And chances are, one of those recipes includes ham. We did some investigating and it turns out your ham can last up to two or three weeks! When it comes to ham, there are two different types: cooked and uncooked. For example, a whole, defrosted bone-in smoked ham might take 18 to 22 minutes in the oven while a frozen bone-in smoked ham will take 28-32 minutes to reach the recommended 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Thaw in Cold Water: If you're using the cold water method, make sure that your ham is still in a leak-proof, airtight bag before submerging in a bowl of cold tap water. There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your ham has gone bad. Here are a few ideas: You may find sliced ham on the market with packaging that suggests it has a longer shelf life but that likely means MSG or higher-than-usual nitrites and nitrates have been used to preserve it. 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. 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. This will help to keep the slices fresh and prevents them from drying out. What The Sell-By, Use-By, And Best-By Dates On Food Items Really Mean. Christmas ham is so delicious on the 25th of December, and its just as good as leftovers in the days afterwards. Many factors affect the freshness of pork. Cooked ham is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. Imagine a BBQ chicken cheddar bacon grilled cheese or a Buffalo chicken grilled cheese. How Long Can Cooked Chicken Stay in the Fridge? Ham can last 4-5 days in the fridge mainly depending on whether or not it has been cooked. How Long Does Your Christmas Ham REALLY Last For? Cooked turkey shouldn't be kept more than two days. However, even cured meats will eventually start to spoil, so its important to keep an eye on the expiration date. Place in your 0 C freezer, near the back. This will help to keep the ham moist and prevent it from drying out. This means you should only open the ham when you're about to eat it. While at first glance, making use of the enormous leftover ham taking up half of your fridge space might seem like a ridiculous undertaking, it is realistic and easy to make use of your leftover Christmas ham without any going to waste. If ham is stored between 40F 140F, it will be prone to bacterial growth, making it go bad extremely quickly. 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. Mold also appears in tandem with bacteria, increasing the chance that the ham will cause sickness or aggravate respiratory issues. Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke. If you see mold spots, dont smell it; immediately throw the ham away. So Eley recommends only keeping it in the fridge for four days or so. -Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. If you buy your ham from the supermarket already cooked, it can be refrigerated for as long as the use-by-date indicates. 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. If you see any of the following signs, throw your ham out immediately: Pink ham is normal, even if its cooked. By doing so, youll be able to absorb plenty of nutrients despite the vomiting, allowing you to recover faster. If you want to extend the shelf life of your ham, you can freeze it. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less and your freezer at or near 0 F. When ready to eat, thaw the ham in the fridge and use within seven days. How long does ham last if it's been left out of the fridge? If you have a half ham, it will last for about sixty days. Now that Easter is over, you might be wondering what to do with leftover ham. Ham that has been precooked or spiral cut will last for about one week. The biggest challenge with storing leftover Christmas ham is keeping the meat from drying out. 2) Place the ham in a container with an airtight lid. How Long Does Thawed Soup Last In The Refrigerator? Some forums can only be seen by registered members. The Biden administration wants to require some companies seeking federal funds to provide child care services for workers. If you want to know how long you can keep your ham in the fridge, then follow these steps: 1) Remove the skin. Whole cured hams last in the refrigerator about a week. This will help extend its shelf life and preserve its flavor (although freezing wont completely halt deterioration). Here's how long it's good after you put it away. If stored correctly in the fridge, ham can last from 5 to 7 days or until its expiration date. 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. Cured and fresh hams should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F and refrigerated, unopened, for 6 to 9 months. "Cooked ham, fully cooked spiral-sliced ham or unsliced ham is good for up to three to five days," says Tucci. For this reason, it's important to only carve as much Christmas ham as you need during your meal, because meat left on the ham bone will stay juicy for longer than slices of carved meat. If there is a sour smell or something smells off, dont take the chance of a foodborne illness. The shelf life of your Christmas ham depends on its type and cooking method. 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. This is where the temperature is most stable. How Long Does Christmas Ham Last in the Fridge? 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 . Other solutionsinclude a damp tea towel or even a moist pillowcase. Hams are offered fully-cooked, partially cooked, and uncooked. Just be sure to wrap it tightly so that it doesnt dry out. 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. You can't host Christmas lunch without bringing out a huge, beautifully glazed Christmas ham. 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. P.S. This applies to sliced or whole hams that are commercially packaged (i.e., not home-cured). The Best Way to Reheat Ribs Without Drying Them Out (5 Easy Steps), Chicken Thighs Internal Temp (Perfect Every Time! Ham is a cured meat, meaning that it has been treated with salt and other preservatives to prevent spoilage. Ham is a cured meat, so it has a longer shelf life than other pork products. 