Casing shelf life

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centex99

Fire Starter
Original poster
Jul 21, 2012
56
18
Buda, TX
So, I have a package of LEM natural casings... still sealed and salted... never been refridgerated/opened/etc... what's the shelf life on them?  I couldn't find an expiration, but they're likely at least 2 years old.  I'm planning to make some kielbasa this weekend and wondering if I should use them or go buy some newer (though hard to tell the age w/o dates on packages)...
 
Well, if I'm going to let them soak overnight I could possible check the quality after opening and if ok, soak, and if not, go grab another package...

What exactly should I look for in quality?  I've made sausage 3-4 other times using natural casings, but not 100% sure what to look for in regards to being good vs bad...
 
I keep my salted casing in the refer.... have 1 pack that has been there for at least 15 years and is still like new... between the salt and refrigeration they will last forever....
 
I just dug into a heavily salted hog pack from Butcher Packer that's almost 3 years old, and it feels/smells like the day I got them. I think if they're properly salted, with the right amount of moisture, you're likely fine, although best practices will tell you to get new. Tough with the costs these days to just throw them out. I suspect our great grand parents wouldn't have given them a second thought.
 
Well, I thought the LEM pack smelled funny, though having smelled the new pack they both smell similiar... but the LEM back was also a bit tan/brownish and the new pack I got for < $5 Home Pack brand from HEB... it was actually in the refridgerated section, though not sure it needed to be as they were just salted.  I pulled out a bunch though didn't find the actual end on either side so just cut it off and put the rest back in the fridge.  These were nice and white/clear... ran water threw them a couple times trying to keep them from going down the sink lol... got them rinced and soaking now for the next few hours until I get to making the sausage later this afternoon...
 
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