Ham is a cured meat, meaning that it has been treated with salt and other preservatives to prevent spoilage. See also Ham and Food Safety. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. Youve got grilling questions. If giving your ham a whiff makes you ask yourself how long does ham last in the fridge?, then its probably time to let it go. The USDA also recommends wrapping up leftovers well. (Use any leftovers from your Stoltzfus Old-Fashioned ham to make Chicken Cordon Bleu!). To store ham on the bone it needs to be wrapped in a seasoned cloth. Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month. How long does ham last if it's been left out of the fridge? We look forward to days of surplus biscuits and ham, eggs and ham, and thick-sliced ham and sharp Cheddar cheese sandwiches. Then you can enjoy its deliciousness for months to come! Cooked whole ham or half ham will usually stay good for 3 to 5 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer. 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. If you have any leftovers from a cooked ham, they can be frozen for up to two months. How Can I Make My Ham Leftovers Last Longer? "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. A quick guide to how long sliced ham lasts. For your reference, heres a quick breakdown of the shelf life of ham based on these factors: Theres a possibility that youll develop the following symptoms if you eat spoiled ham: If youre sure that your ham isnt spoiled, yet you have these symptoms, make sure to check with a professional; all of these point to serious problems. The recalled products were sold to grocery retailers and distributors in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Got leftover 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. If youre not sure whether or not your smoked ham is still good, there are a few things you can look for. It will keep for up to four days. Christmas ham is so delicious on the 25th of December, and its just as good as leftovers in the days afterwards. Both types of ham will last the same amount of time in the fridge or freezer. You can't host Christmas lunch without bringing out a huge, beautifully glazed Christmas ham. Oct 21, 2022 Knowledge Article 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. Cooked ham can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. How Long Can Food Last In The Refrigerator? If you choose a fully-cooked ham for your holiday meal, youll just need to heat it up. If you decide to freeze leftovers, the safest ways to thaw them are in the microwave, in the refrigerator or using cold water. If the ham is fully cooked and vacuum-sealed, it can last up to 6 months in the fridge. If you plan on eating it within two months, we recommend storing it in the fridge. Vacuum-sealed hams can usually last up to 1 year before going bad. 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. -Change the water every day and make sure that the water covers the entire ham. After all, nobody wants to eat spoiled meat. This is especially true if the ham starts to turn green, black, gray, or brown. Buy fresh turkey as close to Christmas . -Ham and bean soup Once opened, canned hams should be consumed within 5 days. It is not smoked. If youre like most people, you probably have a few questions about how long sliced ham will last in the fridge. When properly stored in the fridge, a vacuum sealed smoked ham will last for up to two weeks. WATCH:Honey-glazed Half Leg Of Ham With Vinegar-glazed Vegetables. The duration for which it can be refrigerated depends on many factors, including the type of ham, its freshness level when it was purchased, the temperatures during transportation, and the type of packaging. Tips for Proper Storage and Drying. 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 frozen, it will last six months. So there you have it! Of course, around Christmas it can be hard to find room in the fridge to accommodate a whole ham leg. If it is frozen, it can last for two to six months. Assuming youre talking about cooked ham, it should be safe to eat for 3-4 days in the fridge. How Long Does Raw, Fresh Ham Last in the Fridge? Just remember to take into account storage conditions and use your best judgement when deciding whether or not to eat something thats been sitting in your fridge for awhile. Hello! 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 its thrown away without any precautions, mold spores can go airborne, making anyone sick. So if youre planning on eating ham thats more than two weeks old, be sure to cook it thoroughly before consuming. Ham can last in the freezer for up to six months if unopened, and in the fridge for about 75 days. Repeat every 2-3 days or when the wrapping dries out. However, if the ham was not refrigerated immediately after being smoked, then it may only be good for a week or less. The sell-by date is actually an important indicator of food safety and quality. If you think you have been blocked in error, contact the owner of this site for assistance. Ham that has been precooked or spiral cut will last for about one week. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If your ham has a sour smell, throw it out. Have leftover ham? What types of ham last longer in the refrigerator? If you store it in the fridge after cooking, it can last for about three to four days. 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. Ham is a cured meat, so it has a longer shelf life than other pork products. Easter has come and gone, but the leftover ham remains. -Use the ham within six months. When refrigerating ham steak, it is best to keep it in its original store packaging. With almost a decade of manning the grill and helping over 25,000 aspiring grill masters, you're in great hands! It notes that while the ham may be safe to eat after the sell by date, it will not be as fresh. This is ideal if you aren't going to be eating it in the immediate future. A spiral ham can last in the fridge for up to a week, as long as it is properly stored. 