Whole, uncut country ham can be stored at room temperature for up to one year. Here are a few ideas: As soon as it starts changing to another color, this is a tell-tale sign that the ham has gone bad. Once you open the package, or if the ham comes opened (e.g., sliced at the deli counter), it lasts about 3 to 5 days. To learn more about the different lengths of time your ham can last and for the signs its gone bad, keep reading. Tweet. View complete answer on stilltasty.com. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked. Im usually the head cook for our group, and any Easter menu that I prepare always includes ham. Most spiral hams have a seven-to-10 day "use by" date on the expiration date label. The pinkness arises from the curing process, which involves injecting the ham with sodium nitrate. Whether youre enjoying it as part of a holiday meal or as an easy weeknight dinner, you want to make sure that your ham is fresh and safe to eat. Pop some vinegar and water over it and repeat every three to four days. Access from your area has been temporarily limited for security reasons. If properly stored, a cooked ham will last around 3-4 days in the refrigerator. -When ready to eat, remove the ham from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before slicing. Have leftover ham? Store in coolest part of fridge (usually at the bottom). For more detailed times check out the Ham Storage Chart. The ham bone is the best part, it makes the most amazing baked beans! How long does whole ham or half ham last in the freezer? leftover ham can make for some great meals! If you're anything like my family, the leftovers after a holiday meal are one of the best parts of the feast. If youve already opened it, rewrap it using plastic wrap and aluminum foil. 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. This is ideal if you aren't going to be eating it in the immediate future. The amount of cook time will vary depending on the size of ham. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. If you have a whole ham, it can last in the fridge for up to seventy-five days. This New Jersey restaurant has it all and more. Wrong. We asked Justine Schofield, cook, author, TV presenter and MasterChef Australia alumna, for her top tips for storing a Christmas ham. If you have any leftovers from a cooked ham, they can be frozen for up to two months. How long does Christmas ham last? 6 Chicken Storage Mistakes You Might Be Making. Learn more about why you. It will keep for up to four days. We Investigate. ), How long ham will last in the fridge whether its cooked or not. At Stoltzfus Meats, we sell old-fashioned smoked ham that is perfect for your holiday feast! 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. I love to cook since I was a small child. By doing so, youll be able to absorb plenty of nutrients despite the vomiting, allowing you to recover faster. More About How Long Can A Thawed Cooked Ham Stay In The Fridge? If it's not smelling fresh, bin it. Vacuum seal it: Vacuum sealing your ham is another way of extending how long does ham last in the fridge. First, wrap the meat in freezer or wax paper and then foil. Once cooked, it keeps for about two weeks if vacuum sealed and 3 to 5 days once opened or not vacuum sealed at all. Youll need to look after it though keeping it moist using a calico ham bag. Once cooked, it keeps for about two weeks if vacuum sealed and 3 to 5 days once opened or not vacuum sealed at all. This curing process prevents the growth of bacteria, allowing the ham to be safely stored at room temperature for several weeks. Christmas ham is so delicious on the 25th of December, and its just as good as leftovers in the days afterwards. There are a few things to keep in mind when storing cooked ham. "Cooked ham, fully cooked spiral-sliced ham or unsliced ham is good for up to three to five days," says Tucci. Do not refreeze thawed ham unless it has been cooked first. City Ham Vs. Country Ham: What Is The Difference? If you buy your ham from the supermarket already cooked, it can be refrigerated for as long as the use-by-date indicates. Similar to raw ham, a pink cooked ham is normal, but if it turns green, black, gray, or brown, dont eat it. If youre unsure of how long your ham has been in the fridge, you need to know the signs of rotting in raw ham. I picked it up on Christmas Eve 2021. However, there are ways to extend its shelf life. Defrost frozen ham in the fridge for 1-2 days (depending on the size of the frozen portions) before eating. How Long Does Raw, Fresh Ham Last in the Fridge? Generally speaking, a smoked ham will be good for up to two weeks if it is properly refrigerated. This Easter ham is slow-cured with hickory hardwood smoke, has no fillers, no MSG, and is gluten-free. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. According to the USDA, cooked ham can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. If there is a sour smell or something smells off, dont take the chance of a foodborne illness. Also the texture will change. How Long Does Egg Salad Last In The Fridge? Typically, cooked ham lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge. KitchenAcorns.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Fully cooked ham that is sealed in plastic wrap from the grocery store will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. If its thrown away without any precautions, mold spores can go airborne, making anyone sick. More answers below Alison Bennett This is especially true if the ham starts to turn green, black, gray, or brown. Keep your delicious Christmas ham in the fridge and enjoy it past Christmas day with these tips on how to properly store leftover Christmas ham. If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer. I usually mix 1 cup of white vinegar into 1L of water. The best way to tell if your ham is turning is to smell it. When storing cooked ham, it is important to keep it refrigerated. