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 lover of quality cured meats, Smithfield ham has always been one of my favorites to keep on hand However, I used to be confused about just how long this specialty ham would stay fresh after opening. Through trial and error, I’ve learned proper Smithfield ham storage techniques to extend its shelf life
This article has information on how to tell if Smithfield ham has gone bad, the best way to store it, how to freeze it, and more. Read on to learn how to keep this special treat as fresh as possible!
An Overview of Smithfield Ham
For those who don’t know, Smithfield ham is a type of cured ham that is made in Smithfield, Virginia. For at least 6 months, a hog’s hind leg is salted, smoked, and dried to make it. Smithfield ham has a strong, salty flavor and a firm texture because it is cured for a long time.
An unopened Smithfield ham typically lasts up to 6 weeks refrigerated. Once cut into, it will stay fresh for around 7-10 days with proper storage. However improper handling can lead to premature spoilage.
How to Tell If Your Smithfield Ham Has Gone Bad
Before eating, I always visually inspect the ham and give it a quick sniff test. Here are indications your Smithfield ham has spoiled
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Sliminess – Good ham feels moist but not slippery. Discard if texture seems excessively slimy.
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Mold growth – Toss ham immediately if you see fuzzy spots or dry black patches.
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Off odors – Fresh ham has a mild salty aroma. Rancid, sour or ammonia smells mean spoilage.
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Weird taste – Tastes like bitterness, acidity or rancidity signal the ham is no longer good.
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Discoloration – Look for unnatural gray, brown or greenish tints.
Don’t take risks with questionable meat. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Now let’s go over proper storage.
How to Store Smithfield Ham Correctly
To maximize Smithfield ham’s shelf life after opening, follow these tips:
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Wrap ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Air exposure causes drying.
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Refrigerate ham right away at 40°F or below. Consistent cold prevents bacteria growth.
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Designate ham storage on a low fridge shelf. Bottom shelves are coldest.
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Use an appliance thermometer to monitor fridge temp. Ideal is 38°F.
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Eat refrigerated Smithfield ham within 7-10 days for best quality and safety.
Proper sealing and chilling are key for freshness. But what if you have leftovers? Freezing is an option.
Can You Freeze Smithfield Ham?
Freezing helps extend the shelf life of Smithfield ham. Follow these freezing best practices:
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Portion ham into airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
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Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal texture and flavor. Mark packages with dates.
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Place ham packs in back of freezer, where temperature holds steady at 0°F.
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Once thawed, use refrigerated Smithfield ham within 3-5 days for food safety.
With the right freezing techniques, you can safely preserve Smithfield ham for later use. But what if signs of spoilage appear? Let’s discuss.
Signs Your Frozen Smithfield Ham Has Gone Bad
Here are some red flags that indicate frozen Smithfield ham may be spoiled:
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Unpleasant odors like sour, rancid or ammonia smells upon thawing
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Excessive ice crystals or freezer burn on the ham
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Dry, shriveled texture post-thawing
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Discoloration like gray, brown or greenish tints
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Sliminess or stickiness
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Mold development, usually in fuzzy spots
Play it safe – if you notice these issues in thawed ham, discard it. Don’t take risks with questionable meats. Now let’s go over whether you can refreeze ham after thawing.
Can You Refreeze Smithfield Ham After Thawing?
I don’t recommend refreezing Smithfield ham once fully thawed. Refreezing significantly reduces the shelf life and can diminish the ham’s quality.
Instead, either cook the thawed Smithfield ham thoroughly until steaming hot or consume it within 3-5 days after thawing for safety. Enjoy it diced in scrambled eggs, added to casseroles, or served glazed on the bone.
With smart preparation, you can savor thawed Smithfield ham without needing to refreeze and compromise freshness. But what should you do if you’re unsure about the smell? Let’s find out.
Is It Safe to Eat Smithfield Ham with a Slight Odd Smell?
In my opinion, it’s better to be cautious when it comes to deli meat safety. I recommend discarding any Smithfield ham that smells even slightly off.
Even a small hint of spoilage can indicate the presence of hazardous bacteria. Don’t take risks with funny-smelling ham. Trust your senses – when in doubt, throw it out.
The Takeaway
And there you have it – everything you need to maximize the shelf life of Smithfield ham. Here are the key storage tips:
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Check for sliminess, odors and discoloration to identify spoiled ham.
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Refrigerate ham sealed at 40°F or below. Use within 7-10 days once opened.
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Freeze for extended freshness. Thawed ham keeps for 3-5 days refrigerated.
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Do not refreeze fully thawed ham. Reheat cooked ham thoroughly.
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.
Does Bone-In Ham Last Longer Than Boneless Ham?
The answer to this question is no. Both types of ham will last the same amount of time in the fridge or freezer.
A boneless ham is easily sliced, which is nice when serving guests or during family gatherings. A bone-in ham, however, is somewhat of a “gift that keeps giving. ” The bone can be used for making soups and stews for future meals.
(Use any leftovers from your Stoltzfus Old-Fashioned ham to make Chicken Cordon Bleu!)
How long can you keep a Smithfield ham in the refrigerator?
FAQ
How long does a Smithfield ham last in the refrigerator?
How long can a precooked ham stay in the refrigerator?
Is ham good in the fridge for 10 days?
How long does an unopened whole ham last in the fridge?
How long do Smithfield Hams last?
Smithfield Hams will keep for up to one year and Country Hams will keep for up to six months from date of manufacture without deterioration. Cooked country hams, Genuine Smithfield hams, and unopened slices will keep at least 6 weeks under refrigeration.
How long should a Smithfield ham rest before cooking?
Remember to insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham without touching any bones for accurate readings. Resting time plays a vital role in achieving optimal texture and juiciness in your baked Smithfield ham. After removing it from the oven, let the ham rest for about 15-30 minutes before carving or serving.
How long do you cook a Smithfield ham?
The first step in determining the cooking time for your Smithfield ham is to calculate it based on the weight of the meat. As a general rule of thumb, you should allow approximately 20 minutes of baking time per pound of ham. For example, if you have a 10-pound ham, you would need to bake it for around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
How do you store uncooked Smithfield Country ham?
To store an uncooked Smithfield country ham, keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below until ready for use. Proper storage will help maintain its freshness and prevent any spoilage. Can I freeze an uncooked Smithfield country ham?