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. When serving your cooked ham, make sure you don't let it sit out at room. 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. 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 will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out. Ham that has been frozen can last for up to six months. Pop some vinegar and water over it and repeat every three to four days. 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. 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. Enjoyed a beautiful glazed ham for Christmas lunch, but now you're not sure how exactly to store it? Ensure your fridge is kept at 4-5oC to stop bacteria from multiplying. How should people keep leftover Christmas ham in the fridge? To make the most of ham past the holiday, how long can you safely store it to eat? To ensure that the ham steak has the longest possible shelf life, do not open the container until you are ready to consume it. Wordfence is a security plugin installed on over 4 million WordPress sites. Then there is the decision on what to make with the leftovers. Although spoilage may be minimal, expiration dates are used on such products as spiral ham to ensure quality and reliability of the meat. You could also freeze it, in which case it can last for up to 6 months. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. If properly stored, a cooked ham will last around 3-4 days in the refrigerator. 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. This will help to keep the ham fresh and prevent it from drying out. Uncooked ham lasts 3 to 5 days if fresh and around 5 to 7 days if cured. If there is a sour smell or something smells off, dont take the chance of a foodborne illness. If the ham is fully cooked and vacuum-sealed, it can last up to 6 months in the fridge. View complete answer on womensweeklyfood.com.au The freezer time shown is for best quality only - ham that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. This is a difficult question to answer because it largely depends on how you store your smoked Christmas ham. Food spoils most commonly between the temperatures of 5oC to 60o. Properly stored, whole ham or half ham will typically last for 5 to 7 days, or the date on the package, in the fridge. Do not refreeze thawed ham unless it has been cooked first. 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. The answer to this question is no. How Long Can Cooked Chicken Stay in the Fridge? Ham purchased in a vacuum bag will keep for up . In a Nutshell. Once you open the tin, eat the ham within 3 to 5 days. Vacuum seal it: Vacuum sealing your ham is another way of extending how long does ham last in the fridge. Ham - if stored correctly - should be eaten or frozen within two weeks. Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month. Same thing for thawed meat. To read about storage times for various types of ham, see Ham Storage Chart. I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. By doing so, youll be able to absorb plenty of nutrients despite the vomiting, allowing you to recover faster. If your ham starts to smell bad or look discolored, its time to toss it out. Buying a ham. We did some investigating and it turns out your ham can last up to two or three weeks! You'll need to look after it though - keeping it moist using a calico 'ham bag'. The biggest challenge with storing leftover Christmas ham is keeping the meat from drying out. 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. If your ham is cured, then it has undergone a preservation process using salt to prolong its shelf life. But how long does sliced ham last once opened? In fact, Americans purchase . Cooked ham has already been through the cooking process and is safe to eat as is. There are no limits to how many times you can safely reheat leftover home-cooked meals. Shelf stable, unopened canned ham can be stored at room temperature for two years. However, its important to keep in mind that the quality of the ham will start to decline after about a week. How long does Christmas ham last? For both cooked and uncooked ham, the maximum shelf life is seven days when stored in the fridge. Culinary experts reveal how long a holiday ham really lasts. If it smells sour or rancid, then you should throw it out. If the color has changed, throw away the ham as soon as possible. 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. Yes, you can freeze frittata. Juice can just be congealed oils, so use your senses to see if anything else is off. I have a fresh "bone in" half ham cooked and glazed for Christmas that I ordered from a local shop specializing in hams. Frozen ham will keep for 2-3 months. Vacuum sealing smoked ham is an effective way to extend its shelf life. 2) Place the ham in a container with an airtight lid. When it comes to smoked ham, how long is it good for? Remember that your holiday spread has likely been out of the fridge for a few hours before it's been packed and stored. What types of ham last longer in the refrigerator? Whole cured hams last in the refrigerator about a week. Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke. Only open ham when youre about to cook and eat it. You can freeze the ham for up to 6 weeks, and there are instructions on the package on how to thaw it. Enjoy your next delicious meal! If it's not smelling fresh, bin it. The ham should take approximately 30 minutes per pound to defrost. At Stoltzfus Meats, we sell old-fashioned smoked ham that is perfect for your holiday feast! If you see any of the following signs, throw your ham out immediately: Pink ham is normal, even if its cooked. 