Can salami go bad?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can salami go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not salami can go bad. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of different salamis.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Can salami go bad?
So like all other food items salami does go bad after a certain time and will develop an unpleasant aroma and flavor. The time it takes for the salami to go bad varies depending upon the ingredient present in its formulation and the storage conditions in which it is kept.
You should do a sensory evaluation of your salami to reach a final verdict whether or not it has gone bad. Certain indicators point out whether or not your salami has gone bad. You have to consider the appearance, texture, and smell of salami to give a final verdict about it.
Appearance
If you spot molds (when salami is improperly stored in a humid environment for too long) or other organic growth on your salami, then the best thing you can do is to get rid of the salami as it is an indication of bad salami.
If you notice brown, black, green, or grey fuzzy specks on your salami then it is an indication of bad salami.
Moreover, if you notice that salami has discolored or if it has grey ends then it is better to toss it out.
It is worth mentioning that if you spot a mold on the surface of your salami you should refrain from smelling it as the molds can produce mycotoxins in the bad salami and if you smell such salami, they will go into your body via inhalation, and there they can disrupt your natural microflora, thus they can weaken your immune system.
Texture
If your salami has hardened too much then it is an indication that it is past its prime age. Moreover, if you notice that your salami is slimy then it is better to toss it out.
Smell
If you smell something acidic, or putrid while taking a sniff test of your salami then it is an indication of bad salami and the best thing you can do is to get rid of it.
What are the health implications of eating bad salami?
If you have accidentally devoured salami that has gone bad, it can result in food poisoning that is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, weakness, headaches, and dehydration.
A mild food poisoning lasts for about a day or two while a more persistent case of food poisoning can last for about 10 days.
- Diarrhea is an indication of the body that a certain obnoxious agent has entered it. So consumption of expired or bacteria-laden salami often causes diarrhea.
- Food poisoning after consuming bad salami is characterized by abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is also accompanied by vomiting and nausea in most cases.
- If you have consumed salami that has bacterial growth on it then you will experience nausea and vomiting which is the natural defense of the body to get rid of the unwanted harmful substance that has entered the body.
- Consuming salami that has gone bad will also raise your body temperature and you can experience fever which is the natural defense mechanism of your body and is the indicator that something is off with your body.
So in case you have devoured bad salami and are now suffering from vomiting and diarrhea, you should try to drink as much water as possible so that while the body is getting rid of the toxins in form of diarrhea and vomiting, the water that you drink will protect your body against dehydration that vomiting can otherwise result in.
Moreover, the symptoms of severe and potentially life-threatening food poisoning involve diarrhea persisting for more than 3 days, fever higher than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, symptoms of severe dehydration, and bloody urine. In such a case, you should seek medical help immediately.
How long does salami last?
In the case of unopened salami, it can last for about 4-6 weeks when stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat while it can last for about 6 months when stored properly in the fridge.
Salami deli meat, sliced at the grocery deli counter lasts for about 3-5 days when stored properly in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, when it comes to cooked salami like Mortadella and roasted coppa, unopened cooked salami last for about 2 weeks when stored properly in the fridge while once opened it lasts for about a week when stored in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag in the fridge.
It is worth mentioning that the figures mentioned above are the estimated shelf life of salami.
You can read how to make salami here.
Tips to properly store salami
- You can store your unopened store-bought salami in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat but if you want to prolong its shelf life then it is better to store it in the fridge.
- In the case of opened store-bought salami, it is better to store it in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sliced salami deli meat should be stored properly in the fridge in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.
- If you want to prolong the shelf life of salami then you can even freeze it.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “can salami go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not salami can go bad. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of different salamis.
