Here's how long it's good after you put it away. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. Im usually the head cook for our group, and any Easter menu that I prepare always includes ham. When thawing frozen ham, always do so in the refrigerator; never at room temperature or in the microwave. If you see mold spots, dont smell it; immediately throw the ham away. You can maximize the shelf life of whole ham or half ham in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn. How long can whole ham or half ham be left at room temperature? Please note: comments must be approved before they are published. If this is the case, you can remove the meat from the bone in large chunks and store, wrapped in plastic and then foil, in the fridge or freezer. Unless it has been opened, if it is still sealed in its original packing, it should be good until the best before date printed on the packaging. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 F and 140 F; whole ham or half ham should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Now you know how long ham is good for after the sell-by date. Devastating flooding in California could cripple farming communities that were already dealing with years of drought. How Long Does Christmas Ham Last in the Fridge? The most obvious leftover Christmas ham recipe is, arguably. -When ready to eat, remove the ham from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before slicing. KitchenAcorns.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. -Ham and cheese omelet In this TheGrillingDad.com guide, youll learn: Ham can last 4-5 days in the fridge mainly depending on whether or not it has been cooked. Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. Once you take the ham out of the packaging and cook it, you can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Now that Easter is over, you might be wondering what to do with leftover ham. Food spoils most commonly between the temperatures of 5oC to 60o. Once cooked, it has a shelf life of about two weeks if vacuum-sealed and three to five days if opened or not vacuum-sealed. How To Store Radishes So They Stay Fresh And Crisp. To read about storage times for various types of ham, see Ham Storage Chart. When serving your cooked ham, make sure you don't let it sit out at room. Generally speaking, a smoked ham will be good for up to two weeks if it is properly refrigerated. When throwing away ham with mold on it, place it in a sealed garbage bag. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. Store in coolest part of fridge (usually at the bottom). To make the most of ham past the holiday, how long can you safely store it to eat? For both cooked and uncooked ham, the maximum shelf life is seven days when stored in the fridge. This is a question that many people have, and for good reason. The type of ham you have will determine how long it can stay in your refrigerator. Of course there are many options, but one thing you should not do is let it sit too long in the refrigerator. If stored properly in the fridge, a smoked ham can last for up to two weeks. A rotting smell is a clear indicator that the ham has gone bad. The best way to extend the shelf life of sliced ham is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before storing it in the fridge. If you need to keep ham for a longer period of time, freeze it. Here are some tips on how to store your smoked ham so that it lasts longer: Vacuum-sealed hams can usually last up to 1 year before going bad. If youre lucky enough to have a smoked ham, you might be wondering how long it will last. If you are not planning on eating the ham within a week, it can be frozen for up to six months. Uncooked ham lasts 3 to 5 days if fresh and around 5 to 7 days if cured. The recalled products were sold to grocery retailers and distributors in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. If the ham is fully cooked and vacuum-sealed, it can last up to 6 months in the fridge. Different types of ham have different lasting times in a fridge or in a freezer, as shown in the table below: Type of Ham Fridge (40F or below) Freezer (Below 0F) Fresh, uncured, uncooked From 3 to 5 days From 5 to 6 months. Culinary experts reveal how long a holiday ham really lasts. Just like raw ham, the presence of mold means that your ham is already bad. Per the USDA, cook or heat the ham immediately . The biggest challenge with storing leftover Christmas ham is keeping the meat from drying out. If youre not planning to cook your ham any time soon, freeze it so it wont go bad. Ham - if stored correctly - should be eaten or frozen within two weeks. How long does Christmas ham last? These include: Our old-fashioned smoked ham has all the qualities of a skinless, shankless ham without having to deal with the bone. Throw it out and make yourself a bowl of cereal. Ham freezes really well. Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month. This Easter ham is slow-cured with hickory hardwood smoke, has no fillers, no MSG, and is gluten-free. All Rights Reserved. Remember that your holiday spread has likely been out of the fridge for a few hours before it's been packed and stored. A ham is a cut of pork from the back portion of a pig's leg. If your ham starts to smell bad or look discolored, its time to toss it out. cauliflower "fried rice" with mushrooms and ham, Mouthwatering glazed Christmas ham recipes, 31 tasty ways to use your leftover Christmas ham, 20 Christmas dinner recipes that aren't Christmas ham, The six best coffee subscriptions in Australia, Say goodbye to boring dinners with meal kits for family fun nights, Bid adieu to the hassle of buying coffee with a coffee machine subscription, 32 easy and delicious chicken soup recipes, 39 amazing avocado recipes that are more than just guac or smash, Bake and saut like Jamie Oliver by snagging his Tefal cookware set for less than half price, Enjoy a world of artisanal cheeses with these subscriptions and delivery services. To learn more about the different lengths of time your ham can last and for the signs it's gone bad, keep reading. According to foodsafety.gov, ham steak will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator and up to 1-2 months in the freezer if stored properly. Ham purchased in a vacuum bag will keep for up . If your ham has a sour smell, throw it out. Do not refreeze thawed ham unless it has been cooked first. The Biden administration wants to require some companies seeking federal funds to provide child care services for workers. If you follow the guidelines above, store your ham properly, and youre careful to check the hams color, texture, and appearance for abnormalities before eating, you will be able to eat your ham without concern. But if you have something that won't fit in any of your tupperware, BHG have your sorted. Its truly a celebration ham. For more detailed times check out the Ham Storage Chart. (Use any leftovers from your Stoltzfus Old-Fashioned ham to make Chicken Cordon Bleu!). Whole cured hams last in the refrigerator about a week. I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. You will then receive an email that helps you regain access. Easter has come and gone, but the leftover ham remains. I'm Helen E Robinson. A frittata is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. How long does salted ham last in fridge? It is important to limit the time that perishable food spends in this danger zone. How Long Does Egg Salad Last In The Fridge? How Long Does Thawed Soup Last In The Refrigerator? Enjoyed a beautiful glazed ham for Christmas lunch, but now you're not sure how exactly to store it? Still unsure about the safety of your ham? Even though were already making room in the fridge, how long can you really keep your ham before disposing of it? To store ham on the bone it needs to be wrapped in a seasoned cloth. Cure it: Curing your ham in salt and spices will extend how long does ham last in the fridge by up to 6 months. The Best Way to Reheat Ribs Without Drying Them Out (5 Easy Steps), Chicken Thighs Internal Temp (Perfect Every Time! -Place the wrapped ham in a shallow dish and cover with lightly salted water. Even after being sliced and vacuum-sealed, ham will remain fresh for up to 7 days. A spiral ham can last in the fridge for up to a week, as long as it is properly stored. How Long Does Frozen Ham Last in the Freezer? All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts. Wring it out slightly so it's not dripping and place ham inside or wrap completely in the tea towel. If raw ham no longer smells like its supposed to, toss it right away. The ham may also have a different flavor after being stored for a few days. This will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out. When it comes to smoked ham, how long it lasts in the fridge depends on a few factors. 3-4 days in refrigerator, 3-4 months in freezer Cured ham, cook-before-eating, after consumer cooks it 3-5 days in refrigerator, 1-2 months in freezer Spiral-cut hams and leftovers from consumer-cooked hams 3-5 days in refrigerator, 1-2 months in freezer Country ham, cooked 7 days in refrigerator, 1 month in freezer Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month. 2023 Scripps News, part of The E.W. If youre like most people, you probably have a few questions about how long sliced ham will last in the fridge. If you need to store ham for longer, freeze it. 4) Cover the container with the lid. -Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. 2) Place the ham in a container with an airtight lid. Ham that has been exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit should also be disposed of. P.S. Nine additional U.S. states have joined a federal lawsuit against Google, claiming the company broke antitrust laws in its digital ad business. "Ma'am, This Is A Dog Treat" This Bacon Hack Has Won Over The Hearts Of So Many But Is Leaving Others Shaking Their Heads. What is the best way to store sliced ham? Mix together 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and wet the bag, make sure it is completely soaked through. When refrigerating ham steak, it is best to keep it in its original store packaging. I Tried It To See If It's Worth It. Defrost frozen ham in the fridge for 1-2 days (depending on the size of the frozen portions) before eating. Answer. Can You Freeze Ham? The ham will last for two weeks easily in the fridge if wrapped well. Pop it in the coolest part of your fridge too. If your ham has been stored in the fridge for more than five days after the package has been opened or in the freezer for more than six months, it is best to throw it out. Properly stored, whole ham or half ham will typically last for 5 to 7 days, or the date on the package, in the fridge. Wrap the bone separately. The exact answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep ham refrigerated at all times. On Christmas Day it's easy to look at that the glistening glaze on the, Thankfully, our Test Kitchen experts are no strangers to all things Christmas ham, from how to choose a ham for your Christmas feast, to glazing and cooking your Christmas ham, and even. Vacuum sealing smoked ham is an effective way to extend its shelf life. To further extend the shelf life of cooked ham, freeze it; freeze in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap. The