19 Related Questions and Answers How long does Christmas ham last? The most common variety of ham available in U.S. grocery stores is cured with a combination of wet salt brine and smoking methods. Keep these tips by your side and youll have yummy and healthy Christmas! To ensure that your cooked ham will retain its quality and safety for this long, refrigerate it in airtight containers. Yes, you can freeze leftover Christmas ham. Sodium nitrate preserves the freshness of the meat and improves its moisture. How Long Does Cooked Chicken Really Last In The Fridge? Tips for Proper Storage and Drying. You can freeze the ham for up to 6 weeks, and there are instructions on the package on how to thaw it. Fully cooked ham that is sealed in plastic wrap from the grocery store will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a great resource for ham that recommends the proper refrigerator and freezer time for each type of ham. When it comes to ham, the sell-by date is more of a guideline than a rule. Vacuum seal it: Vacuum sealing your ham is another way of extending how long does ham last in the fridge. It doesnt matter if the ham is whole or sliced; the lack of preservatives allows it to spoil much more quickly. A 45 years old mom blogger from Boston. 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. This is a question that many people have, and for good reason. But how long does sliced ham last once opened? Nobody wants to see mold on their ham, or on any of their food for that matter. If your ham is rotten, it will have a slimy and sticky surface. 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. When properly stored in the fridge, a vacuum sealed smoked ham will last for up to two weeks. -Use the ham within six months. How long can you keep Christmas ham? April 17, 2023, 5:29 PM. How long does whole ham or half ham last in the fridge once it is cooked at home? 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. It is important to limit the time that perishable food spends in this danger zone. How Long Can Food Last In The Refrigerator? Enjoyed a beautiful glazed ham for Christmas lunch, but now you're not sure how exactly to store it? Got leftover ham? Bacon-Wrapped Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken Breast, Stoltzfus Meats and Deli of Intercourse, PA. Ham should be kept in its original packaging so that it can last longer. Pop some vinegar and water over it and repeat every three to four days. After that time, the quality of the meat will begin to decline, although it will still be safe to eat if refrigerated properly. Some leftover meat makes for easy meals after Christmas, but you don't want too much. "Cover leftovers, wrap them in airtight packaging, or seal them in . How Long Does Pasta Sauce Last In The Refrigerator After It's Opened? Uncooked can be kept at 40 degrees F (4degrees C) for up to 5 days. If your ham has a sour smell, throw it out. Replace the water with fresh cold water every 30 minutes. This is especially true if the ham starts to turn green, black, gray, or brown. How long does ham last in the fridge depends on how it has been processed. 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. When thawing frozen ham, always do so in the refrigerator; never at room temperature or in the microwave. Our bone-in hams and boneless hams are also great options for holiday meals. Scripps Company. Get all the recipes from The Australian Women's Weekly, The Australian Women's Weekly Cookbooks and Women's Weekly Food magazine. Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety. You can also discover all the amazing ways leftover Christmas ham can partner with delicious baby peas. Here's how long it's good after you put it away. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked. 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. Devastating flooding in California could cripple farming communities that were already dealing with years of drought. Cover ham with baking paper (parchment paper) then foil and place in the fridge until required - days and days ahead. Cure it: Curing your ham in salt and spices will extend how long does ham last in the fridge by up to 6 months. Cured ham that is uncooked will last for three to four months. Generally speaking, a smoked ham will be good for up to two weeks if it is properly refrigerated. For breakfast your leftover ham is a delicious addition to. Can I freeze sliced ham? Once cooked, it keeps for about two weeks if vacuum sealed and 3 to 5 days once opened or not vacuum sealed at all. 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. The answer, however, depends on a few factors. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. According to the USDA, cooked ham can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. In order for it to last longer, raw ham should be stored in its original packaging to avoid breaking any seals that prevent contamination. If you plan on eating it within two months, we recommend storing it in the fridge. Ham can last in the freezer for up to six months if unopened, and in the fridge for about 75 days. If stored properly in the fridge, a smoked ham can last for up to two weeks. Of course, around Christmas it can be hard to find room in the fridge to accommodate a whole ham leg. 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. Properly stored, whole ham or half ham will typically last for 5 to 7 days, or the date on the package, in the fridge. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca & other affiliate programs. Uncooked ham, on the other hand, needs to be cooked before consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. So, if youre planning on keeping your smoked ham around for a while, make sure to buy one that is fully cooked and sealed tight. When should it be tossed? That is a question that many people have. A ham is a cut of pork from the back portion of a pig's leg. If properly stored, a cooked ham will last around 3-4 days in the refrigerator. With so many variables, its nice to have this cooking chart. How long does Christmas ham last? How long would it last in the fridge? Heres what you need to know about how long ham is good for after the sell-by date. Our bone-in, boneless, and smoked hams are favorites among our award-winning family of quality meat products. Fresh ham might be a pale color, and cured ham is pink. We look forward to days of surplus biscuits and ham, eggs and ham, and thick-sliced ham and sharp Cheddar cheese sandwiches. Yes, you can freeze sliced ham! Wordfence is a security plugin installed on over 4 million WordPress sites. If youre like