Are you wondering how long your precious salami can survive in the depths of your fridge? Well, don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into the shelf life of salami and give you some tips on how to keep it fresh for as long as possible. So, grab a slice of salami and let’s get started!
NOTE: This article was reviewed by Melissa Macher, Registered Dietician and Food Scientist for safety and accuracy.
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How Long Does Salami Last in the Fridge?
Salami is a delicious Italian sausage made from a mix of meat and spices. This meat is then dry cured, which is part of what makes it delicious, as well as what helps it to stay good!
Because salami is cured, it can last for 6 weeks on the counter or for a few months when left in the fridge and uncut. Once you slice salami, it must be kept in the fridge and consumed within 3 weeks. If your salami has a best-by date on the package, you should consume the salami before that date.
Read on to learn more about how long salami lasts in the fridge as well as some important salami storage tips.
How Long Does Salami Last?
How long your salami will last depends on how you store it and how much you plan to consume.
Unopened Salami
Unopened salami will stay good for about 6 weeks when not stored in the fridge and almost indefinitely when stored in the fridge. If your unopened salami has a best-by date, however, ensure you plan to consume the salami before the listed date.
Open/Sliced Salami
Once salami has been opened or sliced, it makes it much easier for bacteria to get into the meat. This is why you must store opened salami in the fridge. Additionally, you need to eat it within 3 weeks of the day you first opened or sliced it.
Cooked Salami
Cooked salami, or deli salami, is different than dry salami, and thus has different storage requirements. It has more moisture than dry salami, so it must be refrigerated. Cooked sausage can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks unopened. Once opened it can be kept for up to 7 days in the fridge.
How Long Can Salami Sit Out?
Salami is a common party food and is often featured on charcuterie boards. Salami is stable at room temperature, but remember that once it is sliced, bacteria are able to access the meat. For this reason, you shouldn’t leave sliced salami out in the open for longer than 2 hours.
Once the 2 hours have passed, it’s best to throw the salami away otherwise, you risk becoming ill with a foodborne illness.
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How Can You Tell if Salami Has Gone Bad?
Have you found an old bit of salami tucked in the back of the fridge? Here is how you can tell that it has gone bad.
1. The Color
Salamis are usually pink or red and have a little bit of white on the exterior. This white exterior is mold, but it is a good type of mold and is okay to consume. If your salami has any green, gray, black, or brown fuzz, however, this is bad mold, and you must throw the salami away.
2. The Smell
Salami has a delicious smell when it is fresh. If you take a whiff of your salami and smell sewage or rotten eggs, then know that your salami has probably gone bad.
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3. The Feel
If your salami looks and smells okay, the next step is to touch it. Salami should be smooth and moist to the touch but not slimy. If your salami feels slimy or dry and hard, then it has gone bad, and you should throw it away.
What Happens if You Eat Bad Salami?
If you eat salami that has gone bad, then you run the risk of contracting food poisoning. Food poisoning usually leads to an upset stomach and fever or chills. Severe cases of food poisoning can lead to hospitalization.
If you have already consumed bad salami, then it is best to wait and see if you develop any symptoms. If you experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, then be sure to contact your healthcare provider for advice.
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How to Store Salami
The main reason salami goes bad is that it has been exposed to oxygen. This means the best way to store your salami is in a way that it won’t be exposed to the air.
It is best not to slice your salami until you are ready to consume it. Any salami you don’t consume should be put in an air-tight container and stored in the fridge.
It is also better to store your salami away from the light in your fridge. If you have a vacuum sealer, this can go a long way toward preserving your salami.
Tips for Keeping Salami Fresh
- If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to store your salami. Place the vacuum-sealed bag in the fridge.
- Keep your salami away from direct light. Both while you are slicing and storing it.
- Unopened salami should be kept in a dark, and cool place where it won’t be exposed to the sun.
- There are special salami storage boxes. One of these may go a long way toward keeping your salami fresh if you frequently consume salami.
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How Long Does Salami Last FAQ:
Is Salami Good After 10 Days?
Salami, if unopened, is definitely good after 10 days. If you have already opened your salami, however, as long as it has been kept in the fridge, it should still be good. Check the best-by date to be sure before you consume it.
Can You Eat 2-Week-Old Salami?
Because salami is dry-aged, it will stay good for at least two weeks as long as it has been refrigerated. If your salami has not been refrigerated, as long as it isn’t sliced or opened, it should still be safe to consume after two weeks.
How Long is Deli Salami Good?
Unfortunately, deli salami is very different from the whole salami we are discussing in this article. Deli salami, since it is aged differently and already sliced, is only good in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
