What Is Summer Sausage, and Does It Need to Be Refrigerated?

Summer sausage is one of the most beloved traditional cured meats, especially here in Wisconsin. Whether you see it on a holiday platter, a hunting trip, or a backyard snack table, summer sausage delivers a rich, smoky, satisfying flavor that everyone seems to love. But many people still have questions about summer sausage:

  • What exactly is summer sausage?

  • Does summer sausage need to be refrigerated?

At Wisconsin River Meats, where we proudly make authentic, handcrafted summer sausage in small batches, we believe in giving you straightforward answers about how these traditional sausages are made, stored, and enjoyed.

What Is Summer Sausage?

Summer sausage is a type of cured, smoked sausage traditionally made from a blend of beef and pork, although you might see varieties using venison or other wild game. The name “summer sausage” goes back to a time before refrigeration, when people needed a way to preserve meat safely through the warm summer months.

Summer sausage is typically:

  • Cured with salt, spices, and curing salts (like sodium nitrite) to prevent spoilage

  • Fermented to create a tangy, distinctive flavor

  • Smoked to add flavor and further protect against harmful bacteria

  • Dried to reduce moisture and extend shelf life

All of these steps mean summer sausage is safe to store unrefrigerated until opened, making it perfect for picnics, camping trips, hunting cabins, or lunch boxes.

At Wisconsin River Meats, we craft our summer sausage in small batches with carefully chosen spices, high-quality beef and pork, and a true hardwood smoke for an authentic, satisfying flavor you can trust.

What Does Summer Sausage Taste Like?

Summer sausage has a mildly tangy, smoky, and peppery flavor. Compared to fresh sausage, it is more firm and sliceable, making it great for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or snacking straight from the fridge.

You might notice these flavors:

  • Garlic and mustard seed for a savory backbone

  • Black pepper for a gentle bite

  • Smoke from a traditional hardwood process

  • Mild tang from fermentation

The result is a balanced, bold sausage with a longer shelf life than fresh meat.

Does Summer Sausage Need to Be Refrigerated?

Before you open it, summer sausage does not need to be refrigerated.

Because summer sausage is fully cured, smoked, and dried, it is shelf-stable for weeks or even months, depending on how it was packaged. That’s one of the reasons it was so valuable historically, since people could store it through the summer without spoilage.

However:

  • Once you open summer sausage, you must refrigerate it.

  • Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container or wrapped tightly.

  • After opening, summer sausage is best eaten within about three weeks for top flavor and texture.

If you plan to store it longer after opening, you can also freeze summer sausage. Just slice it, wrap it in freezer-safe packaging, and store it for up to six months.

How Long Does Summer Sausage Last?

Unopened: summer sausage can last several months at room temperature, thanks to curing, fermentation, and smoking. Always check the best-by date on the package.

After opening: summer sausage should be refrigerated and eaten within 2 to 3 weeks.

Frozen: properly frozen summer sausage can stay good for up to six months, but the texture might soften slightly after thawing.

How to Serve Summer Sausage

Summer sausage is one of the most versatile cured meats. Here are some ideas:

  • Slice it for a charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, and pickles

  • Dice it into a chef salad for extra protein

  • Fry it lightly for a hearty breakfast side

  • Pack it in a hunting or camping cooler as a shelf-stable protein source

  • Layer on sandwiches with mustard and Swiss cheese

  • Snack on it right from the fridge for quick energy

Pairing summer sausage with sharp cheddar, spicy mustard, or crusty rye bread is a Wisconsin tradition that’s hard to beat.

Summer Sausage: A Wisconsin Tradition

At Wisconsin River Meats, we take pride in making small-batch summer sausage with premium cuts of meat, real spices, and authentic hardwood smoke. We never rely on artificial flavors or shortcuts, so you can trust the flavor and quality in every bite.

Our summer sausage is:

  • Carefully blended from beef and pork

  • Seasoned with traditional garlic, pepper, and mustard seed

  • Slowly smoked and fermented for authentic tang

  • Vacuum-packed for a long shelf life

Check out our summer sausage collection here to experience the flavor of true Wisconsin craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is summer sausage cooked or raw?
Summer sausage is fully cooked during the smoking process, so it is safe to eat right out of the package.

Why is it called summer sausage?
Historically, it was cured to last through warm summer months without refrigeration.

How do I know if summer sausage has gone bad?
Look for mold, a sour or off smell, or slimy texture. When in doubt, throw it out.

What is the best way to store summer sausage?
Keep unopened sausage in a cool, dry place. After opening, refrigerate it in a sealed bag or airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Summer sausage is a time-honored, practical, and flavorful food that connects people to traditional meat craftsmanship. Whether you’re slicing it for a snack tray, packing it for the woods, or serving it at a family gathering, this cured sausage is a satisfying treat that lasts longer than fresh meat and needs no refrigeration until you open it.

If you’re looking for real, small-batch summer sausage with authentic smoke flavor and old-world spice blends, Wisconsin River Meats is here to help.

Shop our handcrafted summer sausage today and bring home the taste of Wisconsin tradition.

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