When you have a big amount of salami left and the expiration date is not so far, you may start overthinking about the lifespan of salami. In such a situation, you may seek for the answer to the question -‘how long does vacuum-sealed salami last?’.
An unopened package of vacuum-sealed salami lasts for 6 weeks at room temperature and around 6 months in fridge. But once you open it or cut or slice it, it doesn’t last more than a few hours at room temperature. Then, you must keep it in the fridge or freezer where it lasts around 2 weeks.
However, there are other factors that matter in this case. This article will cover all you need to know regarding the topic. Let’s get into it.
Vacuum Sealed and Canned Salami- Basic Differences
Before we delve into the storage details of vacuum-sealed salami, let’s clear a common confusion between vacuum-sealed and canned salami. Both sealing and canning processes are different in several ways.
Vacuum sealing removes makes the packaging container completely air-free. For this, microorganisms become ineffective. You can keep the salami unrefrigerated, at room temperature for as long as 6 months.
On the other hand, salami goes through sterilization while in the canning process. It helps denature the microorganisms in your food. After the denaturing process, the food is stored in an airtight container.
If you ask, which process is more efficient? Well, the answer is ‘canning’. Because you don’t have to refrigerate the food if it’s canned. Also, the food usually lasts longer.
However, canned food isn’t the healthier option. Canned salami is processed, meaning it contains a high level of Bisphenol- A. Bisphenol-A increases the risk of having cardiovascular illness.
Although canned salami is easier to store, vacuum-sealed salami is healthier.
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Salami Last?
Now, let’s get to the point- for how long vacuum-sealed salami be okay at room temperature? How long does packaged salami last?
Storing UNOPENED vacuum-sealed salami at room temperature is okay for a couple of months. Yes, even if your salami isn’t vacuum-sealed, it’ll be okay at room temperature for some weeks.
It’s only applicable for unopened and whole pieces of salami. If it comes to cutting salami, you should keep it in the refrigerator even if it’s unopened. It’s because your salami can be a victim of anaerobic bacteria as they can make a hole in the meat even when the packaging is air-free.
Another related query is “how long will vacuum-sealed salami last in the fridge?”
Once you open the package, the salami meat last 5-7 days in the fridge. As we said, a whole vacuum-sealed salami doesn’t need to be refrigerated. But when it’s about sliced or cut salami, only the vacuum seal can’t keep the harmful bacteria away.
And, guess what? Anaerobic organisms do not need oxygen to grow. So, it’s a must to keep the sliced meat in the refrigerator.
How Long Can You Keep Vacuum-Sealed Cured Meat?
Storing process of both cured and uncured are kind of the same. Curing is a process that increases the meat’s shelf life. It makes the preservation easier and enhances the flavour as well.
However, if you ask- what makes cured and uncured salami different?
The straightforward answer is- cured salami is preserved using artificial chemicals and it’s a less healthy option, unlike uncured salami.
Now, getting back to the point, how long does vacuum-sealed cured meat last and should you refrigerate it or not?
If it’s a stick of dry-cured salami, it’s okay not to keep it in the fridge because it lasts for 30 days. But whenever it’s cut and exposed to air, you can’t keep it at room temperature and expect it to last for days.
How Long Does Frozen Vacuum-Sealed Salami Last?
When you’re sure that you can’t finish the salami within its expiration date, you should freeze it. And, even though the salami isn’t vacuum-sealed, still, it will remain safe. However, the quality may fall or the flavour may change after 1 or 2 months.
Vacuum-Sealed Salami : Benefits and Drawbacks
Having vacuum salami has both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s check them out.
Benefits
Here are some other reasons why you should go for vacuum-sealed salami:
- While dealing with vacuum-sealed salami, there’s no need to freeze it. Freezer burn is a big reason for having tasteless meat. Moreover, it can make the salami texture inconsistent.
- Vacuum sealing helps to preserve the taste of your food. So, you’ll get fresh-tasting meat even after storing it for quite a long time.
- Vacuum-sealed salami comes in compact sizes so it will free up space in your kitchen. It can be a great alternative to canning.
- Other benefits of vacuum-sealed salami can be cost-effectiveness, safety, health consciousness, etc.
Drawbacks
Now, you may want to know about the drawbacks of vacuum-sealed salami. Are there even any shortcomings of vacuum-sealed salami? Yes, a few. Let’s see what we’re talking about.
