How Long Will Your Smoked Ham Last After the Holidays?
Smoked ham has a decent amount of salt in it that helps give it that iconic, savory flavor. However, this leads some to think that the salt content will preserve the freshness of the meat much longer than your holiday turkey or roast. While this isn’t entirely true, there are ways to keep your leftovers safe to eat for days to come. To help you get the most out of your leftovers, here’s the low down on how long your smoked ham will last after the holidays and how to store it longer.
How Long Will Smoked Ham Last in the Fridge?
If, for some reason, you didn’t use your ham, and it’s still sealed in the package, it can last up to two weeks, which the packaging should indicate. If you open the ham, it will only last for three to five days. Ham has gone bad if it has turned gray in color, smells sour, or the surface is tacky, slimy, or moldy. After that, there’s no saving it, and it’s time to throw it out.
How Long Will Smoked Ham Last in the Freezer?
Ham can last up to six months in the freezer if stored properly. However, you should always check the labeling first, as some ham products may feature a label instructing that you “do not freeze” for various reasons. But if you can, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and mark it, so you don’t forget how long it’s been in the freezer.
How Can I Extend the Storage Life of Smoked Ham?
If you want your ham to last a little longer, you can seal it tight in a vacuum-sealed bag to help extend its storage life. However, this only extends the ham’s storage life if it’s in the fridge, lengthening the five days of opened ham to up to two weeks. This is often the more popular choice, as freezing the ham can cause the meat to become dry and lose much of its moisture. It’s best not to open the packaging for as long as possible so you don’t introduce bacteria into the vacuum seal.
How long your smoked ham will last depends entirely on how your store it, but if it’s been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours, it’s best to throw it out entirely.
If you’re already looking for your next perfect ham, Vincent’s Meat Market can ship smoked bone-in ham right to your door. Cooked, sliced, with a sweet glaze for quality meat, where you want it when you want it.