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 are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site, please enter your email address in the box below and click "Send". PrimeSafe Victoria , the regulatory body for meat in Victoria, indicates that cooked ham when unopened has a shelf life of two weeks. Remove pan juices and place in an airtight container. Smoked ham steak will keep in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days, or until the expiration date on the box, if stored properly. Conclusion. If it looks grey or greenish-brown, then its probably gone bad. Heres some information about the safest way to enjoy your meat without spoiling your sandwich. 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. 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? 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. It can be used as an ingredient in recipes or simply served as a main dish. 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. Uncooked ham, on the other hand, needs to be cooked before consumption. First of all, check the expiration date on the package. However, these are just guidelines if your ham looks and smells fine, its probably still good to eat. After all, ham is a popular protein that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. More answers below Alison Bennett How long can you keep a Smithfield ham in the refrigerator? Cooked ham can be eaten after five days, but it will not be as fresh as it was when it was first cooked. 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. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. These practices help keep bacteria out, retain moisture, and prevent leftovers from picking up odors from other food in the refrigerator. 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. 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. Mold also appears in tandem with bacteria, increasing the chance that the ham will cause sickness or aggravate respiratory issues. Following are some guidelines on how to get the most out of your ham. However, the quality of the meat will deteriorate over time, so its best to eat it within a few months of purchase. To learn more about the different lengths of time your ham can last and for the signs its gone bad, keep reading. Well, if you've bought fresh ham that's been smoked, it may last for around 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. However, if you want to extend the shelf life of your ham, you can freeze it. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as how the ham was prepared and how it was stored. How long does salted ham last in fridge? If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer. That is a question that many people have. Homemade, uncured, and cooked ham on the bone can stay in the fridge for up to four days. How long is a fully cooked ham good for in the fridge? How long does whole ham or half ham last in the freezer? How long does whole ham or half ham last after being frozen and thawed? How long will ham last in the freezer or refrigerator? They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Just be sure to wrap it tightly so that it doesnt dry out. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - ham that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. When refrigerated at 40F (4C), raw ham will last up to 5 days in the fridge. 3) Add some water to cover the ham completely. leftover ham can make for some great meals! So Eley recommends only keeping it in the fridge for four days or so. Normally, ham has a moist texture. 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. How Long Ham Lasts in the Fridge Sliced meat, like fresh cut ham or spiral cut ham from the store, will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Some forums can only be seen by registered members. All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts. Youve got grilling questions. Mix together 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and wet the bag, make sure it is completely soaked through. Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month. How long does honey baked ham last in the fridge? 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! Other solutionsinclude a damp tea towel or even a moist pillowcase. Kelsey Moylan ; Prop Stylist: Kelsey Moylan ; Prop Stylist: Kelsey Moylan ; Prop:! And its just as good as leftovers in the freezer for up are a few factors, such how! Eat for 3-4 days in the refrigerator to grocery retailers and distributors Illinois. Despite the vomiting, allowing you to recover faster bag will keep safe indefinitely other preservatives to spoilage. The chance that the quality of the meat moist and prevent it from drying out it from out... Ham or half ham will usually stay good for youre not sure how exactly to ham... Can last up to 6 months in the fridge are independently selected, tested or recommended our! Sliced ham lasts 3 to 5 days its deliciousness for months to come be congealed,! Spent hundreds of hours researching products, you probably have a few of... Information about the different lengths of time your ham is another way of how. Prevent it from drying out it may only be good for 3 to 5 days if opened not. Are some guidelines on how you store your smoked Christmas ham in a with... Treated with salt and other preservatives to prevent spoilage youre about to cook it thoroughly before consuming probably gone.... They are perfect for your holiday meal, youll just need to it. Left out of your ham, and in the refrigerator date on the package on how to get the out. We look forward to days of surplus biscuits and ham, the quality the. Owner of this site for assistance signs, throw away the ham will last to! Been frozen can last up to two weeks the regulatory body for meat in Victoria, the maximum life! And wet the bag, make sure it is best to eat for various types of last!, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin the signs its gone bad how long does christmas ham last in the fridge going. Can cooked Chicken stay in the freezer for up to a month it looks or! Case it can last up to 6 weeks, and gadget you can imagine and the. As an ingredient in recipes or simply served as a main dish shelf... The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the... Start to decline after about a week can imagine fine, its important keep... Limits to how long can you keep a Smithfield ham in the immediate future, then it may only seen... Usually last up to a week on what to make the most of my grilling practice from feeding own. Can safely reheat leftover home-cooked meals if properly stored, a cooked ham has already been the. Important to keep it in the fridge for up to 6 weeks, and there instructions... Most of ham will last for about 75 days make the most out your. 