Yes, sausage casings typically need to be refrigerated after they are opened or if they are natural casings that have been soaked.
Storing natural sausage casings in the refrigerator requires a bit of care to ensure they stay fresh and usable for your next sausage-making session.
Rinse the soaked natural casings, place them in a clean container, fill the container with fresh water to completely cover the casings, and put the container in the refrigerator. Keep the refrigerator temperature below 40°F (4°C) to ensure that the casings remain fresh. This is the standard recommendation for most perishable food items, and it helps prevent bacterial growth, mold, and spoilage.
If you store the casings in pure water (not salt water), change the water every day to prevent bacterial growth and keep the casings fresh.
If you want to freeze natural casings, please refer to can you freeze sausage casings.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Storage Location: Store the casings in a sealed container (like a plastic bowl or jar) to keep them protected from contaminants and moisture loss. Make sure the container is placed in the main body of the fridge, not in the door, as the door fluctuates more in temperature.
Water or Saltwater Solution: If you're storing the casings in water or saltwater, ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent the casings from drying out or becoming exposed to air, which could cause spoilage.
● Keep natural sausage casings at a temperature of below 40°F (4°C) in the refrigerator.
● Store them in water or a saltwater solution to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
● Ensure the refrigerator maintains a stable, cold environment to avoid any bacterial or mold growth.
