Once opened, Chorizo (smoked and processed, cooked) keeps about 1 month in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 1 year.
1 month opened in the fridge, against 1 year sealed in the pantry. Green is what this situation leaves you; husk is what it spends.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 1 year |
| Opened · fridge | 1 month |
| Freezer | 6 months |
Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.
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About 1 month refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. Refrigerate it once it's open.
Yes — keep Chorizo (smoked and processed, cooked) at 40°F (4°C) or below once it's open. Cool, dry pantry unopened; refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below after opening.
Look for: A slimy or sticky film on the surface; Grey, green, or brown patches; A sour or ammonia-like smell; A swollen or leaking package. Those are the general signs for meat — USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Chorizo (smoked and processed, cooked) specifically. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.
Yes — USDA FoodKeeper v128 gives about 6 months in the freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; that window is about quality, not safety.