Dry salami, sometimes known as hard salami or cured salami, is one of our personal favorites. This salty, tangy, delicious dried meat is incredibly versatile. Dry salami is a fermented sausage, originating in Europe. Today, it is enjoyed globally! One of our favorite things about a true dry cured salami is that it doesn’t need to be refrigerated! Yet, it is important to make sure your salami is dry cured. We’ll go into this later on.
It can be tough to sift through the vast amount of information available online. Leave the work to us! In this article, we will dive into the most important considerations when storing dry salami. Can you really keep this meat in your pantry?
We will also discuss some of the history and background of dry salami and some of our favorite uses for it! This product is so fun and unique.
By the end of this article, we’re sure you’ll feel confident about your chosen storage methods.
Let’s dive in.
Now, for the question that brought you here! Should I keep my dry salami in the fridge?
Does Dry Salami Need To Be Refrigerated?
In short, no it does not need to be refrigerated. Dry salami is completely safe to store on the shelf. Shocking, isn’t it? A shelf-stable meat!
Simple and easy storage is one of the major selling features of this meat. Curing and drying meat is an original method of preservation, dating back thousands of years. Prior to refrigeration, this was imperative to food safety.
Dry cured salami is excellent for outdoor activities, thanks to its natural preservation. Personally, we love to take it on hikes! Place it in a baggy or sealed container and throw it in your backpack – no refrigeration necessary! It’s an excellent choice as a protein-packed snack to fuel you on the trail.
Preserved sausage, such as dry salami, is also great on charcuterie and appetizer boards. You don’t have to worry about leaving this type of meat out on the counter as your guests graze.
An important factor to keep in mind is that many commercially produced dry salamis are not true dry salami. When purchasing a dry salami from the grocery store, always refer to the storage instructions on the package.
The reality is, slowly drying and curing hard salami is not very economical for big companies. Smaller producers and artisanal brands may sell true dry salami. First, always follow the guidelines on the package!
If your salami requires refrigeration, it should be stored in the fridge at all times.
However, even if you have a true dry salami, you may decide to refrigerate it anyway. It can help improve its shelf-life. Read on to find out more!
Table 2: Dry Salami Storage Recommendations
| Storage Method | Shelf Life | Additional Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | Several Months | Ensure salami is truly dry cured. |
| Refrigerator | Extended | Wrap in butcher paper for better results. |
| Freezer | Up to 6 months | Vacuum-seal for longer freezer life. |
| Charcuterie Board | Hours to a Day | Ideal for serving during gatherings. |
How Does Fermentation Work?
Fermentation is a traditional method of food preservation. Dry salami is naturally preserved through this process.
Are you familiar with fermentation? You’ve probably heard of fermented goods like kombucha and sauerkraut. But, what about meat?
The same process of fermentation applies to meat. Fermenting the meat lowers the pH, preventing the growth of bacteria that lead to food spoilage. The fermentation process also lends salami its tangy flavor. This acidic flavor comes from the lactic acid produced by “good bacteria” as they grow.
Prior to fermentation, the meat is cured with salt and spices, further preventing bacterial growth. The salt and spices also broaden the flavor profile of the dry salami. Delicious!
The unique flavor of salami is what makes it a favorite of food connoisseurs.
After fermentation, the salami is dried. It will continue drying as long as it is exposed to air.
What Are The Benefits of Refrigerating Dry Salami?
Refrigeration may be your best bet, even if your salami is deemed shelf-stable. Dry salami will continue to dry while it sits on the counter or in your pantry. The salami will become less palatable as it dries further. It may eventually become too tough and chewy for you to enjoy.
Butchers who make dry salami claim that the product “needs to breathe” to maintain its quality. If you decide to refrigerate it, simply wrap it in butcher paper (which allows air to pass through) and put it in the fridge. This is a great storage method for salami.
Refrigeration will help slow the drying process of the meat. In turn, refrigeration increases the shelf-life. The cool temperature allows you to enjoy your salami for as long as possible!
Table 3: Dry Salami Pairings
| Dry Salami Type | Wine Pairing | Cheese Pairing | Accompaniments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genoa Salami | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay | Provolone, Brie | Olives, Fresh Baguette |
| Soppressata | Syrah, Sangiovese | Asiago, Manchego | Fig Jam, Marcona Almonds |
| Chorizo | Tempranillo, Rioja | Blue Cheese, Chèvre | Spanish Olives, Bread |
| Milano Salami | Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot | Gouda, Swiss | Mustard, Cornichons |
| Hungarian Salami | Cabernet Sauvignon, Tokaji | Camembert, Feta | Pickled Peppers, Rye Bread |
The Final Scoop
Cured, fermented, and dried. These methods give traditional dry salami its long shelf-life and simple storage requirements.
Think of a butcher in Italy. Imagine the cured and fermented sausages hanging as they dry in the Italian air. Dry salami brings this image to life.
As we’ve discussed, if you have a true hard salami you can safely store it in your pantry. Oh, the beauty of traditional preservation methods. They are still so useful today!
Remember, you should always first follow the recommendations on the label. Some of the dry salami you find in grocery stores has been processed quickly and is not fully preserved. This type of salami will need refrigeration and it should state this on the package.
If you intend to store your salami for an extended amount of time, try using a breathable cover. Pair this with the refrigerator. Using this storage method, your charcuterie boards are sure to wow your guests!
In short, make sure you know what kind of salami you have before deciding how to store it. The refrigerator may be best, but a true dry salami can be stored in a dry, aerated space.
FAQS
We hope this article “Does Dry Salami Need To Be Refrigerated?”has helped you determine how to best store your dry salami.
We would love to hear your ideas and experiences with this delicious, savory treat.
Have you ever tried making your own dry salami?
Do you have a favorite brand that you pick up from the shop?
Let us know below!
Up Next: Can You Freeze Salami? How Long Does It Last? (Simple Answer)
