Your Christmas Day is over, and now you want to know “how long does ham last in the fridge?” Follow these tips to get the most out of your leftover ham.
As an Australian who loves a good sandwich or ham and cheese toastie, I buy deli ham quite often However, with the hot Aussie weather, I used to worry about just how long deli ham would stay fresh in my fridge.
I’ve learned the best way to store deli ham to make it last as long as possible through careful research and trial and error. In this article, I’ll talk about how to tell if deli ham has gone bad, how to store it properly, how to freeze it, and more. All of these tips are specific to Australia, so let’s get started!
Overview of Deli Ham
For those who aren’t familiar, deli ham refers to ready-to-eat, pre-sliced ham sold at supermarket deli counters. It’s a popular choice for its convenience – no need to cook before eating!
Common types of deli ham in Australia include honey ham, smoked ham, leg ham and more. Deli ham can be made from pork, chicken, turkey or beef.
When stored properly, an unopened packet of deli ham generally lasts 5-7 days past its printed use-by date. Once opened, it should be eaten within 3-5 days. However, our warm climate shortens its shelf life.
How Long Does Deli Ham Last in Australia?
The shelf life of deli ham depends on a few factors
Storage Temperature
Deli ham must be kept cold at 5°C or lower in the fridge. Australia’s hot weather means you should use it faster – within 4-5 days of opening.
Type of Meat
Chicken, turkey and beef deli ham last only 3-4 days after opening. Pork versions can go 5-6 days.
Packaging
Leave deli ham sealed until ready to eat. Re-wrap opened portions tightly in plastic wrap.
Expiry Dates
As long as the ham smells good, check the use-by dates and give it no more than one to two days.
With proper refrigeration and air-tight storage, deli ham stays fresh for its specified duration. Now let’s look at the signs of spoiled deli meat.
How to Tell If Deli Ham Has Gone Bad
I always do a quick visual, smell and touch test before eating deli ham. Here are the red flags:
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Sliminess – Good deli ham feels moist but not excessively slippery. Discard if it’s sticky, shiny or slimy.
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Off smell – Fresh deli ham has a mild meaty odor. Foul, sour or ammonia-like smells means spoilage.
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Discoloration – Look for grayish, green or black sticky spots. Uniform light pink is ideal.
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Mold – Any fuzzy growth spots, white or green, means the ham should be tossed.
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Weird taste – Rancid, bitter or acidic flavors indicate the deli ham is no longer safe.
Don’t risk getting sick – bin any deli ham showing these signs of spoilage. Now let’s go over how to store deli ham correctly.
Proper Storage of Deli Ham in Australia
Storing deli ham properly is key to preserving its freshness, especially in Australia’s hot climate. Here are my tips:
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Keep cold – Refrigerate ham at 5°C or lower immediately after purchase.
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Re-wrap opened portions – Use air-tight plastic wrap or containers for leftover ham.
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Watch expiry dates – Check use-by dates and allow 1-2 extra days max for unopened packs.
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Use deli ham first – Eat deli meats within 3-5 days of opening before other refrigerated foods.
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Keep dry – Wipe off any moisture on the surface before re-wrapping to discourage bacteria.
With the right techniques, you can enjoy deli ham safely for its recommended duration. But what if you buy too much? Freezing is an option.
Can You Freeze Deli Ham in Australia?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of deli ham. Here are some freezing tips:
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Place ham in air-tight freezer bags or containers, removing excess air.
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Freeze deli ham in small portions to avoid re-freezing thawed meat.
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Avoid freezing in extreme 0°F (-18°C) temperatures, which can dry out the ham.
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Label bags with dates and contents for easy identification.
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Use frozen deli ham within 2 months for best quality.
Once thawed, use refrigerated ham within 3-4 days. Defrosting returns moisture, so consume ASAP post-thawing.
How to Know If Frozen Deli Ham Is Still Good?
Here are some signs that frozen deli ham may be past its prime:
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Dry, cracked appearance indicating freezer burn
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Ice crystals or frosty buildup inside packaging
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Off smells once thawed
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Unpleasant flavors like bitterness or acidity
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Mushy or excessively slimy texture
If your frozen deli ham shows these issues, it’s best not to eat it. Now let’s go over what to do if you defrost too much.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Deli Ham in Australia?
I don’t recommend refreezing deli ham once it’s thawed. Refreezing dramatically shortens the shelf life, as bacteria starts multiplying quickly in thawed meat.
Instead, here are some better options for leftover thawed deli ham:
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Use within 3-4 days of thawing if refrigerated properly at 5°C or below.
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Cook thawed ham thoroughly until steaming hot before eating.
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Add to fried rice, omelets, pasta bakes or other cooked dishes.
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Make ham sandwiches or rolls to
Carve to the crowd size
As a general rule, you should only carve a small portion of your ham at first, depending on how many people will be at your party. You can always carve more as needed. Your ham will stay fresher that bit longer if kept on the bone or in large pieces.
How long you can safely keep the ham in the fridge will depend on what kind of ham you made and whether it is sliced, in big chunks, or still on the bone.
Keep the ham on the bone if you have room in the fridge. If not, cut it up into big chunks and take off all the decorations.
Ham on the bone
To keep ham on the bone from drying out, rinse a ham bag, clean pillowcase, or tea towel in 2 cups of white vinegar and 2 liters of water. Let it dry, then wrap the whole ham in the fabric and put it in the fridge. Every two to three days, wash the bag, pillowcase, or tea towel with a little vinegar in the water. Let it dry, and then use it again. Stored like this your ham will last for up to 2 weeks.
Don’t Waste it! Deli Meat – How long does it really last
FAQ
Is deli ham good after 7 days?
How long can you keep deli ham in the fridge?
How long does ham last in the fridge in Australia?
Can you eat 2 week old deli ham?
How long does deli ham last?
When it comes to consuming deli ham, it’s important to adhere to safe guidelines to ensure the quality and freshness of the meat. Deli ham typically lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days, depending on the packaging and storage conditions. However, it’s crucial to inspect the meat for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
Does deli meat last longer?
It’s worth noting that certain types of deli meat will last longer than others. According to Beauchamp, this includes deli meats that are fermented (like pepperoni and salami) or dried (like capicola or prosciutto). The reasoning?
How do you store a deli ham?
Deli ham should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to keep it away from other raw meats and follow the guidelines for consumption outlined on the package. 10.
How do you know if deli ham has gone bad?
The easiest way to tell if deli ham has gone bad is by smelling it. If it has a sour or foul odor, it’s best to discard it. Additionally, if there are any visible signs of mold or slime, it should also be thrown away. 3. Can I use deli ham past its expiration date? No, try to consume deli ham before its expiration date to be safe.