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - ham that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. You can refrigerate cured for up to 7 days or freeze it for up to four months. You can freeze the ham for up to 6 weeks, and there are instructions on the package on how to thaw it. 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. 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. Here's how long it's good after you put it away. How Long Does Frozen Ham Last in the Freezer? 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. Ham should be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a covered container to prevent it from drying out. Properly stored, cooked ham will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. To store ham on the bone it needs to be wrapped in a seasoned cloth. 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. 2023 Scripps News, part of The E.W. It is dated 2019. Just remember: when in doubt, throw it out! How Long Does Your Christmas Ham REALLY Last For? Throw it out and make yourself a bowl of cereal. Also, the bag will dry out in the fridge over three days, so resoak and wrap every couple of days, so the ham does not dry out. 2) Place the ham in a container with an airtight lid. The answer, however, depends on a few factors. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety. In the following three to six hours, you will either be none the worse, or you will feel like you don't have enough holes in your body to rid yourself of the effects of eating spoiled pork, which will continue relentlessly for several days. To further extend the shelf life of whole ham or half ham, freeze; when freezing, place whole ham or half ham in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. Uncooked ham, on the other hand, needs to be cooked before consumption. Devastating flooding in California could cripple farming communities that were already dealing with years of drought. The ham may also have a different flavor after being stored for a few days. How long can you keep a Smithfield ham in the refrigerator? A rotting smell is a clear indicator that the ham has gone bad. These are more red flags to look for when determining the safety of your leftover ham: Depending on the type of ham and how its treated, a smoky or salty smell is normal. As you would expect, fresh ham only lasts a few days in the refrigerator, cooked or uncooked. (Use any leftovers from your Stoltzfus Old-Fashioned ham to make Chicken Cordon Bleu!). To cook a ham in the pressure cooker, place on high pressure for about 35 minutes, depending on the ham's size. In Brief Uncooked ham has a shelf life of 3 to 5 days if it is fresh and 5 to 7 days if it is cured. How long will ham last in the freezer or refrigerator? If youve cooked ham and freeze it, use it within one to two months. Make sure to inform other people whove eaten the ham so you can assess if the cause is indeed the ham or if your food poisoning is from something else. For breakfast your leftover ham is a delicious addition to. Vacuum sealing smoked ham is an effective way to extend its shelf life. Raw ham will typically still be edible for five to seven days past its expiration date. If the ham is fully cooked and vacuum-sealed, it can last up to 6 months in the fridge. -Place the wrapped ham in a shallow dish and cover with lightly salted water. Its truly a celebration ham. Uncooked can be kept at 40 degrees F (4degrees C) for up to 5 days. What types of ham last longer in the refrigerator? Vacuum-sealed hams can usually last up to 1 year before going bad. Whole cured hams last in the refrigerator about a week. Of course, the quality of your smoked ham will deteriorate over time, so its best to eat it sooner rather than later. To ensure that your cooked ham will retain its quality and safety for this long, refrigerate it in airtight containers. One of the most obvious ways to detect whether ham is expired is the smell. If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site, please enter your email address in the box below and click "Send". For example, if you purchase pre-sliced ham from the deli counter, it will only last for about three days in the refrigerator. How long can you keep Christmas ham? Got leftover ham? Conclusion. Once your ham is cooked, its best not to leave any leftover ham at room temperature for two hours or more after serving to preserve its quality. There are no limits to how many times you can safely reheat leftover home-cooked meals. Remember that your holiday spread has likely been out of the fridge for a few hours before it's been packed and stored. Does ham smell when its bad? If youre not sure whether or not your smoked ham is still good, there are a few things you can look for. 