How Long Does Frozen Venison Sausage Last?

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Venison sausage is a great addition to any meal or as just a standalone snack.

But if you have extra meat that you want to store, how long does frozen venison sausage last?

Read on to discover the best way to store venison sausage and the proper amount of time to store it.

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How Long Does Frozen Venison Sausage Last?

Venison sausage typically lasts up to three months in the freezer. However, if it is stored properly, some experts say that venison sausage can last up to two years. However, if you are storing it that long, you run the risk of losing nutrients and freshness.

How Long Does Frozen Venison Sausage Last

How to Properly Store Venison Sausage in the Freezer

There is plenty of debate over how long you can store venison sausage in the freezer. Most storing times are going to affect the quality of the meat.

The best thing to do if you are worried about the future quality of your venison sausage is to vacuum seal it.

This will prolong the life of the meat without causing as much harm as if you did not vacuum seal it.

In addition to vacuum sealing, you could use freezer paper around the edges of the sausage. Simply tape the flaps shut to block out any moisture and freezer burn.

Vacuum Seal Bags

Quick Tips for Storing in Freezer

A zip lock bag will only take you so far in storing venison sausage for the long term. While vacuuming sealing or freezer paper is crucial, you need to consider a few more things.

These tips include:

  • Make sure freezer temperatures stay consistent at zero degrees Fahrenheit
  • Do not constantly change from one temp to another before freezing
  • Know how long you have had the meat after processing

Are You Able to Refreeze Venison Sausage?

In most cases, you can refreeze venison sausage and other cuts of venison more than one time. However, there are some exceptions or situations that you should not.

If the venison sausage, or any type of meat, has sat in a room temperature environment for around two hours, then you should not freeze it again.

According to the Department of Agriculture, thawed meat in the refrigerator can be frozen again but it will likely lose quality and flavor.

Quick Tips for Thawing in Refrigerator

Thawing in the refrigerator is the best option for most meats, including venison sausage. After it has thawed in the refrigerator, you have up to two or three days to consume it.

Do not thaw venison sausage at room temperature.

If you change your mind about eating it, you cannot freeze it again. Instead, let it thaw in the refrigerator so that you have the option to freeze it again.

Here are some tips relating to this method:

  • Leave frozen venison sausage in the fridge for at least 12 hours to thaw
  • Refrigerator temps need to be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Avoid using a microwave to thaw. If you must use this, you need to consume it immediately since you cannot freeze it again
  • Store venison sausage on the bottom shelf to help avoid cross-contamination

Do Certain Types of Venison Sausage Last Longer in the Freezer?

Whether it is raw, cooked, in patties, or links, each one has a slightly different freezing life.

Raw venison sausage can last from a few months up to a year in the freezer, versus smoked venison sausage which can last anywhere from six months to a year.

For cooked venison sausage, you should not freeze it any longer than three months for the best quality.

When it comes to the different types of venison sausage, it really does not matter a lot. The biggest differences in freezing time were between cooked and raw sausages.

How to Check if Venison Sausage is Still Good

Venison is a red meat similar to beef but has slightly different characteristics.

When deer meat goes bad, there are a few signs to keep an eye on.

  • Gray colors on the meat usually indicate it is going bad
  • A strong smell, that is somewhat earthy or pungent
  • Slimy texture, somewhat hard (no longer frozen)

Venison should be a vibrant red color, similar to other red meats you have likely cooked.

For this, simply use your best judgment and your senses to the best of your ability.