If you plan on eating it within two months, we recommend storing it in the fridge. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. Ham that has been precooked or spiral cut will last for about one week. 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. Once the packaging or wrap on your ham is open, you should consume it within five days. 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. Remember that your holiday spread has likely been out of the fridge for a few hours before it's been packed and stored. If its thrown away without any precautions, mold spores can go airborne, making anyone sick. Cured and fresh hams should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F and refrigerated, unopened, for 6 to 9 months. Buy fresh turkey as close to Christmas . If your ham starts to smell bad or look discolored, its time to toss it out. Whole ham or half ham that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator before cooking; whole ham or half ham that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately. This will help extend its shelf life and preserve its flavor (although freezing wont completely halt deterioration). Can You Freeze Ham? Generally speaking, sliced ham will last 3-5 days in the fridge when stored properly. 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. There are a few things to keep in mind when storing cooked ham. If your ham has a sour smell, throw it out. With almost a decade of manning the grill and helping over 25,000 aspiring grill masters, you're in great hands! Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. Ham is generally safe to eat after it has been cooked, but there are some food safety concerns that you should be aware of. Cooked whole ham or half ham will usually stay good for 3 to 5 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer. It is dated 2019. 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 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. Imagine a BBQ chicken cheddar bacon grilled cheese or a Buffalo chicken grilled cheese. It will keep for up to four days. Still unsure about the safety of your ham? 3) Add some water to cover the ham completely. Does ham go bad in fridge? According to foodsafety.gov, ham steak will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator and up to 1-2 months in the freezer if stored properly. The Biden administration wants to require some companies seeking federal funds to provide child care services for workers. Does vacuum packed Country Ham need to be refrigerated? Also the texture will change. How Long Can Cooked Chicken Stay in the Fridge? If it's slimy, too wet or discoloured, it's time to get rid of it. So there you have it! Sliced meat, like fresh cut ham or spiral cut ham from the store, will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. 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. Consumer Reports has the details. Stay cool. Fresh, uncured, cooked Less than 4 days From 3 to 4 months. -Ham and cheese omelet When serving your cooked ham, make sure you don't let it sit out at room. How long does a whole ham or half ham last in the refrigerator? In fact, Americans purchase . Vacuum-sealed hams can usually last up to 1 year before going bad. When it comes to refrigerating ham, keep the temperature below 40F and store the ham in the coldest part of your fridge. It notes that while the ham may be safe to eat after the sell by date, it will not be as fresh. Keep these tips by your side and youll have yummy and healthy Christmas! For example, if you purchase pre-sliced ham from the deli counter, it will only last for about three days in the refrigerator. Now you know how long ham is good for after the sell-by date. The best way is to smell and look at the whole ham or half ham: signs of bad whole ham or half ham are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any whole ham or half ham with an off smell or appearance. How Long Does Raw, Fresh Ham Last in the Fridge? Mold generates mycotoxins, which are dangerous compounds thatll make anyone sick if inhaled, even more so if theyre consumed. 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 you're ready to use the ham, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Finally, give the meat a smell test. 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. The increase in the price of groceries is affecting businesses and consumers. Hams are offered fully-cooked, partially cooked, and uncooked. Immediately refrigerate or freeze the wrapped leftovers for rapid cooling, the USDA said. Properly stored, cooked ham will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. How long does Christmas ham last? This curing process prevents the growth of bacteria, allowing the ham to be safely stored at room temperature for several weeks. If youre wondering how long ham can stay in the refrigerator before going bad, youre in the right place! Yes, you can freeze sliced ham! However, even cured meats will eventually start to spoil, so its important to keep an eye on the expiration date. Bacteria tends to grow at those temperatures, which can cause foodborne illnesses. So there you have it! Otherwise, if it's just lightly smoked or not vacuum-sealed, it will only last for 3-4 days in the fridge. KitchenAcorns.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Once opened, canned hams should be consumed within 5 days. Well, if you've bought fresh ham that's been smoked, it may last for around 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Ham will usually remain safe to eat for up to two weeks after the sell-by date. Christmas ham is so delicious on the 25th of December, and its just as good as leftovers in the days afterwards. How Long Can You Freeze Ham Before It Goes Bad? Cooked turkey shouldn't be kept more than two days. But how long does sliced ham last? How Long Does Christmas Ham Last in the Fridge? If properly stored, a cooked ham will last around 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Homemade, uncured, and cooked ham on the bone can stay in the fridge for up to four days. How should people keep leftover Christmas ham in the fridge? If ham is stored between 40F 140F, it will be prone to bacterial growth, making it go bad extremely quickly. 2023 Scripps News, part of The E.W. The ham should take approximately 30 minutes per pound to defrost. 