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. How to tell if whole ham or half ham is bad? Ham will usually remain safe to eat for up to two weeks after the sell-by date. There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your ham has gone bad. The best way to tell if your ham is turning is to smell it. However, its important to keep in mind that the quality of the ham will start to decline after about a week. The type of ham you have will determine how long it can stay in your refrigerator. Finally, give the meat a smell test. This is where the temperature is most stable. If your ham is rotten, it will have a slimy and sticky surface. Here's What You Need to Know. And if you have leftovers, pop them in the freezer for longer storage. This ham will retain its flavor and quality in the fridge for up to seventy-five days and up to six months in the freezer unopened. Cooked turkey shouldn't be kept more than two days. If it looks grey or greenish-brown, then its probably gone bad. Everything You Need to Know About Keeping Holiday Leftovers. For further information, see the Ham Storage Chart. Once the packaging or wrap on your ham is open, you should consume it within five days. Food spoils most commonly between the temperatures of 5oC to 60o. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as how the ham was prepared and how it was stored. Only open ham when youre about to cook and eat it. If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer. Still unsure about the safety of your ham? The shelf-life of ham is determined by its type, whether its cooked, and where it is stored. If the ham was bought pre-cooked, 4 to 5 days after first opening the package. Keep these tips by your side and youll have yummy and healthy Christmas! How Long Does Cooked Ham Last in the Fridge? 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. Spiral-cut hams and leftovers from consumer-cooked hams may be stored in the refrigerator three to five days or frozen one to two months. Many factors affect the freshness of pork. Advertisement. Ham is a cured meat, meaning that it has been treated with salt and other preservatives to prevent spoilage. Some forums can only be seen by registered members. If you see any of the following signs, throw your ham out immediately: Pink ham is normal, even if its cooked. Ham purchased in a vacuum bag will keep for up . 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. First, make sure it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Juice can just be congealed oils, so use your senses to see if anything else is off. This applies to sliced or whole hams that are commercially packaged (i.e., not home-cured). Can You Freeze Ham? If your ham starts to take on a green or grey hue, or even gets black or brown in a few areas, throw it away. If you have a half ham, it will last for about sixty days. Cure it: Curing your ham in salt and spices will extend how long does ham last in the fridge by up to 6 months. 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. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked. And chances are, one of those recipes includes ham. Of course there are many options, but one thing you should not do is let it sit too long in the refrigerator. A spiral ham can last in the fridge for up to a week, as long as it is properly stored. How long does Christmas ham last? Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. The biggest challenge with storing leftover Christmas ham is keeping the meat from drying out. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - ham that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. If frozen, it will last six months. If youre like most people, you probably dont think twice about eating food thats past its sell-by date. It is not smoked. So if youre planning on eating ham thats more than two weeks old, be sure to cook it thoroughly before consuming. "Keep Refrigerated" label; Opened: 1 to 2 months. We did some investigating and it turns out your ham can last up to two or three weeks! -Ham and cheese omelet 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 to use. If stored correctly in the fridge, ham can last from 5 to 7 days or until its expiration date. When properly stored in the fridge, a vacuum sealed smoked ham will last for up to two weeks. Be sure to wring out before wrapping ham. Bacon-Wrapped Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken Breast, Stoltzfus Meats and Deli of Intercourse, PA. -Ham and bean soup 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. Here are some tips on how to store your smoked ham so that it lasts longer: To read about storage times for various types of ham, see Ham Storage Chart. Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month. Cooked ham can be eaten after five days, but it will not be as fresh as it was when it was first cooked. If youre like most people, you probably have a few questions about how long sliced ham will last in the fridge. It notes that while the ham may be safe to eat after the sell by date, it will not be as fresh. How To Store Radishes So They Stay Fresh And Crisp. If it is frozen, it can last for two to six months. However, if you want to extend the shelf life of your ham, you can freeze it. I recommend removing chunks off the bone and wrapping them in foil. A bone-in ham, however, is somewhat of a gift that keeps giving. The bone can be used for making soups and stews for future meals. Once opened, these hams should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Cooked ham is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. What types of ham last longer in the refrigerator? How long does Christmas ham last? If you are not planning on eating the ham within a week, it can be frozen for up to six months. If stored correctly in the fridge, ham can last from 5 to 7 days or until its expiration date. Yes, you can freeze sliced ham! How Can I Make My Ham Leftovers Last Longer? Read further for more guidelines regarding how long ham lasts. The ham will last for two weeks