package.
So keep your Kowalski Hunters Sausage chilled, and have the peace of mind that you’re safely savoring a delicious ready-to-eat meat snack. Happy snacking!
Doing this one thing while making sausages could KILL you, please STOP!
FAQ
How long can uncooked sausage sit out?
Does summer sausage need to be refrigerated?
How long is vacuum packed smoked sausage good for?
How long do cooked sausages last out of the fridge?
Does venison summer sausage need to be refrigerated?
Unopened, venison summer sausage doesn’t need refrigeration most of the time. You can find more specific information about your summer sausage on the packaging. It will most likely say “Refrigerate after opening,” which means you should place the sausage in the fridge once you’ve opened it.
Do big John’s pickled sausages need to be refrigerated?
I have a jar of “Big John’s” pickled sausages and right on the bottom it says “NEVER NEEDS REFRIGERATION”! They sit at stores and bars for for many days if not weeks and are sold by the sausage. I found this on Hannah’s Facebook page. “They do not need to be refrigerated after opening in temperatures below 75 degrees.
Are sausages ready to eat under FSIS inspection?
The labeling for sausages under FSIS inspection that are NOT ready-to-eat must bear certain features such as, safe handling instructions.
Can you freeze sausage if it has a “sell-by” date?
If the sausage has a “sell-by” date, or no date, store it for the times recommended below. Freeze sausage if you can’t use it within the times recommended for refrigerator storage. Once frozen it doesn’t matter if the date expires because foods kept frozen continuously are safe indefinitely.