Shur Fine · 56 g
Shur Fine Summer Sausage
What it is
This is a type of semi-dry sausage, typically made from cured pork and beef. It is seasoned with a blend of spices, often including black pepper, garlic, and mustard seed. The sausage is smoked and then fermented, giving it a distinctive tangy flavor and a firm texture. It is usually sold in a pre-cooked form, making it convenient for various culinary applications. The casing is typically not meant to be eaten.
How people cook with it
Summer sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many ways, from simple snacks to more elaborate dishes.
- Sliced for cheese boards
- Added to casseroles
- Cubed for salads
- Fried for breakfast
To prepare summer sausage, you can slice it thinly for snacking or add it to a charcuterie board with cheeses and crackers. For a warm dish, dice it and sauté it with onions and peppers to incorporate into scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos. It can also be added to pasta dishes, baked beans, or casseroles, where its savory flavor will meld with other ingredients. When cooking, it's often heated through rather than fully cooked, as it is already cured and smoked.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike fresh sausages that require thorough cooking to be safe, summer sausage is semi-dry and fermented, giving it a longer shelf life and a more robust, tangy flavor profile. Its texture is also firmer and denser compared to many other types of sausage.
Who it is for
Home cooks and entertainers often use summer sausage for its convenience and crowd-pleasing taste.
How to keep the rest
After opening, store any remaining summer sausage tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within a few days to maintain its best quality and flavor. Unopened summer sausage can be stored at room temperature for a limited time, but refrigeration is recommended for longer storage.