Conservation
Cold cuts and sausage preservation: a complete guide
Introduction to the guide
Proper storage of cured meats and sausages is essential to preserve their quality, authentic flavor and safety. Each type of product, from whole cured meats to fresh sausages, requires specific handling to keep its characteristics intact. In this
By following the “Golden Rules” and recommendations for temperature andhumidity management, you will have all the tips you need to avoid waste, maintain freshness, and make the most of every taste of cold cuts and sausages.
Difference between Cold Cuts and Sausages
The distinction between cured meats and sausages is crucial to understanding how they are stored and used in cooking.
Salumi: this term encompasses meat products cured by processes such as salting, drying or smoking. Typically made from
Sausages: sausages are part of the cured meat family, but differ in their preparation. In these products, meat is
Basic Rules for Preservation
Keeping cold cuts and sausages fresh and tasty requires some basic precautions:
Protection from air: cut parts should be covered with cling film or aluminum foil to prevent oxidation and moisture loss. To best preserve freshness, sealed containers or airtight bags can be used.
Cool and dry place: when possible, store cold cuts in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent them from spoiling over time.
Refrigerator for cooked products: cooked or already sliced cold cuts should be stored in the refrigerator. By placing them in the least cold part of the refrigerator, direct contact with excessive cold is avoided, thus preserving their texture and flavor.
Vacuum and Cellar Storage
To ensure optimal and longer-lasting preservation, techniques such as vacuum storagein the cellar can be exploited:
Vacuum preservation: by removing air, the vacuum slows the formation of mold and reduces fat oxidation. This method allows cold cuts to be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 months. After opening the package, they should be consumed within a few days.
Cellar storage: for whole artisan cured meats, a cool, dry cellar is ideal. Hanging them in a room with a temperature between 15°C and 20°C protects them from moisture and spoilage, allowing perfect storage for 2-3 months. The cut side should be covered with gauze or linen cloth to avoid contact with surfaces that can generate mold.
Refrigerator Storage
Properly storing cold cuts and sausages in the refrigerator allows them to retain their authentic flavor and freshness:
Whole cured meats: cured meats such as prosciutto and salami, which undergo a long aging process, can be stored whole in the refrigerator or cellar. If kept in a humidity-controlled environment, they can last up to several weeks after opening.
Cooked and sliced cold cuts: cooked cold cuts such as cooked ham and mortadella should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, with temperatures between +2°C and +4°C, and consumed within 5 days of opening to preserve the taste.
Vacuum storage: vacuum-packed products retain flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Once opened, it is advisable to consume them within a week by covering them properly.
Moisture and Seasoning
The degree of humidity and seasoning affect the shelf life and storage methods of cured meats:
Soft, fresh cured meats: products such as bacon and lard contain more moisture and, as a result, deteriorate more quickly. It is essential to store them in the refrigerator and consume them quickly.
Cured meats: more seasoned meats such as salami Milano are drier and harder, which allows for longer storage. For these products, a well-ventilated cellar or the least cold part of the refrigerator is sufficient.
The Golden Rules for Conservation.
Here are some practical rules for keeping cold cuts fresh and tasty longer:
Buy high-quality products: prefer cold cuts processed according to tradition and hygienic standards.
Prefer whole cured meats or slices-they retain flavor better and reduce oxidation compared to pre-sliced products.
Hang cured meats: whole meats store well in the cellar, away from moisture and direct light. The cut part should be wrapped in gauze or linen cloth to preserve freshness.
Store cooked products in the refrigerator: cooked cold cuts, such as cooked ham and mortadella, should be kept at a temperature between +2°C and +4°C.
Consume cold cuts fresh: once sliced, cold cuts should be consumed quickly, ideally within 5 days, as oxidation compromises taste and quality.
Follow expiration dates for packaged products: pre-sliced deli meats in trays should be consumed by the date indicated; once opened, shelf life is 1 day for cooked and 2-3 days for cured.
Refrigerator temperature: store soft cured meats in the lower part of the refrigerator and cured meats in the upper part to optimize freshness.
