However, there are ways to extend its shelf life. Have leftover ham? Ham can last 4-5 days in the fridge mainly depending on whether or not it has been cooked. The length of time a HoneyBaked Ham will last vary based on how it is stored, but typically these dishes have an expiration date ranging from 5 to 10 days if kept in a fridge or other cool place. The slicing reduces the amount of time the meat will be good. 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Roll-Ups, 17 Celebs Who Dealt With Men So Toxic, They Decided To Step Away From Hollywood, Mad Fresh Kitchen can help you eat fresh and healthy. A frittata is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site, please enter your email address in the box below and click "Send". Everything You Need to Know About Keeping Holiday Leftovers. If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer. To make the most of ham past the holiday, how long can you safely store it to eat? This timeframe applies to both cooked and uncooked ham. And if you have leftovers, pop them in the freezer for longer storage. For more detailed times check out the Ham Storage Chart. Ham should be kept in its original packaging so that it can last longer. Ideally, a clean tea towel, a clean pillowcase, large piece of calico fabric, or a purpose-made ham bag. Store in coolest part of fridge (usually at the bottom). This means you should only open the ham when you're about to eat it. It is not smoked. Our bone-in, boneless, and smoked hams are favorites among our award-winning family of quality meat products. I run a small restaurant. How long does a whole ham or half ham last in the refrigerator? If your ham has a sour smell, throw it out. -Ham and cheese omelet If you plan on eating it within two months, we recommend storing it in the fridge. However, if you buy a whole ham and slice it yourself, it will last for up to two weeks. Whole, uncut country ham can be stored at room temperature for up to one year. three to five days. 6 Chicken Storage Mistakes You Might Be Making. Mold generates mycotoxins, which are dangerous compounds thatll make anyone sick if inhaled, even more so if theyre consumed. If youre wondering how long ham can stay in the refrigerator before going bad, youre in the right place! Fresh, uncured, cooked Less than 4 days From 3 to 4 months. Jessica Farthing writes about food and has a busy speaking schedule teaching aspiring authors to do the same. How To Store Radishes So They Stay Fresh And Crisp. More About How Long Can A Thawed Cooked Ham Stay In The Fridge? We look forward to days of surplus biscuits and ham, eggs and ham, and thick-sliced ham and sharp Cheddar cheese sandwiches. Here are some tips on how to store your smoked ham so that it lasts longer: This New Jersey restaurant has it all and more. Food spoils most commonly between the temperatures of 5oC to 60o. 5 of the best ways to use Christmas leftovers, Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%. If you want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! In the Freezer: Follow the instructions above and, if you can, place the meat in a container that is airtight. The best way to store sliced ham is to place a folded paper towel inside of a sealable storage container. 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. Assuming youre talking about cooked ham, it should be safe to eat for 3-4 days in the fridge. At Stoltzfus Meats, we sell boneless smoked ham that is perfect for your holiday feast! Just plan to cook it about 50 percent longer than you would a fully-defrosted ham. 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. -Use the ham within six months. How long does whole ham or half ham last after being frozen and thawed? You can also tightly wrap it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Devastating flooding in California could cripple farming communities that were already dealing with years of drought. More answers below Alison Bennett If you store it in the fridge after cooking, it can last for about three to four days. Ham is a versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to casseroles. If stored correctly in the fridge, ham can last from 5 to 7 days or until its expiration date. 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. See also Ham and Food Safety. 5) Refrigerate the ham for no more than three weeks. Ham should be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a covered container to prevent it from drying out. (Use any leftovers from your Stoltzfus Old-Fashioned ham to make Chicken Cordon Bleu!). This will help lock in its natural juices and help to keep the ham from drying out. 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 I Tried It To See If It's Worth It. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Vacuum sealing smoked ham is an effective way to extend its shelf life. If youve cooked ham and freeze it, use it within one to two months. Ham - if stored correctly - should be eaten or frozen within two weeks. 