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How to Store Fresh and Dry Sausages to Prevent Spoilage

The Lunar New Year celebrations, especially for the Chinese community in Vietnam, are incomplete without the iconic lap xuong sausage. This festive delicacy has become a staple for the Chinese community, but what is lap xuong, and why is it so significant for the Lunar New Year? Discover the answers and explore the traditions and preservation methods behind this savory treat in the article that follows.

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11 July, 2024

Preserving Chinese Sausage: A Traditional Delicacy

Just like the Vietnamese, the Chinese community in Vietnam celebrates Tet, the Lunar New Year, with ancestral offerings. One of the signature dishes on their altar is Chinese sausage, symbolizing a connection to their roots and a wish for happiness and prosperity. Chinese sausage, with its resemblance to a string of red envelopes, is believed to bring good fortune and wealth.

Chinese sausage is also a practical choice for the lengthy festive season as it has a long shelf life and can be enjoyed over several days. However, improper storage can lead to spoilage within a few days. So, read on to discover effective ways to preserve this delicacy.

1. What is Chinese Sausage?

Chinese sausage, also known as “lap xuong” in Vietnam, originated in China and was later introduced to Vietnam. It is made from a combination of pork, pork fat, sugar, salt, a touch of rice wine, and various spices. These ingredients are stuffed into dry pork casings and naturally fermented to achieve a distinctive flavor.

While traditional Chinese sausage is made with pork, modern variations include shrimp and beef, offering a diverse range of flavors.

2. Distinguishing Fresh and Dried Chinese Sausage

Chinese sausage typically comes in two varieties: fresh and dried. Fresh Chinese sausage is usually short, about the length of a finger, and is sold in sealed bags or tied into long strings. It has a reddish-pink color, speckled with peppercorns, and is marinated in a special rice wine.

Dried Chinese sausage, on the other hand, comes in various shapes and sizes, ranging from a gang hand’s length to shorter pieces. It tends to have a dull red color, and the meat is not as translucent as its fresh counterpart.

See also: Guide to Distinguishing Fresh and Dried Chinese Sausage

3. Preservation Techniques

The preservation methods differ for fresh and dried Chinese sausage.

For Fresh Chinese Sausage:

Place the sausage in an airtight container or wrap it in absorbent paper before putting it in a sealed plastic bag. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 15 days. If you opt for the freezer, it will last even longer.

You can also hang the sausage in a dry place or in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about a month. For extended preservation, try this trick: place the sausage in a large pot and cover it with fresh coconut water, heating it over low heat until the liquid evaporates. Once cooled, transfer the sausage to the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for two to six months.

See also: Creative Ways to Use Chinese Sausage

For Dried Chinese Sausage:

Spray the sausage with white wine and store it in a sealed jar. This method will keep the sausage edible for up to six months without compromising its flavor.

Alternatively, place the sausage in a container with a glass of white wine to repel insects. Remember to change the wine occasionally. Another option is to hang the sausage in a sealed plastic bag in a well-ventilated area, preferably with sunlight. The sausage will last longer with this method.

If you have leftover dried sausage, store it in the freezer, not the refrigerator, as the latter’s humidity can cause mold.

Chinese sausage holds cultural significance for both the Vietnamese and Chinese communities in Vietnam, symbolizing hopes for a prosperous new year. Now that you understand the importance of this delicacy, you can ensure its longevity with these effective preservation techniques, keeping it tasty for your festive celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

To store fresh sausages, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Then, store them in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the bottom shelf at the back. Fresh sausages can be stored for up to 2 days using this method.

Dry sausages have a longer shelf life compared to fresh sausages. Store dry sausages in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Once opened, transfer the sausages to an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last for up to 3 weeks when stored properly.

Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of both fresh and dry sausages. Wrap the sausages tightly in freezer-safe wrap or place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

There are a few signs to look out for when determining if sausages have gone bad. If there is any discoloration, sliminess, or unusual odors, discard the sausages immediately. Additionally, if the packaging is damaged or the sausages have been left unrefrigerated for an extended period, it’s best to throw them out.

Always cook sausages thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to ensure that the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw sausages separate from other foods and washing your hands and utensils after handling raw sausages.