I bought a whole Genoa salami in the non-refrigerated section of a specialty store, but I don’t know if it will go in the pantry or the refrigerator. On the counter are salami slices left over from last night’s charcuterie board. Although they have the same name, their storage needs are completely different.
Does salami need to be refrigerated?
Short answer: It depends on the type. Whole, unopened dried salami can be stored and does not need to be refrigerated before opening. Store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 weeks. After cutting, store in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks. Always refrigerate sliced deli salami or cooked salami. If in doubt, store it where you purchased it.
For more information on storing deli meats and processed products, see our food storage guide.
Important points
- Whole dried salami, unopened: No refrigeration required. Cool dry pantry for up to 6 weeks
- Whole dried salami, after cutting: Requires refrigeration. Use up within 3 weeks
- Sliced deli salami (packaged or counter-cut): Always store in the refrigerator. Please use up within 3-5 days after opening
- Cooked salami (mortadella, salami cotto): Always store in the refrigerator. Please use within 7 days after opening
- Rule of Thumb: If sold chilled, keep it cold
Dry Do I need to refrigerate whole dried salami?
No, not before the store opens. Whole, intact, dried salami is a shelf-stable product. The USDA FSIS classifies it, along with pepperoni and other hard or dry sausages, as products that can be stored in a cool, dry pantry without refrigeration for up to six weeks. This is why you’ll find whole salamis hanging unrefrigerated in Italian delis, specialty grocery stores, and some pork stores. The fermentation, salting, and drying processes remove enough moisture and acidity to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria at room temperature.
Freezing whole, unopened salami will greatly extend its lifespan. Unopened dry salted salami will keep indefinitely according to USDA guidelines due to continuous refrigeration, but its best quality is within 6 months before the fat begins to oxidize and the flavor deteriorates.
An important storage precaution when storing whole dried dried salami in the refrigerator is to wrap it loosely in butcher paper or breathable beeswax wrap, rather than tightly sealing it in plastic. Beneficial white Penicillium mold on the casing needs to breathe. Tightly wrapped plastic wrap can trap moisture and cause unwanted mold to grow under the casing.
Does salami need to be refrigerated after being cut?
Yes, right away. Drying When you cut a whole dried salami, the interior is exposed to air and bacteria. Per USDA FSIS guidance, refrigerate cut salami immediately and use within 3 weeks. Wrap the cut end in butcher paper first, then place it loosely in plastic or in a ziplock bag to leave air inside and prevent excess moisture from collecting on the cut end.
Does sliced deli salami need to be refrigerated?
Yes, always. Pre-sliced salami sold in refrigerated packages or cut at the deli counter must be kept cold at all times, whether opened or not. Sliced salami has more surface area, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow than whole salami. Treat sliced salami like any other deli meat. Store below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Please use within 3-5 days after opening. Sliced salami from the deli counter should also be used within 3 to 5 days.
Does cooked salami need to be refrigerated?
Yes, always. Cooked salami varieties, including mortadella, salami cotto, and similar products, are not shelf-stable at any stage. Because it is cooked rather than dried, it retains more moisture and has a shorter shelf life than dry-dried varieties. Always store in the refrigerator. Unopened cooked salami will keep refrigerated for up to two weeks. Once opened, use within 7 days according to USDA guidelines for cooked sausages.
Correct storage method for each type
Whole dried salami (unopened)
- A cool, dry pantry away from heat and moisture. A basement or lower cabinet works well.
- Do not store near stoves or in direct sunlight.
- For maximum shelf life, refrigerate in the original packaging or loosely wrapped in butcher paper.
- Do not seal with airtight plastic. The mold on the casing requires air flow.
Whole dried salami (after cutting)
- Wrap the cut end first in butcher paper or parchment paper, then loosely place it in a plastic bag or ziplock bag.
- Place the refrigerator on a shelf inside the room instead of above the door.
- Use within 3 weeks of first cut.
- It is normal if white mold reappears on the cut edges or casing of your refrigerator. Wipe it off before slicing.
sliced and cooked salami
- Always refrigerate. Do not leave it for more than 2 hours.
- Seal the package tightly after each use or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store indoors on a shelf away from raw meat.
- Sliced deli salami: Please use within 3-5 days after opening.
- Cooked salami: Use within 7 days after opening.
See also
Recipes using salami
Are you processing your sliced salami before turning? It looks beautiful on a grazing or mezze board with cheese, olives, and bread. In addition to being used as a board, it can be folded into a frittata, layered into stromboli, chopped into a pasta salad, or used as a simple pizza topping that crisps up in the oven. For complete USDA guidance on storing dried and cooked sausages, visit USDA FSIS Sausage and Food Safety Page.
FAQ: Is it okay to leave salami overnight?
It depends on the type. It is safe to leave a whole, unopened dry-aged salami in a cool, dry environment overnight. Can be saved. Whole cut salami, or sliced or cooked salami that has been left at room temperature overnight should be discarded. The USDA two-hour rule applies. Salami that has been opened or cut and left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should not be eaten, regardless of appearance or odor.
FAQ: Why are some salamis not refrigerated?
Whole dried salami can be stored because the fermentation, salting, and drying processes remove enough moisture to prevent bacterial growth at room temperature. Properly dried salami has a low enough water activity that most harmful bacteria cannot grow. If the casing is severed or the vacuum seal is broken, its protection ends and refrigeration is required. For a detailed explanation of how the curing process works, see “Does Salami Spoil?”
FAQ: If I purchase salami from the refrigerated section, does it need to be refrigerated before opening?
yes. If salami is sold in a refrigerated case, keep it refrigerated. Some dehydrated salamis are sold refrigerated due to retailer preference or because they contain fewer dry ingredients. A simple rule is to keep your storage where you buy it. Refrigerated section means keep it cold. Since it is a non-refrigerated pantry shelf, it can be stored at room temperature until opened.
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Source: Better Living – onbetterliving.com