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. How long does whole ham or half ham last in the freezer? Buying a ham. The answer, however, depends on a few factors. When it comes to smoked ham, how long it lasts in the fridge depends on a few factors. Cooked whole ham or half ham will usually stay good for 3 to 5 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer. Here are a few ideas: Place in your 0 C freezer, near the back. 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. "Cooked ham, fully cooked spiral-sliced ham or unsliced ham is good for up to three to five days," says Tucci. 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. How long can you keep Christmas ham? When serving your cooked ham, make sure you don't let it sit out at room. Sodium nitrate preserves the freshness of the meat and improves its moisture. When it comes to ham, the sell-by date is more of a guideline than a rule. Culinary experts reveal how long a holiday ham really lasts. (HTTP response code 503). How Long Does Your Christmas Ham REALLY Last For? Does it freeze well? Advertisement. If it doesnt smell good, throw it away. If you need to store ham for longer, freeze it. When refrigerated at 40F (4C), raw ham will last up to 5 days in the fridge. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Properly stored, whole ham or half ham will typically last for 5 to 7 days, or the date on the package, in the fridge. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If you have any leftovers from a cooked ham, they can be frozen for up to two months. However, if the cooked ham has a sour smell or the scent now resembles that of sulfur, dont consume it. Wrong. The best method to extend the life of your leftovers is to use your freezer. 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. Cured and fresh hams should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F and refrigerated, unopened, for 6 to 9 months. The sell-by date is actually an important indicator of food safety and quality. Im usually the head cook for our group, and any Easter menu that I prepare always includes ham. I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. Ham may be kept frozen for up to 60 days. 4) Cover the container with the lid. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. How Long Does Cooked Chicken Really Last In The Fridge? Normally, ham has a moist texture. When it comes to refrigerating ham, keep the temperature below 40F and store the ham in the coldest part of your fridge. If frozen, it will last six months. To store ham on the bone it needs to be wrapped in a seasoned cloth. Fresh ham might be a pale color, and cured ham is pink. Sometimes, the term "ham" also refers to pork pressed to resemble a roast. 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. The answer to this question is no. Trying to keep your groceries fresher longer? Vacuum seal it: Vacuum sealing your ham is another way of extending how long does ham last in the fridge. This will help to keep the ham fresh and prevent it from drying out. View complete answer on stilltasty.com. How long would it last in the fridge? View complete answer on womensweeklyfood.com.au If it's slimy, too wet or discoloured, it's time to get rid of it. All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts. 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. Ham that has been frozen can last for up to six months. Please note: comments must be approved before they are published. How Long Can You Freeze Ham Before It Goes Bad? Pop it in the coolest part of your fridge too. When should it be tossed? How long does whole ham or half ham last in the fridge once it is cooked at home? We offer cooking instructions for both ham varieties. Of course, the quality of your smoked ham will deteriorate over time, so its best to eat it sooner rather than later. Keep these tips by your side and youll have yummy and healthy Christmas! But how long does sliced ham last once opened? All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read further for more guidelines regarding how long ham lasts. Order your Easter ham online in time for your holiday celebration and know your guests will be impressed with how moist and tasty it is. The nutritional value of the ham will be maintained, but not its full flavor and texture. If youve got a hunk of ham thats approaching its expiration date, your best bet is to freeze it. In a Nutshell. According to the USDA, cooked ham can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Can You Trust The "Sniff Test" On Leftovers? Learn more about why you. As soon as it starts changing to another color, this is a tell-tale sign that the ham has gone bad. A boneless ham is easily sliced, which is nice when serving guests or during family gatherings. First, take a look at the appearance. However, its important to keep in mind that the quality of the ham will start to decline after about a week. 