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.
Country ham is a beloved tradition in many parts of the American South. This salty intensely-flavored cured meat product can be an amazing addition to biscuits beans, greens, and many other dishes. However, like any perishable food, country ham can go bad if not stored and handled properly.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about determining if your country ham has gone bad. We’ll discuss:
- What is country ham and how is it made?
- The proper way to store country ham
- How to identify signs of spoiled country ham
- What to do if your country ham has gone bad
- Tips for preventing country ham from spoiling
What Is Country Ham and How Is It Made?
Country ham is a dry-cured ham that originated in the southern United States. To make it, pork legs are rubbed with a salt cure and left to sit for several weeks. This draws moisture out of the meat, concentrates flavors, and preserves the ham.
After curing, country hams are rinsed optionally smoked, and then aged for anywhere from 2 months to 2 years. This aging period further concentrates the pork flavor and allows the ham to develop a complex taste. The end result is an intensely salty rich-tasting cured ham.
Proper Storage for Country Ham
Because country ham is so salty and low in moisture, it can be stored at room temperature without refrigeration. However, there are some best practices for storage:
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Store whole, uncut country hams in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A cellar or basement is ideal.
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Wrap the ham in breathable paper or cloth, not plastic. This allows moisture to escape.
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Hang or place the ham on a wooden rack if possible, avoiding direct contact with surfaces.
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Once cut, country ham should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerated. Use within 3-5 days.
Following these guidelines prevents mold growth, insect infestations, and other factors that can lead to spoiled meat.
How to Identify a Spoiled Country Ham
Despite proper storage methods, country ham can still go bad. Here are the signs to look for:
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Odd or off-putting smell – Fresh country ham has a salty, meaty smell. If you detect sour, ammonia, or sulfurous odors, it has likely spoiled.
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Discoloration or mold growth – Good country ham ranges from deep pink to brownish-red. Green, grey, black, or white mold spots indicate spoilage.
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Slimy texture – The ham should feel firm and dry to the touch. Any sliminess or tackiness means bacteria growth is breaking down proteins.
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Rancid taste – Sampling a small piece, if the flavor is unpleasantly sour or bitter, the ham has turned. Discard it.
Any of these changes mean you should not eat the country ham, as it may cause food poisoning.
What To Do If Your Country Ham Has Spoiled
If you determine your country ham has gone bad, you must throw it away properly to avoid contaminating other foods or spreading bacteria. Follow these steps:
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Discard the ham in a securely tied plastic bag so it doesn’t leak juices. Place the bag in an outdoor garbage can away from the main kitchen.
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Clean any surfaces and utensils the spoiled ham touched with hot, soapy water. Sanitize with a bleach solution.
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Wash hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after handling the spoiled ham.
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If the spoiled ham was in contact with other food, inspect those items closely and discard anything that seems contaminated or questionable.
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Refrigerate any good ham immediately rather than attempting to store it further at room temperature.
Following these precautions prevents foodborne illnesses and reduces food waste by protecting any untouched portions.
Tips for Preventing Country Hams From Spoiling
You can greatly extend the shelf life of country ham and avoid spoilage by:
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Purchasing high-quality, fresh ham from reputable producers. Check for certification stamps from USDA or other agencies.
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Storing ham properly based on whether it is whole or sliced. Refer back to the storage guidelines earlier in this article.
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Wrapping ham well before freezing can prolong frozen storage life to 1-2 months. Handle frozen ham carefully to prevent freezer burn.
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Monitoring whole hams closely for insect infestations, discoloration, or mold during long-term storage at room temperature.
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Keeping cut ham refrigerated and using within 3-5 days, or 1 month if frozen. Never leave ham sitting out at room temperature once opened.
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Exercising caution with pre-sliced country ham from delis or supermarkets, which has higher risk of bacterial contamination. Use quickly.
With some care and attention, you can keep country ham fresh for months and even up to a year in an uncut state. If you notice any signs of spoilage, promptly discard the ham. Follow the tips here to maximize shelf life while still enjoying this signature southern treat.
How Should I Store Cooked Ham?
You can keep cooked ham in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. Make sure to store it in a container that won’t let air in or tightly wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out.
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.
Cutting into a Traditionaly Cured Country Ham after 22 months!
FAQ
Does country ham go bad?
What does bad ham smell like?
How to tell when country ham is done?
How do you know if a country ham is bad?
If your country ham feels slimy or tacky to the touch, it’s a clear indication that it’s gone bad. The meat should be firm and dry, with no signs of excess moisture. Finally, taste is another way to determine if your country ham is still safe to eat. If it has a bad or off taste, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?
Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.
How do you know if a ham is good?
A shift in color from rosy or pink to grey or brown is a telltale sign that your ham has seen better days. These color changes are often the result of oxidation or bacterial growth. You know how a fresh slice of ham has that appealing rosy or pink hue? Well, if it starts looking more like a rainy day—grey or brown—that’s your cue to steer clear.
What does bad Ham look like?
What Does Bad Ham Look Like: Grey or brownish color, definitely not what you want to see. Slimy or sticky texture, a sure sign something’s off. Unpleasant odors, ranging from sour to rotten or even sulfur-like. Packaging issues, like a bloated or leaking package.