Freezing Sausages Question
I usually just cut my game into roasts and the trimmings into ground. But we eat a lot of sausages.
Questions:
1) how long do your game sausages last in the freezer?
2) would it be better to get them made up in batches - freeze some meat and get a new batch of sausage made up in, say, February?
Thanks
Re: Freezing Sausages Question
We do 30 pounds at a time so they usually get eaten in 3 to 4 months.
Re: Freezing Sausages Question
If you use a freezer bag vacuum (foodsaver) it really extends their life in the freezer
Re: Freezing Sausages Question
Hmmm couple suggestions
When making sausage use ice in the water, cold water for soaking hog casings overnight.
Once sausages are made use a poke pin to allow any trapped air to escape.
I use a vacutainer and 4mm bags ..chambersealer..
Check all bags in 1 month for any frost on inside of bag..that one didnt seal..use first.
With those in mind I have had sausage last 24 months.
Cheers
Srupp
Re: Freezing Sausages Question
Good advice above . Also for thought ! You can take frozen meat from the freezer and make sausages form them and then refreeze once sausages are made up . Let the meat defrost in a fridge at safe cold temperatures just above freezing,this is called Tempuring . Meat is best ground at cold temps to prevent fat smearing. Also if you have the room the grinder parts can be cold before using . If you have a cold place to do the processing of the sausages even better !
Arctic Lake
Re: Freezing Sausages Question
Had some (130 pounds) of mixed game sausages made up at a Kamloops butcher but eating that much sausage makes you kind of tired of it so Id say small batches are better but hey, 4 years later, still good!!
Re: Freezing Sausages Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Arctic Lake
Good advice above . Also for thought ! You can take frozen meat from the freezer and make sausages form them and then refreeze once sausages are made up . Let the meat defrost in a fridge at safe cold temperatures just above freezing,this is called Tempuring . Meat is best ground at cold temps to prevent fat smearing. Also if you have the room the grinder parts can be cold before using . If you have a cold place to do the processing of the sausages even better !
Arctic Lake
Hmmm yes the worm gear and housing, plates and grinder knives get placed into freezer for couple hours..so meat doesnt warm up while processing..great point.
Srupp
Re: Freezing Sausages Question
Got some mule deer turned into sausages last November, ate some last night without complaint
Re: Freezing Sausages Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
skibum
I usually just cut my game into roasts and the trimmings into ground. But we eat a lot of sausages.
Questions:
1) how long do your game sausages last in the freezer?
2) would it be better to get them made up in batches - freeze some meat and get a new batch of sausage made up in, say, February?
Thanks
Been making sausage for over 40 years now. We typically do 60lbs at a time without any freezer damage. Every batch is either wrapped with saran wrap, then freezer paper or vacuum sealed. Either one has been good for a year or more.
Re: Freezing Sausages Question
Perfect - thanks for the responses. Like above. I saran wrap and freezer paper my home processed meat - I have had some bad store bought sausage come from the freezer - but should be good with my game meat this year.