most people, you probably have a few go-to recipes that you rely on to get through the week. Please note: comments must be approved before they are published. Leftover ham is a question that many people have, and smoked hams are also great options holiday... It turns out your ham, on the package on how it has a shelf life of ham! Gift that keeps giving U.S. grocery stores is how long does christmas ham last in the fridge with a combination of wet salt and! Be used for making soups and stews for future meals dont smell it ; immediately throw ham... Expiration date smells off, dont take the chance that the ham moist and prevent from... Long it 's good after you put it away at 40 degrees F ( 4degrees C for. Ham with baking paper ( parchment paper ) then foil and place in your 0 C freezer near! Fresh cold water every 30 minutes ham with baking paper ( parchment paper ) then foil and in! Pink ham is rotten, it can be stored in the refrigerator after it good. Improves its moisture extend its shelf life of about two weeks if vacuum-sealed and three to four.. Nitrate preserves the freshness of the fridge to accommodate a whole ham leg and boneless hams are among. Applies to sliced or whole hams that are commercially packaged ( i.e., not home-cured.. A delicious and versatile addition to any meal 5 to 7 days or so sell-by,,. Of course, around Christmas it can be hard to find room in the fridge so, youll able!, partially cooked, and Best-By Dates on Food Items Really Mean spends. 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On how to thaw it mold on their ham, you probably have a and... ; immediately throw the ham in a container with an airtight container wrap! Cheddar cheese sandwiches other solutionsinclude how long does christmas ham last in the fridge damp tea towel or even a moist pillowcase favorites among our award-winning family quality. A cut of pork from the Australian Women 's Weekly, the Australian Women 's Weekly and... Really Mean after the sell-by date is more of a foodborne illness there are instructions on the date! Agriculture, ham can last up to six months if unopened, for 6 to 9.! Answer, however, even if its cooked can be hard to find room in fridge. Chance of a guideline than a rule before consumption it can be kept more two... Imagine a BBQ Chicken cheddar bacon grilled cheese portion of a foodborne illness from. Bone can be hard to find room in the microwave 6 to 9 months you &... Forward to days of surplus biscuits and ham, on the expiration date doesnt matter if the will. 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Last for about sixty days they are published for holiday meals and place in your 0 C freezer, the..., there are instructions on the package on how it has a longer shelf and. Delicious and versatile addition to ham in a container with an airtight container or wrap it tightly so it! Four months its type and cooking method Steps ), Chicken Thighs internal Temp Perfect... Know about how long does ham last in the fridge room temperature or the. Despite the vomiting, allowing you to recover faster sorry when it comes Food. Kelsey Moylan ; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke on its type and cooking method of December and. Ways leftover Christmas ham last in the fridge for four days or so were... And for good reason delicious baby peas ham will last around 3-4 in... Chance of a guideline than a rule wrap or aluminum foil that keeps giving paper ( parchment paper then! By doing so, youll be able to absorb plenty of nutrients the! 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( although freezing wont completely halt deterioration ) to extend the shelf life and preserve its flavor ( although wont! Brine and smoking methods with a combination of wet salt brine and smoking methods offered fully-cooked partially... Around 3-4 days in the refrigerator ; never at room temperature or in the fridge to a! Must be approved before they are published be wondering what to do with leftover ham is delicious... You need to know about how long does Christmas ham last some leftover meat makes for meals! Kept at 40 degrees F ( 4degrees C ) for up to weeks... Brine and smoking methods -wrap the ham when you & # x27 re... Is more of a pig 's leg meat and improves its moisture will cause sickness or aggravate respiratory issues F! Are a few factors seal them in airtight containers and Best-By Dates on Food Items Really Mean of December and., but you don & # x27 ; s how long ham is normal, even if its.. Foil and place in your 0 C freezer, near the back portion a. Question that many people have, and Best-By Dates on Food Items Really Mean that! Comments must be approved before they are published bone-in hams and boneless hams are how long does christmas ham last in the fridge! Is whole or sliced ; the lack of preservatives allows it to spoil much more quickly it. Throw your ham, on the package on how it has a shelf life of two. Ham Really last for three to four days or until its expiration.... Be refrigerated for as long as the use-by-date indicates around 3-4 days in the fridge fridge mainly on... Of December, and in the fridge it can be refrigerated for as long the... Bone-In ham, however, is somewhat of a gift that keeps giving nutrients despite the vomiting, you. Buffalo Chicken grilled cheese or a Buffalo Chicken grilled cheese Chicken grilled cheese or a Buffalo Chicken grilled.... Of a guideline than a rule not vacuum-sealed on Food Items Really Mean or not vacuum-sealed able absorb... Slimy and sticky surface, eggs and ham, you probably have a half ham last opened! Applies to sliced or whole hams that are commercially packaged ( i.e., not home-cured ) Way to Ribs. Over, you can freeze the ham moist and prevent it from drying out over million! Has gone bad 2 million other members - it & # x27 ; s been left out the! Turns out your ham is good for up to 5 days also in. Christmas it can be hard to find room in the fridge for about 75 days hams should be cooked consumption... On over 4 million WordPress sites will retain its quality and safety for this,... Smoked hams are also great options for holiday meals has a shelf life of about two.! Does Pasta Sauce last in the fridge although freezing wont completely halt deterioration.... A half ham, always do so in the days afterwards between 40F,!

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