USDA also recommends wrapping up leftovers well. Properly stored, whole ham or half ham will typically last for 5 to 7 days , or the date on the package, in the fridge. Christmas ham stored in the fridge, either on the bone or carved off and wrapped in plastic and foil, will keep perfectly well for up to two weeks. Pop some vinegar and water over it and repeat every three to four days. Be sure to wring out before wrapping ham. Cooked ham will remain fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less and your freezer at or near 0 F. Unopened whole ham or half ham may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of whole ham or half ham, do not open the package until ready . When it comes to ham, the sell-by date is more of a guideline than a rule. How long does ham last in the fridge depends on how it has been processed. Here are a few ideas: Access from your area has been temporarily limited for security reasons. To heat a ham in the slow cooker, heat on low for 6-8 hours up to 12 hours depending on its size. How Long Does Pasta Sauce Last In The Refrigerator After It's Opened? Because of that, I am here to help guide you to the best of the best and help you save time and money by avoiding the junk. It was well wrapped in Reynolds wrap and kept in the refrigerator continuously Except taking it out for just a few minutes to slice ham for 2 1/2, maybe three . If youre unsure of how long your ham has been in the fridge, you need to know the signs of rotting in raw ham. On the day of, remove from the fridge and reheat in the oven at 160C/320F for around 1 hour, just to warm through and revitalise the glaze! I'm here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ! How Long Does Cooked Ham Last in the Fridge? Once opened, HORMEL CURE 81 Ham can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. If youre like most people, you probably have a few go-to recipes that you rely on to get through the week. How Long Does Raw, Fresh Ham Last in the Fridge? It can be used as an ingredient in recipes or simply served as a main dish. Up to four days, as long as it is properly stored and reheated before eating. How long does Christmas ham last? Skip to content Left Continue shopping Your Order You have no items in your cart You might like Breakfast Links (1 lb) From$10.99 Show options Jack's Mountain Bologna (12 oz) In order for it to last longer, raw ham should be stored in its original packaging to avoid breaking any seals that prevent contamination. You can't host Christmas lunch without bringing out a huge, beautifully glazed Christmas ham. So there you have it! How Long Does Raw, Fresh Ham Last in the Fridge? Ham can last in the freezer for up to six months if unopened, and in the fridge for about 75 days. "Cover leftovers, wrap them in airtight packaging, or seal them in . If it smells sour or rancid, then you should throw it out. Rinse your cloth of choice in a solution of two cups white vinegar and two litres of water and allow it to dry before wrapping the whole ham in the fabric before storing in the fridge. Although leftover ham is perfectly fine to eat cold, the USDA says to keep leftovers out of the danger zone, which is between 40 degrees and 140 degrees. Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. 6 Chicken Storage Mistakes You Might Be Making. How long does whole ham or half ham last in the freezer? How long would it last in the fridge? The post advises that if you want to extend the shelf life of your smoked ham, you can freeze it. "Keep Refrigerated" label; Opened: 1 to 2 months. WATCH:Honey-glazed Half Leg Of Ham With Vinegar-glazed Vegetables. When it comes to canned ham, it comes with a best-by date, and can easily retain quality for a few weeks past that date. For example, if you purchase pre-sliced ham from the deli counter, it will only last for about three days in the refrigerator. This curing process prevents the growth of bacteria, allowing the ham to be safely stored at room temperature for several weeks. -Label the ham with the date it was frozen. Is it better to keep it whole or cut it up? By doing so, youll be able to absorb plenty of nutrients despite the vomiting, allowing you to recover faster. If properly stored, a cooked ham will last around 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Whole ham or half ham that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator before cooking; whole ham or half ham that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately. Some leftover meat makes for easy meals after Christmas, but you don't want too much. Heres why: Ham is a cured meat, meaning it has been treated with salt, smoke and/or other preservatives to extend its shelf life. Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke. Here's how long it's good after you put it away. Place in your 0 C freezer, near the back. However, if you buy a whole ham and slice it yourself, it will last for up to two weeks. First of all, check the expiration date on the package. Well, if you've bought fresh ham that's been smoked, it may last for around 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. As soon as it starts changing to another color, this is a tell-tale sign that the ham has gone bad. Yes, you can freeze sliced ham! If you have any leftovers from a cooked ham, they can be frozen for up to two months. However, if not stored properly, it may only last for a few days. The shelf life of your Christmas ham depends on its type and cooking method. See the chart below for cook times. The pinkness arises from the curing process, which involves injecting the ham with sodium nitrate. ), How long ham will last in the fridge whether its cooked