Almost everyone keeps ham on hand because it’s easy to use in a variety of tasty pork recipes and other dishes. If you happen to have leftovers, the fridge and freezer are their temporary home. There’s something that every ham and cured meat lover has thought about: how long does ham last in the fridge? After all, we want to store them where their shelf life would be longer.
You don’t have to worry about that anymore! This article will tell you how long ham stays fresh and tasty in the fridge and the freezer.
Ham is a delicious and versatile meat that can be used in sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and so much more. Many people choose to purchase ham in a vacuum sealed package to extend its shelf life. But exactly how long does vacuum sealed ham last?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about the shelf life of vacuum sealed ham and how to store it properly for maximum freshness.
Overview of Vacuum Sealed Ham Shelf Life
Vacuum sealing is a popular process that removes oxygen from food packaging to prevent spoilage, This allows perishable foods like ham to last longer in the fridge or freezer,
So how long does vacuum sealed ham last? According to FoodSafety.gov, unopened vacuum packed ham will usually last for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Once opened, sliced ham will keep for 3-5 days. These timeframes can vary based on the specifics of storage.
Proper storage is key for maximizing the shelf life of vacuum sealed ham. Let’s look at some storage tips and signs of spoilage in more detail.
Storing Vacuum Sealed Ham in the Fridge
To optimize freshness, vacuum sealed ham should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Here are some guidelines for fridge storage:
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Store unopened vacuum sealed ham in its original packaging. The airtight seal helps prevent bacterial growth.
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Once opened, transfer ham to an airtight container or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Limiting air exposure is crucial.
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Place ham on a shelf rather than in the door, which experiences more temperature fluctuations.
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Don’t overcrowd the fridge. Proper air circulation helps maintain food safety.
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Avoid storing ham near high odor produce like onions that could impact flavor.
By following refrigeration best practices, you can expect unopened vacuum sealed ham to last 2 weeks in the fridge. For opened ham, sliced ham will keep for 3-5 days.
Freezing Vacuum Sealed Ham
For extended shelf life, consider freezing vacuum sealed ham. Frozen properly, ham can last for 2-3 months in the freezer.
To freeze vacuum sealed ham:
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Double wrap opened packages in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. This prevents freezer burn.
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Use freezer-safe bags or containers when freezing sliced ham. Remove as much air as possible.
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Label packages with the freeze date so you can track shelf life.
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Freeze ham within the recommended 2 week timeframe for optimal freshness.
Once thawed, ham should be consumed within 3-5 days and not refrozen for safety.
Identifying Spoiled Vacuum Sealed Ham
Although vacuum sealing extends shelf life, ham will eventually spoil. Signs of spoiled vacuum sealed ham include:
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Unpleasant or off odors
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Slimy texture and appearance
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Discoloration – greenish, greyish, or brownish tint
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Mold growth – blue, black, green, or white fuzz
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Dry, cracked, or tacky feel
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the ham to avoid foodborne illness. When in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
To expand your knowledge of vacuum sealed ham storage, here are answers to some common questions:
How can I maximize shelf life? Store properly sealed ham in the coldest part of the fridge and monitor closely for signs of spoilage after opening.
Can I store at room temperature? No, ham must be refrigerated at 40°F or below for safety and to prevent bacterial growth.
Can I refreeze thawed ham? Previously frozen ham should not be refrozen for food safety reasons. Consume within 3-5 days.
Can I eat expired vacuum sealed ham? It’s not recommended to eat ham beyond printed expiration or “use by” dates, even if vacuum sealed. Discard expired ham.
What if I have leftover ham? Refrigerate sliced leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze ham for 2-3 months.
The Bottom Line
Vacuum sealing allows unopened ham to last for 2 weeks in the fridge. Once opened, sliced ham keeps for 3-5 days refrigerated. By following the storage, freezing, expiration, and food safety tips outlined here, you can maximize the shelf life of your vacuum sealed ham and keep your food fresh.
How to Tell If Ham Is Bad
Mold grows on the outside of dry-cured meats like ham and Italian salami, just like it does on all cured foods. Don’t worry! That’s completely normal. When mold grows on ham, it means it’s aging properly. This is a normal part of the fermentation process. It’s not an indication that your ham has spoiled.
The good news is that it’s easy to spot signs of spoilage, just like it’s easy to tell if a chicken is bad. How can you tell if your ham has gone bad without getting sick? The signs below should help you.
One of the early signs you have to look out for is the change in color and appearance. A perfectly good ham (cooked or uncooked) should have a rosy pink color. This is because ham is injected with sodium nitrate which makes the meat pink. If the color has changed from what it was when you bought it to something else, don’t eat it! It’s time to throw it away.
Even if a ham looks good, its state might not be clear if it’s frozen, covered in glaze, or has mold on it from fermentation. Before you jump to conclusion that it’s okay to cook, look for another sign. You can start with its smell.
Take a good sniff; if it smells salty and smoky then it’s good to eat it. However, take note that you won’t notice a very foul odor similar to spoiled meat and vegetables. Rather, you’d notice a sulfur-like smell and a very musty odor. Still, the general practice is to throw it away if it smells other than salty and smoky.
Fresh ham should be firm and moist. On the other hand, dry-cured ham, well, should be dry. Whether fresh or cured, both hams will feel slimy or sticky once they go bad. It’s not a good idea to eat slimy and sticky ham and hope that cooking it all the way through will fix it. It’s guaranteed to put you in the sick bay so dispose of it immediately.
It’s true that it’s normal for dry-cured country hams to have mold. But that doesn’t go the same for fresh, uncured ham. Once you spot mold formation in your uncured ham then it’s time to chuck it away.
Before you think about it, forget about scraping the mold and saving the rest of the ham. The mold can easily permeate the meat and contaminate the rest of it. Not to mention, there are also bacteria surrounding the mold which might cause food poisoning once consumed.
Can you eat ham after 7 days?
If you store it properly, fresh, uncured ham can last up to 3 to 5 days. On the other, cured and uncooked ham lasts about 5 to 7 days or until its beyond-use date.
Keep the ham in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it to maximize its shelf life.