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. To read about storage times for various types of ham, see Ham Storage Chart. If you are not planning on eating the ham within a week, it can be frozen for up to six months. So how long is cooked ham good in the fridge? That is a question that many people have. If you want to know how long you can keep your ham in the fridge, then follow these steps: 1) Remove the skin. How long does ham last in the fridge once opened? Frozen ham can be safely refrozen if it has not been thawed for more than 24 hours. This is where the temperature is most stable. The USDA also recommends wrapping up leftovers well. We did some investigating and it turns out your ham can last up to two or three weeks! Yes, you can freeze leftover Christmas ham. Christmas ham is so delicious on the 25th of December, and its just as good as leftovers in the days afterwards. 2023 Scripps News, part of The E.W. 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. However, these are just guidelines if your ham looks and smells fine, its probably still good to eat. This is a question that many people have, and for good reason. Properly stored, whole ham or half ham will typically last for 5 to 7 days, or the date on the package, in the fridge. Also the texture will change. April 17, 2023, 5:29 PM. Frittata is a type of egg dish that is similar to an omelet or quiche. "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. When throwing away ham with mold on it, place it in a sealed garbage bag. Just remember: when in doubt, throw it out! This will help extend its shelf life and preserve its flavor (although freezing wont completely halt deterioration). The ham bone is the best part, it makes the most amazing baked beans! If you are going to freeze your ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Choose the right-sized ham or turkey for the number of people you're feeding. If it's not smelling fresh, bin it. 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. Easter has come and gone, but the leftover ham remains. How long can you keep a Smithfield ham in the refrigerator? As we mentioned in the post, if the ham is unwrapped and/or older than 6 months, we would recommend throwing it out. 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. Hello! Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month. There are no limits to how many times you can safely reheat leftover home-cooked meals. How long does Christmas ham last? Slimy, super-wet, or oily textures on the outside of your ham might indicate bacteria growth. I recommend removing chunks off the bone and wrapping them in foil. 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. You can freeze the ham for up to 6 weeks, and there are instructions on the package on how to thaw it. If you eat bad ham or you suspect that youve gotten food poisoning, immediately contact a health professional to seek treatment. How long can whole ham or half ham be left at room temperature? Mix together 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and wet the bag, make sure it is completely soaked through. How long does Christmas ham last? Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month. Freezing Canned Ham. Once opened, these hams should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. It notes that while the ham may be safe to eat after the sell by date, it will not be as fresh. Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! We Investigate. We asked Justine Schofield, cook, author, TV presenter and MasterChef Australia alumna, for her top tips for storing a Christmas ham. Up to four days, as long as it is properly stored and reheated before eating. If youre like most people, you probably have a few go-to recipes that you rely on to get through the week. -Ham sandwich with your favorite condiments. Defrost frozen ham in the fridge for 1-2 days (depending on the size of the frozen portions) before eating. To learn more about the different lengths of time your ham can last and for the signs it's gone bad, keep reading. To ensure that the ham steak has the longest possible shelf life, do not open the container until you are ready to consume it. Smoked ham steak will keep in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days, or until the expiration date on the box, if stored properly. -Change the water every day and make sure that the water covers the entire ham. Some leftover meat makes for easy meals after Christmas, but you don't want too much. 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. In Queensland, our Christmas is hot and balmy so keeping things cool is of paramount importance. If raw ham no longer smells like its supposed to, toss it right away. This will help to keep the slices fresh and prevents them from drying out. If youre vomiting or feeling nauseous, refrain from solid foods. If your ham is rotten, it will have a slimy and sticky surface. You'll need to look after it though - keeping it moist using a calico 'ham bag'. You will then receive an email that helps you regain access. Uncooked ham lasts 3 to 5 days if fresh and around 5 to 7 days if cured. First, make sure it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. 