As a deli meat lover, Boar’s Head has always been my go-to brand for high-quality great-tasting ham. However I’ve often found myself wondering just how long their ham stays fresh once I’ve opened the package. Since no one wants to bite into a dry, funky slice of spoiled deli meat, understanding the shelf life of Boar’s Head ham is key.
After doing some research and testing I’ve learned how to store Boar’s Head ham correctly to extend its freshness. In this article I’ll share tips on identifying signs of bad ham, proper storage methods, freeze times, and more. Let’s dive in!
Overview of Boar’s Head Ham
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Boar’s Head offers premium deli meats made with no fillers, byproducts, artificial colors or flavors. Their ham varieties include smoked ham, honey ham, black forest ham and more.
Boar’s Head states their meats stay freshest within 3 days of purchase. However, with proper refrigeration, their ham often lasts 5-7 days after opening. Now let’s look at the signs of spoiled ham.
How to Tell If Boar’s Head Ham Has Gone Bad
I always inspect the ham’s appearance, smell and texture before eating. Here are indications the ham is spoiled:
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Sliminess – Good ham feels moist but not sticky or slippery. Discard if the texture is excessively slimy.
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Discoloration – Look for gray, greenish or black spots. Uniform pink color is ideal.
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Mold: Throw away the ham as soon as you see fuzzy white or green growth.
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Rancid smell – Fresh ham has a mild odor. Foul, sour or ammonia-like smells mean spoilage.
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Off flavors – Weird tastes like bitterness, acidity or rancidity also signal the ham has gone bad.
Don’t risk getting sick – always throw out Boar’s Head ham showing these signs of spoilage. Safety first! Now let’s go over proper storage.
How to Store Boar’s Head Ham Correctly
To maximize Boar’s Head ham’s shelf life, follow these storage tips:
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Keep refrigerated – Store ham sealed at 40°F or below. Consistent cold temperature prevents bacteria growth.
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Wrap tightly – Seal opened packages in plastic wrap or foil to block air exposure. Air causes drying.
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Use deli ham first – Eat opened deli meats within 3-5 days before other refrigerated foods.
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Watch for expiry – Check “sell by” dates and allow 1-2 days max beyond if ham smells fine.
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Clean utensils – Use clean knives, plates, etc. when handling to avoid contamination.
Proper refrigeration and sealing are key to freshness. Next, let’s look at freezing.
Can You Freeze Boar’s Head Ham?
Freezing extends the shelf life of Boar’s Head ham. Follow these tips for freezing:
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Portion ham into airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
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Maximize freshness by freezing ham in the back of the freezer at 0°F.
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Label bags with dates and contents for easy identification.
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Use frozen ham within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Once thawed, consume refrigerated ham within 3-4 days. Eat it quickly since moisture loss impacts taste and safety post-thawing.
How to Know If Previously Frozen Ham Is Safe to Eat
Here are some warning signs frozen Boar’s Head ham may be unsafe to eat:
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Excessive ice crystals or frost buildup inside packaging
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Unpleasant odors when thawed
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Dry, shriveled or cracked texture indicating freezer burn
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Moldy spots or sliminess
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Rancid, bitter or sour taste
If you notice these issues in previously frozen ham, it’s best to discard it. Don’t take risks with questionable deli meat.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Boar’s Head Ham?
I don’t recommend refreezing ham after it’s thawed, as bacteria multiply rapidly at unsafe levels in thawed meats. Refreezing also degrades the texture.
For thawed ham, either consume within 3-4 days or cook thoroughly until steaming hot before eating. Add to casseroles, scrambled eggs, pizza and other hot dishes.
With smart prep and storage, you can safely maximize the freshness of Boar’s Head ham. But what if you’re unsure about the smell of an opened pack? Keep reading.
Is It Safe to Eat Boar’s Head Ham with a Slight Smell?
My rule of thumb is to throw out any Boar’s Head ham with an odd or questionable smell. Even a mild funky odor could indicate spoilage by dangerous bacteria like Listeria. It’s just not worth the risk when deli meat is involved.
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. Follow your nose – discard any funny-smelling ham to protect your health.
The Takeaway
And there you have it – everything you need to keep Boar’s Head ham fresh and delicious. Here are the key tips:
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Look for sliminess, discoloration and mold to identify spoiled ham.
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Refrigerate ham sealed at 40°F or below. Use opened packages within 3-5 days.
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Freeze for long-term storage. Thawed ham is good for 3-4 days refrigerated.
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Do not refreeze thawed ham. Reheat to 165°F before eating.
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When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t eat ham with an odd smell.
With proper storage conditions, we can safely enjoy the premium flavor of Boar’s Head ham right up until the last slice!
Storage and Shelf Life
Once opened, Boars Head Sweet Slice Boneless Smoked Ham should be kept refrigerated to ensure freshness and safety. The shelf life varies depending on whether the ham is stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Boars Head Sweet Slice Ham can remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days after opening. The ham should be kept in an airtight container to keep its quality and keep it from picking up other smells or tastes. Ham that hasn’t been opened can stay fresh for seven to ten days after the sell-by date, but for the best taste, it should be eaten within three days of buying it. Leftovers should be refrigerated as soon as possible.
For longer storage, Boars Head Sweet Slice Ham can be frozen, extending its shelf life. To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in foil, freezer wrap, or place it in a freezer bag. Be sure to expel as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. When properly frozen, the ham can maintain its quality for up to two months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to slowly defrost. Avoid thawing at room temperature as it can compromise food safety.
