Chorizo is a delicious sausage that you can find in different preparations. There is a wide variety of chorizos, but within the article, I will divide them into the most famous and teach you how to store the Spanish chorizo and Mexican chorizo.
Mexican chorizo is raw meat area, so it should be kept in the fridge for 1 to 2 days once the packaging is opened or frozen for 1 to 3 months. On the other hand, you should store Spanish chorizo at room temperature for at least one month.
The methods of preserving chorizos are straightforward to apply, so keep reading to know how to do it correctly.
Keep Spanish chorizo at room temperature
The Spanish chorizo is usually identified by its smoky flavor and hard consistency, whereas you can buy semi-cured or cured. You eat the cured chorizo directly, but if it is semi-cured, it will need cooking.
To better preserve its flavor, the proper way to store this chorizo is at room temperature, and you must take into account the following steps to make it correct.
- Step 1. Choose a place to store
When storing the chorizo, you must make sure that the place is dry, cool, and as dark as possible.
- Step 2. Keep away from high temperatures
More than a step, it is a recommendation, but you got to make sure you prevent them from being near heat sources such as the stove or the direct rays of the sun.
- Step 3. Hang the chorizos
Keep them hanging and separated from each other to prevent them from sweating. If you have already cut a piece, make sure that the cut part remains facing down.
- Step 4. Cover the part that remains open
If you have already started using the chorizo, make sure to cover the part that is open well. You can do this by smearing a little olive oil to prevent it from becoming rancid and covering it with film paper.
You can keep the Spanish chorizo in perfect condition for at least one month.
Store chorizos in the fridge
Fresh or Mexican chorizo is usually softer and juicier because it usually has more fat. As a raw product, you must keep it in the refrigerator, whether it remains sealed or you have opened it.
If it is sealed, just keep it in the fridge until its expiration date, but if you have opened it and intend to prepare the rest in a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator by following the following steps.
- Step 1. Transfer to an airtight container
Remove the remaining chorizos from their container and place them in an airtight container.
- Step 2. Avoid contact with air
Ensure that the container is well covered to prevent contact with the refrigerator air and remain juicy.
- Step 3. Store in the fridge
Finally, make space and store it in the fridge. You can keep the chorizo for 1 to 2 more days. [1]
How to freeze chorizo
Can you freeze the chorizos? Of course. It is possible and a clever way to store the chorizos for the long term. However, this works only in the case of Mexican chorizos.
These are the steps you should follow to freeze the chorizos.
- Step 1. Separate by portions
The first thing to do is to take them out of the package and separate them by potions to make it easier to cook them later.
- Step 2. Place them in ziplock bags
After you have the portions, store them separately in freezer bags. Make sure you seal the bag tightly to prevent them from drying out with the cold air in the freezer.
- Step 3. Store in the freezer
You can store the bag directly in the freezer or place it inside a container with a lid and then store it in the freezer.
You can store the frozen chorizo for 1 to 3 months. [1]
How to know if the chorizo is bad?
As with any other food, we must always make sure that the chorizo is in good condition before consuming it.
These are some of the indications that the chorizo has been damaged.
- Mold growth is a sign of deterioration when you store it for a long time or in damp places.
- In the case of Mexican chorizo, you can observe the appearance of a sticky layer due to the development of fungi
- If the fat of the cured chorizo turns a yellowish color, discard it
- Another clear indication is the change in the color of the chorizo and the rancid smell that it gives off when it is in poor condition.
How long the chorizo lasts
How long does chorizo last? The shelf life of the chorizo varies depending on how it is purchased and how it is stored. In the following table, you may find the answer.
| Product | Duration time |
| Chorizo cured at room temperature | 1 month |
| Fresh chorizo in the fridge | 1 to 2 days |
| Fresh chorizo in the freezer | 1 to 3 months |
What is the best way to preserve chorizos?
The best way to preserve the chorizo will depend on its purchase. In the case of Spanish chorizo, it always comes cured or semi-cured, and the best will always be to keep it at room temperature, following the conservation indications to maximize its lifetime.
Fresh chorizo, also known as Mexican chorizo, is usually raw, softer, and fattier; therefore, you should keep it at low temperatures. Its shelf life is longer if you keep it on its packaging, but it should be consumed immediately or refrigerated for 1 or 2 days once opened. If you want to extend its durability, you can choose to freeze it for a maximum of 3 months.
If you liked reading how to preserve chorizo and it has been helpful, check the website where you will find interesting posts related to the storage and conservation of different foods.
[1] https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/sausages-and-food-safety