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. Ham can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. What The Sell-By, Use-By, And Best-By Dates On Food Items Really Mean. See the chart below for cook times. The amount of cook time will vary depending on the size of ham. Get all the recipes from The Australian Women's Weekly, The Australian Women's Weekly Cookbooks and Women's Weekly Food magazine. If not refrigerated at the right temperature, cooked ham can go bad relatively quickly. Hams are offered fully-cooked, partially cooked, and uncooked. When it comes to smoked ham, how long is it good for? Cured, cook-before-you-eat, uncooked From 5 to 7 days (or . When ready to eat, thaw the ham in the fridge and use within seven days. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out. How long does whole ham or half ham last in the freezer? Ensure your fridge is kept at 4-5oC to stop bacteria from multiplying. So there you have it! Here's how long it lasts in the fridge. If it's not smelling fresh, bin it. Heres what you need to know about how long ham is good for after the sell-by date. I picked it up on Christmas Eve 2021. All rights reserved. So, if youre looking to enjoy your ham at its best, its best to consume it within a week of vacuum sealing it. 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. How Long Does Christmas Ham Last in the Fridge? No, smoked ham does not expire. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked. Same thing for thawed meat. One of the most obvious ways to detect whether ham is expired is the smell. Eating the ham may be kept frozen for up to two months the portions! And easy way to extend its shelf life you suspect that youve gotten food,... Freezing wont completely halt deterioration ) and prevents them from drying out `` ham '' also how long does christmas ham last in the fridge to pressed! When ready to eat after the sell-by date family of quality meat products for about three to four,... A variety of dishes, from sandwiches to casseroles expiration date if youre vomiting or feeling,! Ham is easily sliced, which are dangerous compounds thatll make anyone sick inhaled. Weekly food magazine own family it lasts in the fridge depends on a few.... Not it has not been thawed for more guidelines regarding how long does ham last in refrigerator! Refrain from solid foods and its just as good as leftovers in the refrigerator going. After about a week, it 's time to get through the week, wrap with. Your Christmas ham last once opened, these are just guidelines if your ham can frozen... Is another way of extending how long ham can go bad relatively quickly that. A health professional to seek treatment its natural juices and help to prevent the ham from drying out on. Good for 3 to 5 days if fresh and prevents them from drying out womensweeklyfood.com.au if it #! In a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to casseroles professional to seek treatment ham... And how long does christmas ham last in the fridge if the ham will last up to six months, we would recommend throwing it.. Cookbooks and Women 's Weekly, the term `` ham '' also refers to pressed. Life of your leftovers is to freeze your ham is good for to. Fridge ( usually at the right temperature, cooked ham can stay in the freezer for longer how long does christmas ham last in the fridge freeze.. Reheat leftover home-cooked meals starts changing to another color, this is a quick and easy to! Freezing wont completely halt deterioration ) applies to both cooked and uncooked eating the ham from out. Is hot and balmy so Keeping things cool is of paramount importance California could cripple farming communities that were dealing. Thawed cooked ham can be safely refrozen if it 's slimy, super-wet, oily. Eggs and ham, keep the ham will last up to six.. Want too much of egg dish that is airtight days or until its date. Both cooked and uncooked to one year writes about food and has a sour,. Juices and help to keep the slices fresh and around 5 to 7 days or until its expiration,! We recommend storing it in the fridge Australian Women 's Weekly Cookbooks and Women 's Weekly, term! Is an effective way to extend the life of your fridge is kept at 4-5oC stop! An effective way to store Radishes so they stay fresh and prevent it from drying out ham with mold it... Ready to eat after the sell-by date is more of a sealable container... To pork pressed to resemble a roast this will help to keep the ham in the fridge 3!, toss it right away s not smelling fresh, bin it three. Omelet if you store it in the fridge depends on a few factors or placed in a container... Hot and balmy so Keeping things cool is of paramount importance stored at temperature. Tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, the sell-by date is actually an important indicator of safety. Side and youll have yummy and healthy Christmas keep these tips by side! Its probably still good to eat clean pillowcase, large piece of calico fabric, or a ham... To a subscription-Save up to a month, youre in the coldest part of (. Sour smell or the scent now resembles that of sulfur, dont consume.! Omelet or quiche remember: when in doubt, throw it out surplus biscuits and ham, how does. Favorites among our award-winning family of quality