Millions of homes will celebrate Easter with a delicious ham as the main entrée of their holiday meal.
How long will ham last in the freezer or refrigerator? That is a question that many people have. The answer, however, depends on a few factors. Ham can stay frozen for up to six months if it’s not opened, and it can stay fresh in the fridge for about seventy-five days. However, if you want to extend the shelf life of your ham, you can freeze it.
Still unsure about the safety of your ham? Read further for more guidelines regarding how long ham lasts.
We sell traditional smoked ham at Stoltzfus Meats that is great for holiday meals. This Easter ham is slow-cured with hickory hardwood smoke and is gluten-free and free of fillers and MSG.
You can order your Easter ham online in time for the holiday, and you can be sure that your guests will love how moist and tasty it is. It’s truly a celebration ham. Find out what makes our hams different here.
Our bone-in hams and boneless hams are also great options for holiday meals. We offer cooking instructions for both ham varieties. Our bone-in, boneless, and smoked hams are favorites among our award-winning family of quality meat products.
As a busy home cook, I often find myself with leftovers that I want to save for later. Ham is a popular meal for many families, but it can be confusing to know how long it will stay fresh once cooked. In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide to how long unsliced ham lasts in the refrigerator and freezer.
An Overview of Ham Shelf Life
Before getting into the details. let’s review some general guidelines on ham storage
- An unopened whole cured ham can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
- Once opened, an unsliced whole ham will keep for 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Cooked ham slices should be eaten within 3-4 days.
- Ham slices last 2-3 months in the freezer.
The shelf life depends on whether the ham is whole or sliced, cooked or uncooked, and if it’s been opened yet. Proper storage is also key. Now let’s look more closely at how to store ham to maximize freshness.
Storing Unsliced Cured Ham
Cured ham refers to ham that has been seasoned, smoked, or salted as part of the curing process. This includes deli hams, as well as holiday hams like spiral-cut ham. Here’s how long they last
- Unopened cured ham: Up to 2 weeks past the expiration date.
- Opened cured ham: 3-5 days in the fridge.
- Cooked cured ham: 3-4 days in the fridge.
Once open cured ham should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Make sure to place it on a rimmed plate or dish to catch any drippings.
If you won’t be able to eat the ham within 5 days, it can be frozen for 2-3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before using.
Storing Unsliced Fresh Ham
Fresh ham comes directly from the pork leg and is not cured or smoked like traditional ham. It has a milder flavor and needs to be cooked before eating. Here’s how long fresh ham lasts:
- Uncooked fresh ham: 3-5 days in the fridge, 6 months in the freezer.
- Cooked fresh ham: 3-4 days in the fridge, 2-3 months in the freezer.
Fresh ham has a shorter shelf life than cured ham. Make sure to wrap it tightly and store on a plate to contain any juices. I like to portion it into meal-size servings before freezing for easy weeknight dinners.
How to Tell if Ham Has Gone Bad
It’s important to watch for signs of spoilage in ham. Here are some indicators that ham has gone bad:
- Slimy texture
- Grayish color
- Dull or slimy appearance
- Mold growth
- Off odors
Ham that displays these characteristics should be discarded right away. Don’t risk getting sick by eating spoiled ham!
Storing Ham Safely
Proper storage helps ham stay fresh longer. Follow these tips for maximizing ham’s shelf life:
- Wrap ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents drying out.
- Store ham in the coldest part of the fridge, away from high-traffic areas.
- Place ham on a rimmed plate or pan to catch juices.
- Freeze ham if you won’t eat it within 3-5 days.
- Label ham packages with date and contents before freezing.
- Don’t let ham sit out at room temperature more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about unsliced ham storage:
How long does a whole uncooked ham last in the fridge?
An uncooked fresh ham will last 3-5 days in the fridge. Cured ham can last up to 2 weeks past the sell-by date.
Does slicing ham shorten its shelf life?
Yes, slicing ham exposes more surface area and causes it to spoil faster. Sliced ham only lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.
Can you refreeze ham after thawing?
It’s best not to refreeze ham after thawing because the texture changes. If necessary, ham can be refrozen but should be used soon.
What happens if you eat bad ham?
Consuming spoiled ham can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Food poisoning can occur within hours or take 1-3 days to develop.
The Takeaway
Knowing how to store ham properly lets you keep leftovers fresh and prevent waste. While cured ham lasts a bit longer than fresh, both types should be eaten within 3-5 days once opened. Make sure to wrap ham tightly, refrigerate it, and watch for signs of spoilage. With proper storage methods, you can safely enjoy ham for meals throughout the week.
How Long Does Ham Keep In The Fridge?
If you have a whole ham, it can last in the fridge for up to seventy-five days. If you have a half ham, it will last for about sixty days.
Ham that has been precooked or spiral cut will last for about one week. If you see sliced ham on the market with packaging that says it lasts longer, that probably means MSG or more nitrites and nitrates than usual were used to keep it fresh.
Checking the packaging to see how long the ham will last in the fridge is the best way to find out. If the date has passed, throw the package away. Once the packaging or wrap on your ham is open, you should consume it within five days.
How Long Does Ham Last In The Freezer?
Ham can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. If you plan on eating it within two months, we recommend storing it in the fridge.
If you are going to freeze your ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help lock in its natural juices and help to keep the ham from drying out.