- You may find it difficult to open the package of vacuum-sealed salami. Since the package is reinforced with aluminium, you may need something sharp to deal with the seal.
- Once you open the vacuum-sealed bag, the preservation properties can be reduced or completely lost. For this, refrigeration will be a must after you break the seal.
- And, there’s always a risk of leakages. Proper handling is a must because the packages may crack or leak at any time.
How To Tell If Vacuum-Sealed Salami Has Gone Bad
If you leave vacuum-sealed salami unrefrigerated for up to 6 weeks, chances are it will go bad. Here are some ways you can check whether the salami is okay to eat or gone already.
- Colour
You can tell if the salami is bad just by looking at it. If you don’t see the salami in an inconsistent red or white colouring, there’s something wrong. Spoiled salami has a brownish or green colour on its surface. For some specific salami, there’s a yellow shade on the surface.
- Smell
Another strong indication can be the smell of your salami. You can easily detect the odour, it may smell like rotting eggs. The smell is strong, unmissable, and pungent.
- Texture
Spoiled salami can be wet and slimy or extra hard and dry. If you notice any of these clear signs, you can be sure that the salami has gone bad. The texture of good salami should be consistent.
- Moisture
You may guess what moisture can do with your food. It’s an indication of harmful microorganism activity on the food surface.
However, the fact is, salami may come with good bacteria. This is generally white in colour. What the bacteria does is prevent the spread of microorganisms on the meat surface. But apart from that, the salami might not be okay to eat.
Throw your salami in the garbage bin whenever you see a green tint on its surface. It’s a clear indication of mould growth.
4 Tips to Make Vacuum-Sealed Salami Last Longer
Yes, the average shelf-life of vacuum-sealed salami is 6 weeks. But you can make it last longer by following the tips below.
1. Say No to Sliced Salami
Although we’re talking about vacuum-sealed salami, sliced salami carries a higher risk of being spoiled compared to uncured salami. It’s because the harmful bacteria tend to attack the surface area of sliced salami.
2. Take Refrigeration Seriously
Refrigeration always extends the lifespan of foods. So, you must keep the salami in the refrigerator to store it for a while. And, if you’re not planning to consume the salami recently, just keep it in the freezer.
A gentle reminder- you can’t avoid refrigerating the salami once the seal is broken. Or, you need to throw the salami away.
3. Follow Other Storage Conditions
Yes, there are other storage conditions apart from freezing and refrigeration. Make sure you keep the salami in a dry, cool place. Also, it shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight. It’s better to avoid humid storage conditions as well.
4. Prefer Cured Salami
As cured salami lasts longer, it’s better to opt for cured salami. However, make sure the salami doesn’t contain sodium nitrate, BHT, bromate, potassium, or other harsh chemicals.
You’ll find some artificial preservatives that are safe enough and your body can metabolize them easily. Go for preservatives that have the approval of the USDA and FDA. Also, remember that you must consume cured salami in moderation.
FAQ’s:
- For how long should I store unopened sliced salami in the refrigerator?
Since the cut meat lets bacteria in, sliced salami doesn’t last for long. If you keep it in the fridge, try to consume it within 3 weeks. And, if you store it in the freezer, it may last up to 2 months.
- What if I eat expired salami?
Food poisoning is the most common consequence of eating expired salami. Other health issues you might face are fever, nausea, diarrhoea, body chills, etc. For this, make sure you can recognize spoiled salami and know when to throw it in the garbage bin.
- Which vacuum-sealed foods last the longest?
When properly vacuum-sealed, dry foods like pasta, grains, and cereals last the longest. Meat like salami has a higher risk of being attacked by microorganisms than dry foods. This is why you must follow the proper storage directions for them.
Conclusion
Salami is the joy of life. However, instead of canned salami, opt fior vacuum salami which is healthy. But, how long does vacuum sealed salami last?
Well, unopened vacuum salami can stay at room temperature around 6 weeks. You can longer the shelf life by keeping it in the fridge where it last for 6 months. However, if you open the package, better keep it in the fridge. Opened or cut salami can stay for 2 weeks in the fridge.
To enjoy salami for longer, follow all the necessari steps while storing them. Remember, careful nurturing can extend the shelf life of any cured meat.
Happy storing with SmallDiner.
