Here’s how long it’s good after you put it away.
But how long can ham safely last in the fridge?
Heres some information about the safest way to enjoy your meat without spoiling your sandwich.
Credit:Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
What Is A Ham?
A ham is a cut of pork from the back portion of a pig’s leg.
Sometimes, the term “ham” also refers to pork pressed to resemble a roast.
The slicing reduces the amount of time the meat will be good.
Do Whole Hams Last Longer?
Whole cured hams last in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ham Cooking Times
Hams are offered fully cooked, partially cooked, and uncooked.
If you choose a fully cooked ham for your holiday meal, youll just need to heat it up.
With so many variables, its nice to havethis cooking chart.
How Can I Tell If Ham Is Bad?
It’s usually obvious when food in your fridge starts to go bad, even ham.
First, take a look at the appearance.
Has it changed color?
Fresh ham might be a pale color, and cured ham is pink.
If it doesnt smell good, throw it away.
Ham should have a salty or smokey aroma, almost sweet.
If there is a sour smell or something smells off, dont take the chance of a food-borne illness.
Get rid of it.
Slimy, super-wet, or oily textures on the outside of your ham might indicate bacteria growth.
Juice can just be congealed oils, so use your senses to see if anything else is off.
Slimy ham thats growing bacteria will usually have a smell that indicates spoilage.
Layer the slices of ham with paper towels to reduce excess moisture and keep your ham super fresh.
verify the lid is tight to limit any exposure to bacteria.
Can I Freeze Leftover Ham?
Getting the most of every ounce of that holiday ham is important.
First, wrap themeat in freezeror wax paper and then foil.
Put in a vacuum-sealed or zip-top bag marked with a label and a date.
Any pre-cooked ham that you freeze should be used within one to two months.
Fresh or uncured ham can last longer in the freezer for about three to four months.
Hams And Food Safety.
U.S. Department Of Agriculture.
Cold Food Storage Chart.