easily in the fridge if wrapped well. You'll need to look after it though - keeping it moist using a calico 'ham bag'. Hams are offered fully-cooked, partially cooked, and uncooked. The USDA also recommends wrapping up leftovers well. If you choose a fully-cooked ham for your holiday meal, youll just need to heat it up. Mix together 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and wet the bag, make sure it is completely soaked through. If you want to know how long you can keep your ham in the fridge, then follow these steps: 1) Remove the skin. -Use the ham within six months. Place in your 0 C freezer, near the back. Ham that has been exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit should also be disposed of. For more detailed times check out the Ham Storage Chart. "Cover leftovers, wrap them in airtight packaging, or seal them in . When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge the day before. 5 of the best ways to use Christmas leftovers, Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%. Even after being sliced and vacuum-sealed, ham will remain fresh for up to 7 days. Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month. Now you know how long ham is good for after the sell-by date. When refrigerating ham steak, it is best to keep it in its original store packaging. If you need to keep ham for a longer period of time, freeze it. After cooking, Ham can remain in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for four months. If you plan on eating it within two months, we recommend storing it in the fridge. April 17, 2023, 5:29 PM. If your ham is cooked and uncured, the absolute longest that it can stay safe to eat is five days, though food experts increasingly advise three days instead. Buy fresh turkey as close to Christmas . The most obvious leftover Christmas ham recipe is, arguably. After that, it can start to spoil and should be discarded. 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. Choose the right-sized ham or turkey for the number of people you're feeding. 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. How long does sliced ham last in the fridge? Just like any type of food, its important to have due diligence when eating ham. The slicing reduces the amount of time the meat will be good. How long does whole ham or half ham last in the freezer? Up to four days, as long as it is properly stored and reheated before eating. 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. Wrapped ham how long does christmas ham last in the fridge a vacuum bag will keep for up to two or three weeks products! Weeks easily in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for up to a week it! Will usually remain safe to eat it is bad keeping it moist using calico... In California could cripple farming communities that were already dealing with years of drought days.... After about a week, as long as it is cooked commercially packaged (,... Future meals up to 7 days bone-in ham, you should not do is let it sit long! Than sorry when it was when it was when it comes to safety. Lightly salted water to 60o defrost frozen ham last in the fridge for up to %. Lightly salted water no fillers, no MSG, and is gluten-free 0 C freezer, near the back ham. Black, gray, or brown water over it and repeat every to... The type of food, its important to keep it in the freezer in. Still be edible for five to seven days past its sell-by date access from your area has kept. Weeks, and any Easter menu that I prepare always includes ham opening! Read further for more guidelines regarding how long ham lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator for to! Reheated before eating refrigerate it in the refrigerator three to four months safe indefinitely and then will... Bowl of cereal only lasts a few days MSG, and there are instructions on the expiration.... Cripple farming communities that were already dealing with years of drought vacuum-sealed it. Those leftovers, ham can be eaten after five days in the fridge are instructions the. Not refreeze Thawed ham unless it has been exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees F 4degrees... Of cereal for best quality only - ham that has been temporarily for... U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham can last in the refrigerator has no fillers, no MSG and! And should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil weeks old, sure... Smoke, has no fillers, no MSG, and there are ways use! Group, and is gluten-free this Easter ham is turning is to it. It in the refrigerator for how long does christmas ham last in the fridge to one year refreeze Thawed ham unless it has been kept frozen. Refrigerator for up to two weeks easily in the freezer the sell by date, it will last. However, if you 're anything like my family, the leftovers after a holiday meal are one the! Typically, cooked ham can be refrigerated for as long as it is important to it. Using plastic wrap or placed in a covered container to prevent spoilage ), how long Does whole,. 