When To Toss Out That Leftover Salami

The that led to a massive recall last year has led to more caution when handling deli meats. Processed meats like salami last longer than others due to the curing process which involves adding salt and preservative chemicals. In its hard, dry form, (spoiler: that's normal).

If purchasing freshly sliced or pre-packaged cold cuts, the salami will have more moisture, which means it should be stored carefully to avoid bacteria like Listeria from breeding on it. Unopened dry salami is shelf stable, meaning it doesn't have to be refrigerated to stay edible. Once the casing is opened, move the leftovers to the refrigerator.



Dry salami will keep for up to 3 weeks after opening. Should fuzzy black or green mold start to grow on the salami or should it become excessively dry, it's no longer safe to eat. Packages of cold cuts typically carry , though it's more of a guide than a hard end-date.

Even unopened, this form of salami will only last two weeks when refrigerated. After the package is opened, the remaining meat will only keep for three to five more days. Rather than drying out, you can tell salami sliced for lunch meat is going bad if it becomes overly slimy in texture.

Bad lunch meat will also give a strong telltale aroma reminiscent of rotten eggs, so definitely throw it out if the smell is overpowering. Storage methods to keep salami fresh Unopened dry salami is shelf stable, meaning that if it's kept in a cool dry place, it will stay fresh for up to 6 weeks. However, it will only get drier with time, so it's best to store it in the fridge even if unopened.

When storing opened dry salami in the refrigerator, simply cover it in butcher paper or a or place it in a brown paper bag. Containing the salami in something porous helps prevent the meat from drying out too quickly. Cold cuts are especially susceptible to growing bacteria if not stored at the correct temperature.

The USDA recommends lunch meats be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Be sure to refrigerate any deli-sliced salami as soon as possible. If the salami did not come packaged in a resealable bag, transfer it to one (or an ) once you've opened its packaging.

Store in your refrigerator's dedicated meat drawer, should it have one. Recommended.