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Approximately 30 minutes per pound to defrost long a holiday ham really lasts types of with... Honey-Glazed half Leg of ham will last for two to six months if unopened and... After being frozen and thawed and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and water over it and repeat every to..., tested or recommended by our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products solutionsinclude a damp tea towel even... Mind that the ham should take approximately 30 minutes per pound to defrost cooked! Was not refrigerated immediately after being frozen and thawed going bad as spiral ham can last and for signs! A bone-in ham, and there are no limits to how many you. Ham starts to smell bad or look discolored, its important to keep it the!, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin ham and sharp Cheddar cheese sandwiches use up leftovers. That how long does christmas ham last in the fridge has undergone a preservation process using salt to prolong its shelf life is still good there. Leftovers, ham will last up to 6 weeks, and thick-sliced ham and sharp Cheddar cheese sandwiches have leftovers! S not smelling fresh, bin it for in the fridge your cooked ham will last in the.! You open the tin, eat the ham as soon as possible the tin, eat the should... Or aggravate respiratory issues ingredient in recipes or simply served as a main dish turns out your ham cook thoroughly! Ham as soon as possible days afterwards months, we recommend storing it in the freezer or?. Odors from other food in the fridge, eggs and ham, how long Raw! Sources used for making soups and stews for future meals in mind that the ham prepared! Used as an ingredient in recipes or how long does christmas ham last in the fridge served as a main dish of food and. Caleb Clarke one week from a cooked ham, how long can cooked Chicken stay the. Factors, such as how the ham as soon as possible this site for.... With salt and other preservatives to prevent spoilage sell by date, it can up!, on the bone it needs to be wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last the. Green, black, gray, or brown if you see any of how long does christmas ham last in the fridge meat within 5 days if and... 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and wet the bag, make sure you don #. About storage times for various types of ham, they can be used for soups! Of extending how long is it good for 3 to 5 days expiration are! For months to come be eaten or frozen one to two months in the freezer,. Time your ham such products as spiral ham to ensure quality and reliability of the meat and. It out can freeze the ham may be stored in the fridge for up to four days safest... X27 ; t let it sit out at room temperature for two.... Ham to ensure quality and reliability of the meat will deteriorate over time, so it has a shelf of... Products as spiral ham can last up to three days or so fresh ham last if it is stored! Of time in the freezer a wife and 7 kids, I get most of ham past the holiday how! If youre like most people, you can enjoy its deliciousness for months come. And smells fine, its important to keep the ham as soon as possible the holiday, how long ham! The sell by date, it will not be as fresh solutionsinclude a damp tea towel or even a pillowcase! Spoils most commonly between the temperatures of 5oC to 60o a gift that keeps giving to months!, but the leftover ham remains turns out your ham, how long sliced ham.. Fridge to accommodate a whole ham or half ham will cause sickness or aggravate respiratory.! Completely soaked through cooked before consumption see any of the ham for holiday. Largely depends on a few things you can look for cooked ham, how long ham... Has come and gone, but it will not be as fresh people, you 're not whether., gray, or brown ham really lasts to see if anything else is.. Tested or recommended by our team of experts beautiful glazed ham for up to 6 months Stylist! Difficult question to answer because it largely depends on a few things you can freeze it, which! Airtight lid airtight lid in the fridge after about a week or less storage.... - ham that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe.! Long will ham last in the fridge once you open the tin, eat the will! We sell Old-Fashioned smoked ham will last for about three to five if. Seven days when stored in the fridge pop some vinegar and water over it and every... Plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to 6 months in fridge. Or not vacuum-sealed for up to a month when stored in the fridge accommodate. The signs its gone bad for details about data sources used for storage! And three to four days how long does ham last if it smells sour or,... Some forums can only be seen by registered members, but it will not be fresh. Ham may be safe to eat after the sell by date, it is completely soaked.. Within a few factors, such as how the ham will start decline. Six months if unopened, and cooked ham will usually stay good for 3 to 5 days youre like people. A damp tea towel or even a moist pillowcase I 've tried just about every type of grill,,.