What is Summer Sausage and how did it get its name

When you think of summer sausage you think of a tasty, tangy and slightly smoky sausage perfect for picnics, charcuterie boards or holiday gatherings. But what is summer sausage and why is it called that? Let’s get into the history, ingredients and name origin of this beloved cured meat.

What is Summer Sausage?

Summer sausage is a type of cured sausage that can be dried or smoked and is made from a combination of pork and beef, though variations with venison, turkey or other meats exist. The sausage is known for its flavor which is tangy, mildly spicy and often has a subtle smokiness.

The secret to summer sausage’s flavor and long shelf life is in the process. The meat is ground and mixed with a blend of spices which includes mustard seed, garlic, black pepper and coriander. Then it’s cured with salt, sodium nitrite (a preservative) and sometimes sugar. The curing process allows the sausage to be stored for long periods without refrigeration, which was especially important before modern refrigeration methods became widespread.

After curing the sausage can be smoked to add flavor and further preserve it. Some summer sausages are fermented which gives them a tangy taste due to the lactic acid produced during fermentation. This tanginess is one of the hallmarks of summer sausage, it’s what sets it apart from other types of sausage.

How Did Summer Sausage Get Its Name?

The name “summer sausage” might seem a bit strange at first especially since we eat it year round. The name actually comes from the fact it can be stored and consumed during the summer months when refrigeration didn’t exist. Historically making sausages that could last through the warmer seasons was a big challenge. Fresh meat would spoil quickly in the heat so preserving meat by curing and smoking it was a matter of survival.

The name “summer sausage” likely originated in Europe where similar types of sausages were made to last through the summer without spoiling. German, Polish and other Eastern European immigrants brought their recipes to America where the sausage became popular for its convenience and flavor.

Curing and drying meat has been around for centuries and summer sausage is a perfect example of this ancient practice. The sausage was often made in the fall and winter when meat was more available and then stored to be eaten in the summer hence the name.

Variations and Modern-Day Uses

Today summer sausage comes in many forms and flavors. Some are made with different meat combinations, others with unique spice blends or additional ingredients like cheese or jalapeños. Whether sliced on a sandwich, served on a charcuterie board or just eaten with crackers summer sausage is a popular choice for its flavor and versatility.

In modern times summer sausage is not just a seasonal treat but a year round staple. It’s a popular snack for outdoor activities like camping and hiking because of its durability and ease of storage. It’s also a common item in gift baskets during the holiday season adding a savory gourmet touch to any assortment.



Summer sausage is more than just a snack; it’s a product of genius, born out of need and handed down through the ages. The name is a reference to its history as a source of preserved meat that could withstand the summer heat. Whether you eat it in the summer or any other time of the year summer sausage is a taste of preservation and tradition.