The Ultimate Guide to Cooked Blood Sausage – How Long is Cooked Blood Sausage Good For?
Cooked blood sausage is a meat dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in many cultures around the world. It is made by mixing various ingredients, including pig’s blood, meat, and spices. While it can be an acquired taste for some, it remains a staple in many regional cuisines. One question that often arises when consuming this delicacy is how long can cooked blood sausage last? In this comprehensive guide, we will be exploring everything you need to know about the shelf life of cooked blood sausage.
What is Cooked Blood Sausage?
Cooked blood sausage is made using a combination of pork meat and pig’s blood. Other ingredients such as breadcrumbs, spices and onion are then added to the mixture, which is then cooked until firm. The sausage has a rich, red colour which comes from the addition of the pig’s blood. Due to its unique flavor and texture, cooked blood sausage continues to be popular across various cultures around the globe.
Blood sausages have been around for centuries – Ancient Romans were known to enjoy using blood as an ingredient in their traditional dishes.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Pork blood
- Pork meat
- Breadcrumbs
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
The blood and meat are then mixed together with the other ingredients while being constantly stirred to ensure an even mixture. Once combined, the mix is stuffed into casings and put through a cooking process that results in a firm-textured sausage.
Nutritional Information
Cooked blood sausage is a protein-rich dish, with a typical serving containing around 15 grams of protein. The sausage contains a good amount of iron and phosphorus, key minerals beneficial to the body. Vitamins in the sausage vary based on the recipe and the ingredients used.
Shelf Life of Cooked Blood Sausage
The shelf life of cooked blood sausage varies based on how it is stored and the storage temperature. Proper storage, handling, and temperature control can extend its shelf life, while improper care can drastically shorten it.
Refrigeration
Cooked blood sausage stored in a refrigerator will last for up to four days. To ensure freshness over this period, always store cooked blood sausage in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.
Freezing
If you need to make your cooked blood sausage last longer, refrigerating it for 2-3 days before transferring it to a freezer is recommended. When stored in the freezer, cooked blood sausages remain fresh for up to six months. Labeling your sausages with dates will help to keep track of when they should be consumed.
Vacuum Sealing
Alternatively, vacuum sealing cooked blood sausages can prolong their shelf life from six months to one year. Vacuum sealing prevents oxygen from penetrating the packaging, thereby reducing oxidation, microbial attack and spoilage; however, once opened, vacuum-sealed treats are only as good as its most perishable ingredient.
Factors that Affect Shelf Life
- Temperature:The temperature at which cooked blood sausages are kept plays a major role in their shelf life. If the environment is too warm, the sausage will spoil quickly. Ideally, it should be stored at a temperature of between 34°F to 40°F.
- Air Exposure: Exposing cooked blood sausages to the air leads to oxidation, which breaks down the fats and leads to spoilage. Avoid keeping cooked blood sausages in areas that are exposed to air and moisture as this will shorten their shelf life.
How to Tell if Cooked Blood Sausage Has Gone Bad?
To ensure that your cooked blood sausage is safe to eat, you need to know how to spot whether it has gone bad or not:
- Discoloration: Discard any sausage that appears grey or green in colour; this indicates spoilage, and can even be indicative of mold.
- Foul Smell:If your cooked blood sausage smells off or has an unpleasant odour, do not consume it.
- Slimy Texture: If your cooked blood sausage has a slimy texture or feels slick to the touch, throw it away immediately as it may be unsafe for consumption
Ways to Use Up Leftover Cooked Blood Sausage
If you have leftovers no longer suitable for consumption, there are several ways you can use them up instead of tossing them away:
- Consume small amounts of sausages as toppings on pizza.
- Add leftover sausage pieces into omelets or scrambled eggs for breakfast.
- Incubating them into stew is another recommended solution
Safety Precautions When Handling Cooked Blood Sausage
It is essential to follow proper safety procedures when handling, storing and preparing cooked blood sausage to keep yourself and anyone consuming the meal safe. Use the following tips:
- Storage: Store cooked blood sausages in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent oxidation.
- Heating: Always ensure that you heat your cooked blood sausage before consumption adequately. Sausages that are not heated well can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning or other health issues.
- Cooking Temperature:Cook all meat products thoroughly at 165°F before serving to avoid being exposed to any harmful bacteria.
Conclusion
Cooked Blood Sausage is a dish enjoyed by many worldwide with hundreds of years passed upon it. Correct storage, handling, and temperature control are fundamental for keeping the sausage fresher for longer. Always be sure to cook the meats correctly and observe safety precautions when handling them.
References
- The Spruce Eats: Exploring What Blood Sausage Is All About.
- Taste Atlas: The History & Use of Blood Sausage Around the World
How Long Can Cooked Blood Sausage Last in the Fridge?
The cooked blood sausage can last for up to 7 days when kept properly in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking.
Can You Freeze Cooked Blood Sausage?
Absolutely! Cooked blood sausage can last for up to three months in the freezer. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container before storing it in the freezer.
How Do You Know If Cooked Blood Sausage Has Gone Bad?
There are signs to look out for when checking if the cooked blood sausage has gone bad. These include an off smell, slimy texture, discoloration, mold growth, and sour taste. When you notice any of these signs, discard the cooked blood sausage immediately.
What Are Some Tips for Properly Storing Cooked Blood Sausage?
To ensure that your cooked blood sausage lasts as long as possible, you should store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keep it in the fridge at all times if not eating right away and make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking.
