Hillshire Farms summer sausage is a popular ready-to-eat snack that many people keep in their fridges and pantries. But because Hillshire Farms summer sausage has a long shelf life, some people may wonder how long it actually lasts.
In this article, I’ll cover all the details on how to maximize the shelf life of Hillshire Farms summer sausage This includes proper storage methods, signs of spoilage, creative usage ideas, frequently asked questions, and more.
Overview of Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage
For those less familiar summer sausage is a cured, fermented and smoked sausage that can be eaten as-is without further cooking. It has a tangy flavor and dense, chewy texture.
Hillshire Farms makes a classic summer sausage featuring beef and pork flavored with garlic and black pepper It comes fully cooked in a casing and can be kept at room temperature when unopened,
How Long Does Unopened Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage Last?
An unopened package of Hillshire Farms summer sausage boasts an impressively long shelf life. When stored properly, it will maintain quality for:
- Pantry – 3 to 6 months
- Refrigerator – Up to 6 months
- Freezer – Up to 10 months
The key is keeping summer sausage sealed in its original airtight packaging. Once opened, it won’t last nearly as long.
On the package, there is a “Best By” date that you should pay attention to.
How Long Does Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage Last After Opening?
Once you break the seal on a package of Hillshire Farms summer sausage, its shelf life decreases considerably. For best quality, use opened summer sausage within:
- Refrigerator: 3 to 4 weeks
- Room temperature: 1 to 2 weeks
Make sure to tightly wrap or seal any leftovers. Keeping opened summer sausage refrigerated is recommended, but not absolutely necessary.
Freezing Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage
For long term storage of Hillshire Farms summer sausage, the freezer is your friend.
Unopened packages can be frozen for up to 10 months while maintaining good quality. Frozen opened packages will last 2 to 3 months.
Make sure to wrap summer sausage well in freezer bags or plastic wrap before freezing. This prevents freezer burn. Defrost frozen sausage overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips for Storing Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage
To get the longest shelf life out of your Hillshire Farms summer sausage:
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Store unopened packages in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and sunlight until ready to use.
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Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 to 4 weeks for optimal freshness.
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Freeze for long-term storage. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations. Consistent refrigeration extends shelf life after opening.
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If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
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Look for any signs of spoilage like sliminess, off odors, or mold before consuming.
How Can You Tell if Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage is Bad?
Rely on your senses to determine if your Hillshire Farms summer sausage has gone bad:
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Appearance – Significant mold, unnatural stickiness, or sliminess
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Smell – Rancid, sour, or unpleasant odors
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Texture – Extremely hard, stiff, or mushy
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Taste – Clearly spoiled or rancid flavor
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Color – Dull grey rather than pink or brown
If you notice any signs of spoilage, play it safe and discard the sausage. Consuming spoiled meat can potentially cause illness.
Creative Ways to Use Hillshire Farms Summer Sausage
The flavor and versatility of Hillshire Farms summer sausage makes it easy to incorporate into recipes. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:
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Thinly slice and add to pizza, flatbreads, and bruschetta
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Dice up in pasta, potato, and grain salads
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Skewer into kabobs along with veggies and fruits
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Fry up crispy in a hash with potatoes and onions
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Mix into hearty bean chilis and soups for added texture
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Create a cheese board with summer sausage slices, crackers, olives, nuts and fruit
With so many possibilities, you can easily use up a package of summer sausage creatively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Hillshire Farms summer sausage? Here are some commonly asked questions:
How long does unopened summer sausage last at room temperature?
3 to 6 months when stored properly in a cool, dry pantry.
Can you freeze summer sausage?
Yes. It will maintain quality frozen for up to 10 months unopened.
Is Hillshire Farms summer sausage fully cooked?
Yes, it is safe to eat right out of the package with no further cooking needed.
What is the refrigerated shelf life of opened summer sausage?
About 3 to 4 weeks for best quality. Keep refrigerated once opened.
How can you tell if summer sausage has gone bad?
Look for mold, sliminess, off odors, or other signs of spoilage. Discard if questionable.
The Takeaway
Thanks to the curing process, Hillshire Farms summer sausage can be safely stored at room temperature when unopened for an impressively long shelf life of up to 6 months. Once opened, enjoy summer sausage for 3-4 weeks refrigerated. For maximum freshness, handle with food safety in mind.
With proper storage and handling, Hillshire Farms summer sausage’s tangy, robust flavor can be enjoyed for months to come.
Factors Affecting Shelf Life
The shelf life of Hillshire Farm Italian sausage is contingent upon several elements:
- Packaging: The integrity of the package protects against outside contaminants and can make the food last longer. Hillshire Farm utilizes packaging designed to maintain freshness.
- Temperature: Keeping the sausage at the right temperature all the time is very important. The USDA advises refrigeration at 40°F or below.
- Ingredients: The sausage’s preservatives can also change how long it lasts, with some types lasting longer than others.
- Storage: Whether the sausage is kept in the fridge or the freezer affects how long it lasts. Unopened packages typically last longer compared to opened ones.
For Hillshire Farm Italian sausage, the following storage recommendations apply:
- Refrigerated (Unopened Package): Consume within 2-3 days of purchase.
- Refrigerated (Opened Package): For quality and safety, use within 7 days.
- Frozen: Can last for up to four months. But the food should be frozen before the label’s expiration date.
It’s important to follow the expiration date and check for any signs of spoilage, like bad smells or changes in color, before eating. You should look at food safety resources from the USDA and FDA for solid advice, and also follow any specific directions on the sausage label.
Optimal storage extends the shelf life of Hillshire Farm Italian sausage, while maintaining food safety and quality. Both refrigeration and freezing are effective methods, provided the proper techniques are used.
When you put Hillshire Farm Italian sausages in the fridge, it’s important to keep them at a steady 40°F or below temperature. Unopened sausages can last in the fridge for up to two weeks. After being opened, these sausages should be eaten within 7 days or by the date written on the package, whichever comes first. They should be wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap so they don’t get too much air and moisture, which can make them go bad faster.
Shelf Life and Storage Tips
Knowing how long Hillshire Farm Italian sausage will last on the shelf is important for keeping the product’s quality and flavor and making sure it is safe to eat. If you keep unopened Hillshire Farm Italian sausage in the fridge the right way, it should last until the date written on the package. This date comes from the brand’s strict shelf-life testing, which makes sure the product stays at its best until then. Once the package is opened, the sausage should be eaten within 7 days to get the most out of its flavor and keep it from going bad.
In the freezer, Hillshire Farm Italian sausage can last longer, extending its shelf life. Some types of smoked sausage, like Italian sausage, can be frozen for two to three months without losing much of their quality. But the right way to store the sausage is very important. It should be kept in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags to keep the flavor profile the way it was meant to be. To make sure it is safe to eat, the sausage needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F before it can be used.
Because the flavor is paramount for enjoying any Hillshire Farm product, proper handling is essential. Many things can help the sausage keep its unique Italian flavor: keeping it in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping the temperature stable, and using the sausage soon after opening it. For people who want to eat their sausage after it goes bad in the fridge, freezing it is a good option, as long as it is kept safe from the freezer and thawed properly before cooking.
To figure out how long Hillshire Farm Italian sausages will last, you need to look at the different things that affect shelf life and follow the storage instructions that come with the sausages. These considerations are crucial for maintaining food safety and quality.