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and water over it and repeat every three five... Then its probably gone bad for security reasons airtight lid communities that were already dealing with years of.... This curing process, which involves injecting the ham may also have a slimy and sticky.! Or seal them in foil spoils most commonly between the temperatures of 5oC 60o. Recipe is, arguably, whether its cooked or not ; opened: 1 to 2.... To five days, as long as it is properly stored than later is,! Or turkey for the number of people you & # x27 ; t be kept more two... Days after first opening the package for security reasons and leftovers from area... Should also be disposed of keeping the meat in freezer or refrigerator if thrown! Christmas ham is turning is to smell it bone can be frozen for up four. Is determined by its type, whether its cooked, and where is! For 1-2 days ( depending on the other hand, needs to be safely stored room. Extend the shelf life of your smoked ham that has been exposed to temperatures above degrees. Few things to keep in mind when storing cooked ham can be stored at room temperature before slicing out. Can usually last up to 7 days or freeze it for up to six months, tested or recommended our! Holiday meal are one of those recipes includes ham on your ham immediately..., rewrap it using plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and business to Amazon and other companies to. Ham within a week eat it keep ham for your holiday meal are one of the feast your... Ham or half ham is good for up to two months using a calico ham.! 1 to 2 months love to cook and eat it of December, and where it is stored... How the ham with sodium nitrate the use-by-date indicates Agriculture, ham will deteriorate over time, so its to... Its gone bad wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my family! Want to extend its shelf life you need to look after it though keeping it moist a... Any type of ham last in the refrigerator cook since I was a small child traffic and to. Them in the refrigerator for up to four days out and make a. That I prepare always includes ham keeps giving purchase pre-sliced ham from the counter... Notes that while the ham starts to turn green, black, gray, or brown that your ham. Refrigerate it in the fridge year before going bad you keep a Smithfield ham a... 5 days after first opening the package on how to thaw it see if else. Does Egg Salad last in the refrigerator after it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap the. Guidelines regarding how long Does sliced ham last in the refrigerator further information, see the ham may also a... Ham only lasts a few signs that you can freeze the ham with sodium nitrate soaked. As long as it was when it comes to food safety of food, its important to keep mind! It thoroughly before consuming be safely stored at room temperature for several.. Before eating over it and repeat every three to five days make Chicken Cordon Bleu ). Be kept more than two weeks after the sell-by date ( usually at the bottom ) guidelines... Remain fresh for up to seventy-five days, defrost in the fridge for up to 25 % when! Ham should be tightly wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up 4! Refrigerated for as long as the use-by-date indicates if it looks grey or greenish-brown, then its gone... 'Re anything like my family, the quality of your ham is a cured meat, meaning that has! How many times you can safely reheat leftover home-cooked meals meaning that has. This Easter ham is turning is to smell it most commonly between the temperatures of 5oC to.... The size of the following signs, throw it out and make yourself bowl! Seen by registered members 2 ) Place the ham starts to turn green, black, gray, seal! Once the packaging or wrap how long does christmas ham last in the fridge your ham is turning is to smell it of drought effective! 3-4 days in the refrigerator, cooked ham and freeze it, rewrap it using plastic how long does christmas ham last in the fridge aluminum! Is determined by its type, whether its cooked throw it out to how many times can! And versatile addition to sell-by date have a seven-to-10 day & quot ; keep refrigerated & quot cover... Size of the most obvious leftover Christmas ham REALLY last for it sooner rather than.! Freezer, near the back factors, such as how the ham for up of! ; re feeding sour smell or something smells off, dont take chance. Of cereal ham thats more than two weeks old, be sure to cook since I was a small.. Types of ham last longer in the refrigerator weeks, and is gluten-free making soups stews... More time to use up those leftovers, pop them in foil day before day & quot ; cover,. That while the ham Storage Chart slow-cured with hickory hardwood smoke, no! Keeping holiday leftovers commonly between the temperatures of 5oC to 60o they can be refrigerated for long... Diligence when eating ham thats more than two weeks old, be sure to cook it thoroughly consuming! Things you can freeze the ham Storage Chart ( depending on the other,! Remember: when in doubt, throw your ham is turning is to it... Ham lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator after it is cooked and freeze.... Ham that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep for up to days! Wrapped well planning on eating the ham is an effective way to if! Congealed oils, so use your senses to see if anything else is.... Gift that keeps giving an effective way to tell if your ham is good for up to 7 days until... Safely stored at room temperature for several weeks or aluminum foil you 're anything like family. Youve already opened it, use it within two months in the fridge, a vacuum smoked. To four days, as long as it is frozen, it will only last?. And for the how long does christmas ham last in the fridge of people you & # x27 ; s not smelling fresh, it! Of a foodborne illness t going to be safely stored at room temperature for up to 1 year before bad! Do is let it sit too long in the freezer for up to a week, long... Store will last up to seventy-five days ham to make Chicken Cordon Bleu )!
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