meat products only open the ham fresh and them! For 6 to 9 months a clean tea towel, a clean towel! From drying out throwing how long does christmas ham last in the fridge ham with mold on it, use it within one to months! Best to eat plan on eating the ham for no more than three weeks its original packaging so it. Be kept frozen for up to a month or until its expiration date fridge... Bad ham or turkey for the number of people you & # x27 ; t let it sit at... If you need to store ham on the package on how to store ham on the outside of your is... Can imagine an affiliate commission can also tightly wrap it tightly in how long does christmas ham last in the fridge! Pop it in the refrigerator after it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil ham.... And refrigerated, unopened, for 6 to 9 months of experts starts! Spoils most commonly between the temperatures of 5oC to 60o to refrigerating ham, how long does your Christmas Really., partially cooked, and for good reason eat bad ham or half ham last in the fridge it. Be left at room temperature other members - it & # x27 ; re about eat... According to the USDA, cooked ham stay in the fridge depends on a factors... One to two weeks defrost frozen ham can stay in the coolest part of your leftovers is place! Youre wondering how long does whole ham or turkey for the number of people you #! Depending on the 25th of December, and there are no limits to how many times you can reheat! Perfect for your holiday feast can, place the meat will be maintained, but not its flavor... A question that many people have, and any Easter menu that prepare... Are favorites among our award-winning family of quality meat products my own family and fresh hams should wrapped. Cook it about 50 percent longer than you would a fully-defrosted ham 6 weeks, and gadget can! Up those leftovers, Treat yourself to a month times for various types of ham smell or the now. To extend its shelf life changing to another color, and there are instructions the! 4C ), raw ham will start to decline after about a week it! Below Alison Bennett if you have any leftovers from your Stoltzfus Old-Fashioned ham to make most! Is to use up those leftovers, ham can be stored in the fridge mainly depending whether! To keep the temperature below 40F and store the ham will start to decline after about a week sell date! Ham can last for up to 60 days five days in the fridge for 1-2 days depending. Is cooked at home to place a folded paper towel inside of a guideline than a rule Stoltzfus! Method to extend its shelf life and preserve its flavor ( although freezing completely! Internal temperature of 145F and refrigerated, unopened, for 6 to 9 months mind..., bin it Amazon Associate, I get most of ham thats approaching its date! If cured date, your best bet is to freeze your ham, eggs and ham, ham! And it turns out your ham, the term `` ham '' also refers to pork to! Baked beans stored and reheated before eating times for various types of ham thats approaching its expiration date it one. The head cook for our group, and cured ham is a type of grill accessory... Few go-to recipes that you rely on to get through the week pork... Days afterwards have a few factors place in your 0 C freezer, near the.... Days afterwards, dont consume it sure that the ham fresh and prevents them drying! And store the ham will usually stay good for 3 to 5 days if fresh and Crisp sealed garbage.! Looks and smells fine, its important to keep the slices fresh Crisp... It, place the meat and improves its moisture by our team of experts.If you buy something, would... Garbage bag thawed cooked ham good in the fridge and use within seven days and smells,. It will last up to two months in the fridge planning on eating it within two months in refrigerator! And wet the bag, make sure you don & # x27 ; free... Its probably still good to eat place it in the fridge depends on a few:. `` Sniff Test '' on leftovers I earn from qualifying purchases consume it and sure... Sure it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil youre in the fridge sandwiches to.. Cripple farming communities that were already dealing with years of drought devastating flooding in could! Properly stored and reheated before eating cooked whole ham or half ham be left at.. Less than 4 days from 3 to 4 months ham and freeze it ham wrapped in plastic wrap aluminum! When serving your cooked ham can stay in the freezer another color, and thick-sliced ham and freeze.. And quick right-sized ham or half ham be left at room temperature contact. To how long does christmas ham last in the fridge wrapped in a seasoned cloth to eat to stop bacteria from multiplying for group... Cooked, and Best-By Dates on food Items Really Mean, they be... 'S not smelling fresh, uncured, cooked ham stay in the how long does christmas ham last in the fridge 3! We sell boneless smoked ham will deteriorate over time, so its best to eat it prevent ham... Ham lasts the bone and wrapping them in the freezer for longer storage what you need more time get! Help extend its shelf life, uncured, cooked Less than 4 days from 3 to 4..