Boars Head Sweet Slice Boneless Smoked Ham offers a selection of nutrients that contribute to a persons daily dietary needs. Essential nutritional components are quantified to guide dietary choices and considerations.
Boars Head Sweet Slice Boneless Smoked Ham contains various nutrients relevant for maintaining health. Below is a breakdown of its key nutritional elements per serving size:
- Total Fat: The sweet sliced ham has a moderate amount of fat, which means you shouldn’t eat more than the daily recommended amount.
- Saturated Fat: It has saturated fat, so if you want to eat a heart-healthy diet, you should limit how much you eat.
- Trans Fat: The product doesn’t have any trans fat, which is in line with dietary guidelines that say you shouldn’t eat trans fats.
- Cholesterol: People who have to watch their cholesterol levels should do so more so if they are on a cholesterol-lowering diet.
- Sodium: It’s important to know that ham usually has a lot of sodium, and people should watch how much sodium they eat every day.
- Iron: The ham has iron in it, which is an important mineral for healthy blood.
- Ham is a good source of protein because it is made from meat. Protein is needed for muscles to grow and heal.
The amount of nutrients in a serving is as follows: total fat (not specified), saturated fat (not specified), trans fat (200g), cholesterol (not specified), sodium (not specified), iron (6% daily value), and protein (not specified).
People should check the product label for exact amounts because they can change for each serving size. Individuals with specific dietary needs or concerns should consult a nutritionist or medical professional.
Ham Glazing and Seasoning
By glazing and seasoning it carefully, you can make Boars Head Sweet Slice Boneless Smoked Ham taste and look better. When used correctly, the glaze not only adds a sweet and savory crust, but it also brings out the natural smokiness of the ham.
Brown Sugar and Honey Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- A pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon for added spice
Mustard and Spice Glaze:
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of mixed spices, like garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary
Using brown sugar in the glazes provides a caramelized sweetness, while honey offers a smooth, sticky texture. Mustard adds a sourness that balances out the sweetness, and spices add fragrant undertones that make the whole thing taste better.
- Preparation:Preheat the oven as directed, usually around 325°F to 350°F. Make small diamond-shaped cuts on the ham’s surface. This will help the glaze soak in better.
- Application: Use a pastry brush to spread the glaze evenly over the ham’s surface during the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking. Put the ham back in the oven without the lid on to let the glaze caramelize and form a crust.
- Last Steps: Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for a while before cutting it. The glaze that you make should be shiny and stick to the surface well. It should be a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors with the ham’s smokey flavor.
When serving Boars Head Sweet Slice Boneless Smoked Ham, presentation and carving are as important as the preparation. Using the right methods will let you enjoy the tastes and textures to the fullest, making the ham a great main dish for a family meal.
Boars Head Sweet Slice Ham should be carved the right way to keep its moisture and texture for a satisfying family meal. They recommend a specific approach to carving this delicate meat:
- Get the Ham Ready: Make sure the ham is stable on a cutting board before you start.
- Vertical Slices: Holding a sharp knife at an angle, cut the ham into vertical slices, trying to make them all the same size.
- Slice Thickness: For best results, aim for slices that are about 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick.
Boars Head Sweet Slice Ham excels in presentation when complemented by the right side dishes:
- Side Dishes: Roasted Vegetables: (What wine goes well with roasted vegetables?) A mix of brightly colored roasted vegetables makes the dish look better and taste better. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing goes well with the smoked ham because it cuts down on the rich flavor.
They say that presentation is important, so put the slices neatly on a platter and decorate with the right sides to make the meal look better. When served at the right temperature, the ham is at its most delicious, making it the perfect choice for any family gathering.
The Boar’s Head Deli Meats You Should & Shouldn’t Be Buying
FAQ
How long is boar’s head deli ham good for?
How long does deli ham last in the refrigerator?
Can you eat deli meat after 7 days?
Is boar’s head ham already cooked?
How long is boar’s head ham good for?
This version has no added nitrites or preservatives and is made with humanely raised pork. It’s also free of hormones and other chemicals that can ruin your lunch. Boar’s Head Simplicity Ham can be stored in your refrigerator for up to a year. How Long is Lunch Meat From the Deli Good For? How long is boar’s head lunchmeat from the deli good for?
Is boar’s head smoked uncured ham good?
Boar’s Head Smoked Uncured Ham is the perfect meat to make sandwiches and other meat dishes. The ham is boneless, resulting in an easy-to-slice, flavorful ham that won’t fall apart when you slice it. Boneless ham is also gluten-free and extra lean, making it an ideal choice for a hearty main dish.
How long does cooked ham last?
Off smell, discolorations, slime, and bad taste are all signs of spoiled ham. Uncooked ham lasts 3 to 5 days if fresh and around 5 to 7 days if cured. Once cooked, it keeps for about two weeks if vacuum sealed and 3 to 5 days once opened or not vacuum sealed at all. IT IS INTERESTING: Can I eat thawed cooked shrimp?
Is boar’s head Ham cooked?
Boar’s Head offers both fully cooked and partially cooked hams. Their uncured hams are slow-cooked to give them a unique and tender taste. The meat is then seasoned with a natural flavor enhancer. Boar’s Head hams can also be purchased in pre-sliced form. The hams are USDA-inspected and passed. They may also contain natural nitrates and sea salt.