How Long Is Spiral Ham Good After The Sell By Date?

Spiral cut ham is a delicious centerpiece for holidays and special occasions. It’s pre-sliced for easy serving and packs great flavor. But like any fresh meat, it has a limited shelf life. You may have questions about how long spiral ham stays good after the sell by date printed on the package.

Read on for a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life and safety of your spiral cut ham.

Overview of Sell By Dates

The sell by date is the last day a retailer can display a product for sale. For spiral hams, this date is typically 3-5 weeks from when it was cured and packaged.

It’s important to note that the sell by date is NOT an expiration date. The ham remains safe to eat for a period of time beyond this date.

Here is how long spiral ham lasts after its sell by date:

• Refrigerated: 5-7 days
• Frozen: 2-3 months

Always rely on your senses, not just the date. If it smells or looks bad, throw it out!

How to Tell If Spiral Ham Is Bad After the Sell By Date

Since the sell by date isn’t definitive, use these signs to tell if spiral ham has gone bad:

• Sliminess – The ham feels oddly sticky, tacky, or slimy.

• Mold – There are fuzzy spots or a slimy film on the ham.

• Discoloration – The fat has turned grayish or the meat is dark in spots.

• Rancid Smell – It gives off an unpleasant, sour odor.

• Dry Spots – The meat surface is dried out or crusty.

If you notice any of these signs, the ham should be discarded. Don’t take chances with spoiled or questionable meat.

Maximizing Refrigerator Shelf Life After the Sell By Date

To maximize the post-sell by refrigerator life of spiral ham:

• Store in original packaging until ready to serve. The vacuum-sealed pouch prevents early spoilage.

• Once opened, tightly rewrap ham pieces in plastic wrap or foil.

• Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at 40°F or below.

• Cooked ham slices keep for 3-4 days after opening. Whole hams keep for 5-7 days.

• Use clean utensils to remove meat slices to prevent cross-contamination. Don’t re-insert used forks into ham.

• Add a layer of plastic wrap directly on the cut surface of the ham before rewrapping to prevent drying out.

Following proper cold storage methods lets you safely enjoy your spiral ham for almost a week past that sell by date.

Freezing Spiral Ham After the Sell By Date

For maximum shelf life, consider freezing your spiral ham:

• Freeze ham in original airtight, vacuum-sealed packaging. If opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper.

• Portion the ham, freezing sliced pieces or chunks for easier thawing and use.

• Avoid exposing the ham to air during freezing to prevent freezer burn. Use extra layers of foil or plastic as needed.

• Label each package with the type and freeze date so you know how long it’s been stored.

• Maintain freezer temperature at 0°F or below. Monitor the temp with a thermometer.

Properly frozen spiral ham stays delicious for 2-3 months beyond the sell by date. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Thawing Frozen Spiral Ham Safely After Long Term Storage

Thaw frozen spiral ham over 1-2 days by following one of these methods:

• In the refrigerator: Thaw sausages in a tray or on a plate to catch drips.

• In cold water: Place ham in a leakproof bag then submerge in cold tap water, changing water every 30 mins.

• In the microwave: Use the defrost setting if available. Cook immediately after thawing.

Never thaw ham at room temperature. This allows bacteria to multiply rapidly. And don’t refreeze ham after thawing.

How to Know If Frozen Ham Has Spoiled

Check thawed spiral ham for signs of spoilage before cooking or eating:

• Unpleasant odor
• Grayish or greenish tint to meat
• Slimy texture or film on surface
• Dried out, crusty patches
• Mold growth
• Significantly past recommended freezer time

When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t taste questionable ham to determine if it’s gone bad. Stay safe.

Storing Leftover Cooked Spiral Ham

Leftover cooked spiral ham stays good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Follow these tips:

• Allow ham to cool completely, within 2 hours after cooking.
• Carve ham and refrigerate in shallow airtight containers.
• Discard ham that has been left out for over 2 hours.
• Reheat to 165°F until steaming hot before serving again.

You can also freeze leftovers for 2-3 months. Portion into usable amounts and reheat fully when ready to eat again.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Spiral Ham?

It’s not recommended to refreeze raw ham after it has been thawed:

• Thawing allows bacteria to grow on the outside of the meat.
• Refreezing doesn’t kill these bacteria.
• The ham will go bad faster after being thawed and refrozen.

For food safety, cook raw ham immediately after thawing and don’t refreeze.

Key Takeaways

• Look for signs of spoilage before eating spiral ham beyond the sell by date. Rely on your senses, not just the date.

• Refrigerate promptly after opening and use within 5-7 days for optimal quality and safety.

• Freeze for long term storage of 2-3 months beyond sell by. Thaw correctly.

• Don’t refreeze raw ham after thawing. Eat cooked leftovers within 3-4 days.

Following proper refrigeration and freezing methods lets you safely prolong the shelf life of your spiral cut ham. You can enjoy every juicy slice without worrying about the sell by date.