Can You Freeze Fresh Thuringian Bratwurst?

When you think of Thuringia, the famous rostbratwurst quickly comes to mind. Travelers in Thuringia often encounter bratwurst grills. The Thuringian bratwurst has a long history and is still made using traditional recipes today. If you want to take this tasty cultural treat home to grill yourself or stock up on it because of its delicious flavor, the question naturally arises: "Can I freeze Thuringian rostbratwurst?" The answer: Yes, you can. Read on for more information.

Good to Know: The History of Thuringian Bratwurst

Thuringian bratwurst was first mentioned in 1404 in an Arnstadt monastery. It took several more years for the delicacy we know today to come into being. The first printed recipe appeared in 1797 in the Thuringian-Erfurt Cookbook. Over the years, the fresh bratwurst was copied and sold throughout the country. Finally, in 2004, it was patented and is now considered a protected cultural heritage. However, you don’t have to travel to Thuringia to enjoy authentic Thuringian bratwurst. Since Thuringian bratwurst can be frozen, you can easily order it online and have it delivered for perfect enjoyment at home.

How Long Does Fresh Bratwurst Last in the Fridge?

Loose Thuringian rostbratwursts can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days. Fresh sausage spoils faster than parboiled bratwursts. If the product is vacuum-sealed, the storage time in the fridge can be extended. If you want to keep Thuringian bratwursts for several weeks or months, freezing them is no problem.

What to Consider When Freezing

If you want to freeze Thuringian rostbratwurst, you have two options: a tightly sealed freezer bag or a vacuum pack for sealing the fresh sausages. Typically, Thuringian sausages are frozen in portions, allowing you to defrost the exact amount you need for grilling. To freeze portions, wrap the product tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer bag.

Important: Lay the sausages flat in the bag to prevent them from tearing or breaking.

The ideal temperature for freezing bratwurst is -18°C. If frozen in a freezer bag, they should be eaten within three months. In a vacuum-sealed package, the sausages can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. However, such long storage is not recommended as defrosting may alter the taste and texture.

Pro Tip: Label the vacuum package or freezer bag with the freezing date to keep track of how long the Thuringian sausages have been stored in the freezer.

Thuringian Bratwurst Freezing Tips for Optimal Flavor

Why use extra plastic wrap when you’re already putting the Thuringian bratwurst in a freezer bag? Air in the packaging can cause freezer burn, which affects the flavor and quality of the sausage, and in the worst case, it may become inedible. Lay the sausages side by side and ensure each rostbratwurst has enough space in the packaging. Thuringian rostbratwursts should not be stacked or packed tightly together.

In the freezer, store the packed sausages lying flat. Standing storage can lead to the sausages bending or getting crushed.

If you’re freezing several packs of rostbratwurst, label each pack with the freezing date and place the fresh sausages underneath any previously frozen ones.

Thawing and Grilling Frozen Thuringian Bratwurst

Before grilling or frying Thuringian bratwurst, it must be fully thawed. The best way is to take the product out of the freezer 24 hours before cooking and place the sausages in the freezer bag on a plate in the refrigerator. Do not thaw the sausages at high temperatures or in water. Always thaw food slowly and gently, either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Thawing at high temperatures can promote bacterial growth. This is also true for Thuringian bratwurst. Slow thawing preserves the sausage's unique taste, texture, and quality even after freezing.

Once thawed, simply lay the sausages on a dry kitchen towel, and they’re ready to be cooked.

Conclusion: You Can Freeze Thuringian Rostbratwurst

Freezing Thuringian bratwurst is possible and easy. However, certain points should be considered when freezing and thawing.

By freezing Thuringian bratwurst, you can extend its shelf life and conveniently order it online. The sausages arrive in protective vacuum packaging with no breaks in the cold chain. You can prepare the sausage immediately or take advantage of the fact that the bratwurst can be frozen directly in its vacuum packaging.

Products from Our Shop