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.
As a meat lover and avid home cook I often find myself buying cryovac or vacuum-sealed ham for its convenience and longer shelf life. But I used to frequently wonder – how long does cryovac ham actually last in the fridge once opened? This question would plague my mind every time I took out a pack of ham from the chiller.
I finally have a good idea of how long cryovac ham will last in the fridge after some research and trial and error. I’m going to tell you everything I know about how long this kind of ham lasts, how to store it right, how to tell when it’s going bad, and how to keep it fresh.
An Overview of Cryovac Ham
For those unfamiliar cryovac ham refers to ham that has been vacuum-sealed in plastic packaging to remove oxygen. This helps preserve the meat and extend its shelf life. Cryovac ham can be both cooked or uncooked before being packaged.
I personally love stocking up on cryovac ham since it stays fresh longer than traditional hams. The air-tight packaging also makes it super convenient to store. However, like any perishable food, it still requires proper storage to keep bacteria at bay.
To answer your question, how long does cryovac ham stay good in the fridge?
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If you store it right, unopened cryovac ham will last until the “sell by” date or about a week after that.
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Once opened, cryovac ham lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge.
Clearly, the shelf life reduces pretty drastically after opening the package. This brings me to the next important point of…
Proper Storage of Cryovac Ham
To get the maximum freshness out of cryovac ham, you need to store it correctly:
Keep it in the original packaging
Don’t remove the cryovac packaging until you’re ready to use it. The airtight seal helps prevent contamination and moisture loss.
Store it in the coldest part of the fridge
Ideally, keep the ham in the back of the bottom shelf where temperatures are lowest. The optimal temperature for refrigeration is 40°F or below.
Keep the ham dry
Make sure no moisture or juices are sitting on the ham before sealing. Excess liquid can allow bacteria to multiply faster.
Don’t freeze it
Freezing can negatively affect the texture of vacuum-packed ham. Stick to refrigeration.
Use it within 3-5 days of opening
Once opened, consume the ham within a week max. Leaving it longer causes spoilage.
Following these guidelines will help the ham last for its specified duration. Now let’s look at some tell-tale signs of spoiled cryovac ham.
Signs Your Cryovac Ham Has Gone Bad
While cryovac ham stays fresh longer, improper storage can still lead to spoilage. Here are some signs to watch out for:
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Bad odor – If you notice a rancid, sour or rotten smell, discard the ham. Good ham has a mild meaty aroma.
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Discoloration – The ham should be light pink. Gray, green or black spots indicate spoilage.
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Sliminess – Spoiled ham will have a sticky, shiny or slippery texture. Fresh ham feels firm.
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Off taste – Rancid, bitter or acidic flavor means the ham is no longer safe to eat.
I highly recommend tossing out the entire pack at the first sign of spoilage. Consuming bad ham can cause food poisoning with nasty symptoms. Don’t take the risk!
Tips for Keeping Cryovac Ham Fresh
Here are my top tips for maximizing cryovac ham’s shelf life after opening:
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Use a new ziplock bag – Transfer any leftover ham into a fresh bag, removing as much air as possible.
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Limit refrigerator time – Use up the ham within 3-5 days for optimum freshness and quality.
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Keep cold – Return ham to the fridge immediately after serving. Don’t leave it out more than 2 hours.
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Check for spoilage – Do a quick sniff and visual test before eating leftovers. When in doubt, throw it out.
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Cook thoroughly – Heat leftovers to 165°F, until steaming hot, before eating.
Following the usage times and storage guidelines for cryovac ham can help you enjoy it safely. But what if you find an unopened pack way in the back of your freezer – would it still be good? Let’s find out.
How Long Does Cryovac Ham Last in the Freezer?
I came across this question online and was intrigued by the answers. According to food safety experts, cryovac ham should NOT be frozen. Yes, you read that right – frozen storage is not recommended for this type of vacuum-packed ham.
Freezing can negatively impact the texture, making it mushy or dry once thawed. It can also affect the signature salty ham flavor.
Of course, if you’ve already frozen cryovac ham, it won’t make you ill. But the quality definitely deteriorates the longer it sits in the freezer. For best results, keep the ham in the fridge and use it up within a week.
The Takeaway
And there you have it – everything you need to know about cryovac ham’s shelf life, storage and freshness. The key points to remember are:
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Unopened cryovac ham lasts for 1 week past the sell-by date when properly refrigerated.
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Once opened, use the ham within 3-5 days for safety and quality.
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Signs of spoiled ham include foul smell, slimy texture, discoloration and off-flavors.
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Refrigeration is best – don’t freeze cryovac ham.
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Follow the recommended storage guidelines to prevent premature spoilage.
With the right techniques, you can enjoy delicious cryovac ham for days without wasting a single slice! I hope these fridge life tips help you get the maximum
Expiration Date or Beyond-Use Date (BUD)
Aside from these signs, you can also check the expiration or use-by date indicated on the packaging. Vacuum-sealed or store-sealed, don’t consume the ham once it’s already past due. This is because it’s probably not good for consumption anymore. If it looks fine and you’re not sure if you should throw it away, look for the other signs above.
How Long Is Ham Good for in the Fridge?
Not sure how long ham will last in the fridge? Keep in mind that it depends on whether it’s raw or cooked, whether the package was vacuum-sealed at the plant or store-sealed, and whether the package has been opened. It should also be thought about whether it’s whole or cut up and stored in the fridge.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cured and uncooked ham can last 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Meanwhile, uncured and uncooked ham can last between 3 to 5 days only.
Take note, ham that’s been kept in its original packaging always lasts longer. So, if you don’t plan to cook it right away, it’s best to keep it in its packaging. This way your cooked-at-plant, vacuum-sealed ham can last up to 2 weeks. Once it’s opened, it can only last for 3 to 5 days. For a complete guide, check the table above.
How long can a thawed cooked ham stay in the fridge?
FAQ
How long can a vacuum-sealed ham stay in the fridge?
Can ham last 2 weeks in the fridge?
Is a 2 year old frozen ham still good?
Does vacuum packed country ham need to be refrigerated?
How long does a Cryovac Ham last?
Once you open the package, the ham should be consumed within three to five days. This is because once the package is opened, bacteria can begin to grow and multiply, which can lead to foodborne illness. To ensure your cryovac ham stays fresh for as long as possible, make sure to store it properly in the fridge.
Can you freeze Cryovac Ham?
Do not freeze cryovac ham: Cryovac ham is already vacuum-sealed, which means that it has already been preserved. Freezing it can affect its texture and quality. 5. Use it within one week of opening: Once you open the package, consume the ham within three to five days. This will help prevent bacterial growth and ensure its freshness.
How do you store a Cryovac Ham?
To ensure your cryovac ham stays fresh for as long as possible, make sure to store it properly in the fridge. Keep it in its original packaging and place it in the coldest part of your fridge, which is usually the back. Make sure the temperature of your fridge is set to 40°F or below. What Is Cryovac Ham?
Does Cryovac Ham go bad?
While cryovac ham has a longer shelf life than other types of ham, it can still spoil if not stored properly or consumed within the recommended time frame. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your cryovac ham has gone bad: 1. Smell: If your ham has a sour or unpleasant odor, it is likely spoiled and should be discarded. 2.