You wouldn’t be the only one who ate ham during the holidays or any other time. It doesn’t matter if you like yours glazed with apple cider and mustard, sliced and served with an herb crème fraîche, or a simple spiral-cut bought at the last minute. Lamb is traditionally served at Easter in many parts of the world because it is linked to the biblical story of Passover. However, ham is a more popular protein choice in the United States during the holiday and is often used instead of turkey on Thanksgiving.
Most people choose to buy either fully cooked ham or country ham. Both are cured in either a wet or dry salt brine before being smoked, and country ham is also aged. Since ham is already preserved when you buy it, it’s a cooked cut that does better in the fridge than some others. However, if you have extra slices in the fridge, you’ll want to know how long they should last.
When it comes to preparing an impressive holiday ham, an important question arises – how far in advance can you buy it and keep it refrigerated before cooking and serving? Understanding the optimal storage times for fresh versus cured ham can ensure your centerpiece stays fresh, moist and safe to eat. Follow these handy guidelines on fridge times for hams, and you’ll pull off the perfect feast
Fresh Ham Storage
Unlike cured ham, fresh pork leg requires thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F before eating. If refrigerated properly, fresh ham will keep for 3-5 days from the purchase date. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper, and place on the bottom shelf of the fridge away from fresh produce to contain any potential bacteria. Cook within 3 days for peak quality, up to 5 days for still-edible pork. Beyond this, spoilage becomes risky.
Cured & Smoked Ham Fridge Times
Hams labeled “fully-cooked” are safe to eat cold without additional preparation. A cured city ham with natural juices intact can be stored in the original packaging for up to 2 weeks in the fridge For added protection, re-wrap in plastic wrap or foil
A boneless spiral-cut ham maintains quality up to 7 days past the use-by date, while a bone-in half ham keeps for a full 10 days. Write the purchase date on any container for reference.
Vacuum-Sealed Hams
Thanks to oxygen-free packaging, vacuum-sealed hams have the longest fridge life. Store whole hams unopened for 4-6 weeks past the packing date. Sliced vacuum-packed ham slices keep for up to 2 weeks. Respect use-by dates for food safety.
Once opened, consume refrigerated vacuum-packed ham within 3-5 days. Safely stretch this to a full week by transferring to an airtight container.
Watch for Spoilage Signs
Regardless of refrigeration times inspect cured hams for signs of spoilage before cooking or eating
- Mold growth
- Slippery texture
- Greyish or greenish tint
- Rancid or sour odor
Discard hams exhibiting these traits, as bacteria may be actively growing. Don’t risk foodborne illness.
Thawing Frozen Hams
For hams purchased frozen, allow ample time for safe thawing. Don’t thaw at room temperature, which enables bacterial growth. Instead:
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Thaw in the refrigerator 2-3 days for a half ham, 4-6 days for a whole. Place on a tray to catch drips.
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Submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound.
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Thaw in microwave if cooking immediately after. Use DEFROST setting.
Glazing & Seasoning
Once thawed if needed, stud the ham’s exterior with whole cloves for flavor. Score the fat in a diamond pattern. Combine brown sugar, mustard, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a glaze. Brush over ham, coating completely.
Step-By-Step Cooking Method
To roast your holiday ham:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a roasting rack in a pan.
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Cook ham for 15-20 minutes per pound until internal temperature hits 140°F.
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Baste with pan drippings every 30 minutes to prevent drying out.
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Apply glaze during last 30 minutes of roasting time and bake until lacquered.
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Allow ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving for juicy results.
Properly stored in the fridge and roasted using this method, your ham can become the talk of your holiday table!
Frequently Asked Questions
To make the most of your time, money and ingredients this holiday season, get answers to the most common questions on ham storage below:
How long can I keep an unopened ham in the fridge?
An unopened fully cooked ham stays fresh 4-6 weeks past the packing date when refrigerated, depending on size. A whole cured ham lasts longer than a half. Respect use-by or sell-by dates.
Does a bone-in ham last longer than boneless?
No, bone-in and boneless hams have similar shelf lives in the fridge and freezer when properly stored. The bone is just a presentation preference. Store any ham tightly wrapped.
Can you freeze a cooked spiral-cut ham?
Yes, it’s fine to freeze fully cooked hams for longer storage. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for 1-2 months in the freezer without losing quality.
How do you know when cured ham has gone bad?
Signs of spoiled ham include mold, slime, dull or greenish color, rancid smell and an overall slimy texture. If you notice these, throw ham away rather than risk getting sick from bacteria present.
Why does ham need to rest after cooking?
Letting the ham sit for 10-15 minutes after removal from the oven allows juices that have retreated to the center during cooking to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This results in a more moist and tender texture.
Can you eat deli ham right out of the fridge?
As long as the packaging isn’t compromised, there’s no harm in enjoying pre-sliced deli ham straight from the refrigerator. Just be sure to finish deli ham within 5 days of opening for food safety.
How should I repackage an opened cured ham?
For optimal freshness, transfer refrigerated leftover ham into an airtight container or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Air exposure causes ham to dry out and degrade faster.
What’s the best way to use up leftover ham?
Leftover ham stays moist and delicious for days in the fridge. Enjoy it in omelets, sandwiches, soups or slices on top of salad greens. Diced ham also makes a wonderful addition to macaroni and cheese or hash.
With these tips for maximizing ham storage times, you can shop confidently, prep properly and focus on creating delight for family and friends this holiday season. A little planning goes a long way!
Most ham will last about five days in the fridge
If you’re not sure if you can wait a few more days to make that ham sandwich or eggy ham strata, read this. The USDA says that the ham you and your family ate for Sunday brunch could last for another two to three days. According to the news source, spiral hams that have been opened and cooked at home will stay fresh in the fridge for three to five days afterward. Country ham, on the other hand, will stay fresh for up to a week. Fresh, uncured ham is basically just a big piece of pork leg that hasn’t been brined or smoked. The USDA says it will only last three to four days in the fridge.
These ham leftovers will last longer if you put them in the freezer if you’re not going to eat them in the next day or so. The USDA says that cured and fully cooked hams that have been opened and cooked can be frozen for one to two months. Country ham should be used within one month of being frozen. Fresh, uncured cooked ham has a longer freezer life of three to four months. According to the USDA, frozen ham is safe to eat for a very long time. The only things that change are the taste and texture.
When putting ham in the fridge, the most important thing is to make sure it’s sealed and out of the way of air so it stays moist. If you want your ham to last longer, put it in the fridge as soon as possible after cooking. Hams that sit out at room temperature can go bad faster.
If you are carving a whole ham, you should try to store it with as little damage as possible. This is because there is less surface area that will be exposed when it is still whole than when it is cut up, which stops moisture loss. It’s best to loosely wrap a piece of a whole ham in thin cloth, like a tea towel that’s been slightly dampened. This will protect the outside while still keeping the meat moist. For this exact reason, you can even buy ham bags, but you probably don’t need them unless you’re eating a lot of full hams.
For ham slices, youll need to get a more robust seal to protect them. Wrap your ham loosely in foil, parchment, or, better yet, layers of paper towels that can soak up extra water. Then, put your ham slices in containers that can’t be opened. Rigid plastic containers or zip-top bags work fine; just make sure that you get rid of all the air in the container before sealing it to keep the ham from going bad. This should keep them fresh for the full three to five days.