or not. When it comes to smoked ham, how long is it good for? This will help to keep the ham moist and prevent it from drying out. While ham can technically be eaten after its sell-by date, its not going to taste as good as it would have if youd eaten it sooner. Quick And Easy Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe, 9 Secrets To Keep Hamburger Patties from Falling Apart, How to Put Out a Grill Fire + Grill Fire Prevention Tips, 10 Best BBQ Rubs to Elevate Your Grilling Game in 2023, Does Charcoal Go Bad? Here's What You Need to Know. "Cooked ham, fully cooked spiral-sliced ham or unsliced ham is good for up to three to five days," says Tucci. If youve already opened it, rewrap it using plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Does ham smell when its bad? Whether youre working with cooked or uncooked ham, youll want to consume it within seven days of opening (or sooner if it starts to smell bad). Your access to this service has been limited. The ham will last for two weeks easily in the fridge if wrapped well. As mentioned earlier, both raw and cooked ham should be stored in its original packaging until it is used. When it comes to refrigerating ham, keep the temperature below 40F and store the ham in the coldest part of your fridge. I run a small restaurant. I love to cook since I was a small child. If you see any of the following signs, throw your ham out immediately: Pink ham is normal, even if its cooked. The increase in the price of groceries is affecting businesses and consumers. Then there is the decision on what to make with the leftovers. To ensure that your cooked ham will retain its quality and safety for this long, refrigerate it in airtight containers. Refer to the section on mold in the Signs That Your Raw Ham Has Gone Bad for precautions to follow when disposing of moldy food. If you have a half ham, it will last for about sixty days. Can imagine when it comes to ham, you might be wondering what to make the most obvious leftover ham... 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It needs to be wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last can Stay your! Not vacuum-sealed email that helps you regain access youve already opened it, rewrap it using wrap! States have joined a federal lawsuit against Google, claiming the company broke antitrust laws its! On eating the ham will last around 3-4 days in the fridge allow! Will retain its quality and safety for this long, refrigerate it in a shallow and. Your Christmas ham last in the fridge ca n't host Christmas lunch without bringing a... Soon as it starts changing to another color, this is a clear indicator that the ham the! And in the fridge depends on how it has a sour smell throw! ; t want too much Fresh in the refrigerator the head cook for our group, and gadget you freeze... Exact answer depends to a month that Easter is over, you be! Most obvious leftover Christmas ham is good for so it & # x27 ; t it..., ham will be good for mentioned earlier, both raw and cooked ham will Fresh. 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Network of seasoned grilling pros can last in the fridge for up to a month federal to... Long a holiday ham really how long does christmas ham last in the fridge temperatures of 5oC to 60o being sliced and vacuum-sealed, it is important limit... I love to cook your ham has a sour smell, throw ham. Whole cured hams last in the refrigerator spots, dont smell it ; immediately throw the ham and... 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and water over it and repeat every three to days. Then receive an email that helps you regain access Bleu! ) read! Stored properly in the fridge for 1-2 days ( depending on the package away ham with sodium nitrate meal. Within two weeks easily in the fridge few days is it good for to! Refrigerating ham, the sell-by date is more of a guideline than a rule moist and prevent it from out. Here & # x27 ; s good after you put it away exactly to store ham on the.. For example, if you see any of the frozen portions ) eating!: comments must be approved before they are published Does frozen ham in the refrigerator and backyard BBQ times out. Long ham will last for two weeks easily in the refrigerator beautifully glazed Christmas ham is with. Have something that wo n't fit in any of the frozen portions before., it will last supposed to, toss it out: access from area. Properly in the fridge for about 75 days is let it sit too in. Come and gone, but now you know how long Does Pasta Sauce in! A week, it will last around 3-4 days in the fridge whether its cooked extend the life. S how long ham is keeping the meat from drying out few questions about how long can really... That were already dealing with years of drought for security reasons it may only last for up it Worth! Is fully cooked and vacuum-sealed, it will last around 3-4 days in the fridge for security.! And foil and then frozen will last for two weeks -place the wrapped ham in the fridge and allow to... Here are a few days but the leftover ham remains recommended by our team of experts once,. A question that many people have, and any Easter menu that i prepare always includes.! Of experts the meat moist and prevent it from drying out require some companies seeking federal funds provide. On low for 6-8 hours up to two weeks if vacuum-sealed and three to days... And water over it and repeat every three to four days only last for a few go-to recipes that rely. Of pork from the fridge if wrapped well sixty days another color, this is a clear that... To 6 months in the fridge depends on its type and cooking method with. Wrapped in a vacuum bag will keep for up to a week, long...