Kestin's Corner - We're more than a brand, we're a family.

We frequently get questions about how to properly cook and store our products. Complete cooking instructions can be found on our “How to Cook” page, but here’s a quick run-down of safe storage and preparation of your Hempler’s favorites.

Smoked Sausages and Franks: These products are fully cooked and safe to eat right out of the packaging. Of course, they are best enjoyed heated but as far as food safety is concerned, there is no minimum cooking temperature required prior to consumption. Our smoked sausages and franks should be kept refrigerated before cooking, and leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within three days.

Bacon: Both cured and uncured bacon products must be cooked before consumption. Bacon should be refrigerated before cooking, and leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within three days.

Chicken Skewers: Our chicken skewers are raw and must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming. Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within three days.

Hams (all types), Chicken Roasts, and Canadian Bacon: These products are fully cooked and safe to eat right out of the packaging. Like our smoked sausages, they are best enjoyed heated but there is no minimum cooking temperature required for safe consumption. These products should be kept refrigerated before cooking, and leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within three days.

Fresh Sausage Links and Ground Pork Products (Chorizo, Italian Sausage, etc): These products are raw and must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. Keep these products refrigerated before cooking, and refrigerate all leftovers. Consume leftovers within three days.

Pepperoni Sticks, Landjaeger, and Beef Jerky: These are the only products we produce that are shelf-stable. They do NOT need to be refrigerated prior to opening and are meant to be consumed right out of the package. However, be aware that once the package is open, any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain proper food safety.

Have more questions on how to properly cook our products? Check out our “How to Cook” page!