Sausage is a product that spoils later than other fresh meats. However, storing sausage in the wrong way can lead to a dangerous situation due to the bacteria that grow on it. It is therefore extremely important to preserve the sausage correctly.
It is thought that sausage, which has an important place in Turkish cuisine, has a history of about 1500 years. In the meantime, different storage methods have been developed. The sausage can be stored in the refrigerator, dried or frozen.
Storing sausage in the refrigerator
The most common way to store sausage is in the refrigerator. The sausage should be wrapped in a clean napkin without removing the gelatin shell. If a refrigerator bag is used, the bag should be left open. The sausage should be wiped with a damp and clean cloth from time to time. The purpose of these storage conditions is to preserve the sausage’s moisture. If the sausage is in an airtight environment, it may sweat and mold may form.
Preserving Sausage by Drying
The drying method is usually used when there is a large quantity of sausage and it will not be consumed immediately. The most important factor in this method is the choice of the area where the sausages will be stored. This space should be warm, but out of sunlight. The sausages are dried by hanging them with a string. If hanging is not possible, they can also be dried wrapped in newspaper. Newsprint helps to remove moisture from the sausage. After drying, the sausages should be stored in the refrigerator immediately. Since sausage is a meat product, it can provide a favorable environment for the growth of microorganisms. It is therefore important to store the sausage in the refrigerator after drying.
Freezing sausage is the longest storage method. This method allows the sausage to keep its freshness for up to 6 months. For freezing, the sausages should first be cut into pieces so that they are easier to thaw later. The sausages cut into pieces should be placed in suitable refrigerator bags. At this stage, it is a great convenience to write the date on the bags. This makes it possible to keep track of the expiration dates of the sausages over a 6-month period without mixing them up. Sausages taken out of the freezer for consumption should be kept in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Although there are different preservation methods for sausage, the healthiest option is to consume it fresh and quickly. Sausages stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchase will be fresher and healthier than other storage methods. Production methods are as important as sausage preservation methods. Products that are close to the expiration date on the shelf should not be preferred. In addition, products in swollen, burst or damaged packages should never be purchased. As Ege Sucukları, we pay great attention to the production conditions of our products.
