WHETHER you are barbequing or cooking a family dinner, there are often leftovers.
Here we take a look at what you need to know about reheating sausages and how to do it safely.
Can you reheat sausages?
You can safely reheat sausages that you may have leftover.
However, there is a time limit in which you can heat this type of meat up again
You need to make sure that the sausages you are reheating have been stored in the fridge within 2 hours of being originally cooked.
They then must be eaten within three days of this time.
You should serve the reheated pork hot and don’t let it get too cold, to avoid getting any bacteria on it.
If you’re reheating this type of meat, be aware that once it’s been cooked again it might be a bit drier and tough.
What is the best way to reheat sausages?
The best way to reheat sausages are by using the microwave or hob.
During the summer, you can also light up the barbecue and reheat them there.
But with any pork product, the meat must be pipping hot throughout before you serve it again.
When reheating sausages make small cuts in them to make sure that they are reheated on the inside too.
If your meat is in some sauce or gravy, reheat in the microwave or a slow cooker.
Add a little bit of water before reheating so that the food doesn’t dry out.
How many times can you reheat sausages?
It is only safe to reheat sausages the once.
Make sure that once fully reheated, the food is consumed immediately.
Do not let the reheated sausages cool down too much, or leave it for later.
This can cause the sausage to pile up bacteria on it and it can make you unwell from food poisoning.
Government advice on BBQ safety
The UK Government have issued some guidelines for staying safe whilst using a barbecue:
- Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
- Follow the safety instructions provided with your gas, charcoal, or disposable barbecue.
- Never use a barbecue indoors, in a tent, under an awning or in a caravan.
- Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches).
- Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
- After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
- Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
- Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
- In the countryside or public park areas, only use disposable barbecues where there are specially designated areas and carefully follow the safety guidance.
- Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals.