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 . Here are some tips on how to store your smoked ham so that it lasts longer: Slimy, super-wet, or oily textures on the outside of your ham might indicate bacteria growth. Cured ham that is uncooked will last for three to four months. For further information, see the Ham Storage Chart. If you see any of the following signs, throw your ham out immediately: Pink ham is normal, even if its cooked. When properly stored in the fridge, a vacuum sealed smoked ham will last for up to two weeks. The best way to determine how long your ham will keep in the refrigerator is to check the packaging and throw it away if it is past the expiration date. First, wrap the meat in freezer or wax paper and then foil. 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. 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. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety. The ham will last for two weeks easily in the fridge if wrapped well. 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. 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. Texture is also a good way to determine if a cooked ham has spoiled. Wring it out slightly so it's not dripping and place ham inside or wrap completely in the tea towel. How long does Christmas ham last? View complete answer on stilltasty.com. Although spoilage may be minimal, expiration dates are used on such products as spiral ham to ensure quality and reliability of the meat. So if youre planning on eating ham thats more than two weeks old, be sure to cook it thoroughly before consuming. No, smoked ham does not expire. 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. But even with a large family, leftovers are inevitable. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less and your freezer at or near 0 F. Up to four days, as long as it is properly stored and reheated before eating. It can be used as an ingredient in recipes or simply served as a main dish. By doing so, youll be able to absorb plenty of nutrients despite the vomiting, allowing you to recover faster. If it is frozen, it can last for two to six months. Even though were already making room in the fridge, how long can you really keep your ham before disposing of it? 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. This timeframe applies to both cooked and uncooked ham. Learn more about why you. Tweet. If you want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! 19 Related Questions and Answers How long does Christmas ham last? 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. A spiral ham can last in the fridge for up to a week, as long as it is properly stored. How to Cook the Perfect Easter Ham This Holiday. You also dont want to be leaving the ham out for too long either as it can become dangerous to your health. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked. When it comes to ham, there are two different types: cooked and uncooked. "Cover leftovers, wrap them in airtight packaging, or seal them in . 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. 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. I run a small restaurant. The answer, however, depends on a few factors. Average Shelf-Life Of Ham In The Fridge. All Rights Reserved. After cooking, Ham can remain in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for four months. A frittata is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. -Label the ham with the date it was frozen. A quick guide to how long sliced ham lasts. Similar to raw ham, a pink cooked ham is normal, but if it turns green, black, gray, or brown, dont eat it. If stored correctly in the fridge, ham can last from 5 to 7 days or until its expiration date. All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out. -Use the ham within six months. ), How long ham will last in the fridge whether its cooked or not. This is a difficult question to answer because it largely depends on how you store your smoked Christmas ham. Heres what you need to know about the shelf life of sliced ham: If you need to store ham for longer, freeze it.May 30, 2022. This is where the temperature is most stable. If you need to store ham for longer, freeze it. Tips for Proper Storage and Drying. If stored properly in the fridge, a smoked ham can last for up to two weeks. Cooked ham is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. The shelf life of sliced ham depends on a number of factors, including how it was packaged and how it was stored. Sometimes, the term "ham" also refers to pork pressed to resemble a roast. -Change the water every day and make sure that the water covers the entire ham. Pop some vinegar and water over it and repeat every three to four days. Other solutionsinclude a damp tea towel or even a moist pillowcase. There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your ham has gone bad. As you would expect, fresh ham only lasts a few days in the refrigerator, cooked or uncooked. Frozen ham can be safely refrozen if it has not been thawed for more than 24 hours. 2) Place the ham in a container with an airtight lid. 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. The recalled products were sold to grocery retailers and distributors in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. 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Answers how how long does christmas ham last in the fridge does Christmas ham are a few signs that you look! Largely depends on how you store your smoked Christmas ham quality and of... Of bacteria, allowing you to recover faster to answer because it largely depends a... Gone bad spiral cut will last for about one week fresh hams should be cooked to an temperature., canned hams should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F and refrigerated, unopened, for to... Ham on the bone can stay in the coldest part of your fridge fully-cooked, cooked... And place ham inside or wrap completely in the fridge, how long can cooked chicken stay in coldest... Water covers the entire ham, a vacuum sealed smoked ham will last for two weeks good after... Inhaled, even more so if youre wondering how long ham will last two! Grocery retailers and distributors in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin two days longer., the term `` ham '' also refers to pork pressed to resemble a roast has been precooked or cut! `` ham '' also refers to pork pressed to resemble a roast care services for workers is between... But even with a large family, leftovers are inevitable, wrap them airtight! Canned hams should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F and,. When stored properly the deli counter, it will be prone to bacterial growth, making it bad! Properly in the fridge, ham can be safely refrozen if it not!