Opened chorizo can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week. To stop it from spoiling, it is crucial to follow proper storage conditions and to use suitable packaging.
How do you successfully store opened chorizo in the refrigerator?
Opened artisan chorizo can be kept at a temperature between 0 °C and 4 °C, so the refrigerator is the ideal place to keep it cool. You can put it in the lower part of the fridge, taking care to wrap it well. Ideally, place it in an airtight bag. This prevents contact with air (oxygenation), which can cause bacteria to develop. You can also use aluminium foil.
In the refrigerator, the shelf life of an opened chorizo can range from a few days to about three weeks. To check how fresh it is, look at its appearance and smell it: any strange smell, unusual texture or the presence of mould means it is no longer good to eat.
Can you freeze opened chorizo?
Left with more than you can eat quickly? In that case, it is perfectly fine to put the opened chorizo in the freezer. You will be able to keep it for up to about 8 months.
Put your charcuterie in a well-sealed, sturdy wrapping. Choose a strong freezer bag: inside it, the chorizo can be frozen for a few months without any problem. Even if you do not intend to keep your opened salami that long, freezing guarantees optimal preservation. There is only one rule to respect: never refreeze food that has been thawed.
If you really do have a lot of open or sliced chorizo that you plan to eat little by little, think about splitting it into small individual packs. That way you only take out one bag at a time. This avoids the back-and-forth and the changes in temperature that could spoil its quality.
How do you store dry chorizo?
While it is still whole, dry chorizo keeps best in a cool, dry place. This dry-cured sausage can be hung in a cellar, for example, for about a month. It will carry on drying without losing its nutritional qualities or its flavour. Its texture, on the other hand, will be less supple.
If you want to keep the centre soft enough, store your dry chorizo in the refrigerator.
How do you store cooked chorizo?
Once cooked, chorizo keeps for 48 hours in the refrigerator, in a sealed Tupperware or an airtight container. If you plan to eat it later, you will need to freeze it. This is very handy if, for example, you enjoy batch cooking, which means cooking large quantities in advance so that you have ready-made meals for several days afterwards.
If you have raw chorizo, you can cook it in order to keep it. To do so, plunge it into boiling water for a few minutes, then put it in an airtight container for the fridge, where it will keep for up to 3 weeks.
Choosing the right chorizo for optimal storage
Chorizo is a charcuterie of Iberian origin (the region covering Spain and Portugal) and is very popular around the world. At La Boutique Des Saucissons, you will find a 100% French chorizo, made to a recipe of Catalan origin (from the French side).
There are several types of chorizo, ranging from mild to hot. Eaten on its own, the spicy version is reserved for seasoned enthusiasts, but you can also use it to add flavour to your dishes.
To store a chorizo properly once it has been opened, you should choose a quality product made with carefully selected ingredients. We use only the prime cuts of pork for our charcuterie. They come from animals born and raised on responsible farms, in accordance with the requirements of the "Porc français" (French Pork) label.
What is more, our products are guaranteed free from artificial colourings and chemical additives (flavour enhancers). The artisan process ensures optimal quality.
How do you use up leftover chorizo?
You have managed to store your opened chorizo; now it is a matter of preparing it to serve.
You can always serve chorizo as an aperitif, with olives and sangria, or with a craft beer. You can also include it in a charcuterie board.
Chorizo also works wonders in the kitchen and is a real source of creativity. It can lift all sorts of dishes or add spice to the most ordinary preparations. Here are a few ideas for using your opened chorizo:
- Pasta: pair it with a mild cheese such as Parmesan in pasta dishes (tagliatelle, penne).
- Risottos: still in the spirit of Italian cooking, do not hesitate to add chorizo to your risottos.
- Cannelés: for a more eye-catching presentation, make chorizo cannelés. Guaranteed success with your younger guests, provided you choose a mild chorizo…
- Chorizo pizza: ideal for using up leftover charcuterie. Chorizo is perfect for a quick, tasty dish, especially if you have a ready-made base to hand.
- Savoury chorizo cakes: a clever dish for making the most of your opened chorizo. It can also be made ahead for a lunch or a snack to take away.
- Paella or pilaf rice: pieces of chorizo go perfectly with these dishes.
- Salads and sandwiches: combine it with vegetables and other ingredients for varied preparations.
Do not hesitate to store and use your opened chorizo — there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy it!
