How Long Does Swiss Colony Sausage Last? The Complete Guide

Swiss Colony sausage is a beloved treat for many. These gift boxes are great for any occasion because they are filled with tasty meats and cheeses. But how long does Swiss Colony sausage last after it’s been opened? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to store these tasty sausages correctly and how long they will last.

An Overview of Swiss Colony Sausage

Swiss Colony is a Wisconsin-based company best known for their mail-order food gifts. Their sausage sampler packs feature an assortment of salami, summer sausages, and snack sausages. These cured sausages are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration until opened.

Swiss Colony sources their sausages from small local producers. The ingredients are simple – just meat, spices, and curing agents. There are no artificial preservatives added. This gives their sausages a homemade flavor and texture.

Some popular varieties include

• Summer sausage – A tangy dried sausage usually made from a beef and pork blend

• Hard salami is made from beef and pork that have been coarsely ground and seasoned with garlic and peppercorns.

• Snack sticks – Mini sausages in flavors like cheddar cheese, cajun style, and maple brown sugar.

• Cheese spreads – A blend of creamy cheese and spices. Often flavored with bacon, peppers, or smoked gouda.

Shelf Life of Unopened Swiss Colony Sausage

An unopened pack of Swiss Colony sausage can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month. The exact shelf life depends on the type of sausage:

• Hard salami – Lasts for 1-2 months
• Summer sausage – Lasts for 3-4 weeks
• Snack sticks – Lasts for 2-3 weeks
• Cheese spreads – Lasts for 1 month

For maximum freshness, it’s best to refrigerate unopened Swiss Colony sausage. This extends the shelf life significantly:

• Refrigerator (40°F or below) – Lasts for 2-3 months
• Freezer (0°F or below) – Lasts for 4-6 months

Be sure to check the best-by date printed on the packaging as well. Consume the sausage before this date for peak flavor and texture.

How Long Does Opened Swiss Colony Sausage Last?

Once opened, the shelf life of Swiss Colony sausage shortens considerably because of exposure to air and handling. Here are some general guidelines for opened sausage stored in the refrigerator:

• Hard salami – Lasts for 2-3 weeks
• Summer sausage – Lasts for 2-4 weeks
• Snack sticks – Lasts for 1 week
• Cheese spreads – Lasts for 2-3 weeks

For best quality, use any opened Swiss Colony sausage within 1 week. Be sure to rewrap the sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. This prevents drying out.

At room temperature, opened Swiss Colony sausage only lasts for 1-2 days before going bad. To extend the shelf life, transfer any unused portions to a resealable freezer bag and freeze. Frozen, the sausage keeps for 1-2 months.

How to Tell If Swiss Colony Sausage Has Gone Bad

Swiss Colony sausage, like any cured meat, can grow harmful bacteria if left out too long. Here are some signs that your sausage has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Sliminess – A gummy or slimy texture is a sign of bacteria growth. Fresh sausage has a dry, firm texture.

• Mold – Dry fuzzy patches or filaments on the sausage indicate mold spoilage. This can happen when moisture gets trapped under the casing.

• Discoloration – Grey, green, or yellow discolored patches signal the sausage has aged past its prime. Good sausage is pink/red.

• Rancid odor – Sausage with a sour, ammonia-like, or very strong odor has gone rancid due to fat oxidation.

• Off tastes – Very salty, bitter, or unpleasant flavors are a sign the sausage is no longer fresh.

When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick by trying to salvage questionable sausage.

Storing Swiss Colony Sausage Properly

To get the longest shelf life out of your Swiss Colony sausage, follow these storage tips:

• Keep unopened packs refrigerated at 40°F or below. The cooler temperature drastically slows bacteria growth.

• If freezing sausage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn. Defrost in the refrigerator, not at room temp.

• Once opened, rewrap sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. Limit air exposure.

• Cooked sausage leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours. Discard any leftovers after 3-4 days.

• Mark the date opened on each pack. Use opened packs within the recommended 1 week timeframe.

• Store sausage towards the back of the fridge, away from the door. The constant opening of the door can warm sausage above safe temps.

Following proper storage methods will keep your Swiss Colony sausage fresher for longer after opening. Be sure to closely monitor refrigerated sausage and discard promptly at the first signs of spoilage. With the right techniques, you can safely enjoy this sausage for its entire shelf life.

Freezing Swiss Colony Sausage

While Swiss Colony doesn’t recommend freezing their sausages, it can be done to extend the shelf life.

To freeze sausage:

• Wrap unopened packs very tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Eliminate as much air as possible. Air causes freezer burn.

• Place wrapped packs in freezer zip-top bags. This gives added protection.

• Freeze at 0°F or below. Use freezer thermometer to verify temp.

• Label bags with contents and freeze-by date. Consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

• Thaw frozen sausage in the refrigerator. Thawing at room temp can cause bacteria growth on the outer surface.

Note that freezing can compromise the texture of Swiss Colony sausage. The meat can become crumbly or dry once thawed. For best results, use thawed sausage in cooked dishes like pizza, pasta, or scrambled eggs.

Food Safety Tips When Eating Swiss Colony Sausage

To prevent foodborne illness when eating Swiss Colony sausage, follow these safe handling guidelines:

• Always wash hands, prep tools, and surfaces with hot soapy water before and after handling raw sausage.

• Separate raw sausage