How long does ham stay fresh in the freezer or fridge? Several individuals ask themselves the question. Yet there are a few variables that affect the answer. Unopened ham can be stored in the freezer for up to six months and in the refrigerator for around 75 days. But, you may freeze your ham if you wish to increase its shelf life.
Are you still unsure about how safe your ham is? For further details on how long ham lasts, continue reading.
How Long Is Ham Good For In The Fridge? Cooked
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. Stored in good condition, a whole cooked ham will generally keep for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Whole hams or half hams purchased fully cooked are usually cured and/or smoked. Their shelf life may vary depending on the specific manufacturing process used. See label for storage instructions.
A whole cooked ham or half a cooked ham can be stored in its original packaging in the refrigerator. To maximize the shelf life of the ham, open the packaging only before eating or preparing it.
How Long Is Ham Good For At room temperature? Cooked
Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 4°C and 60°C. A whole cooked ham or half a cooked ham should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
To further extend the shelf life of the ham, you can freeze it. Put the whole-cooked ham or half-cooked ham in the freezer before the number of days indicated for storage in the refrigerator has elapsed.
You can maximize the shelf life of ham in the freezer by covering the original wrapper with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
How Long Is Ham Good For In The freezer? Cooked
Stored in good conditions, a whole cooked ham retains optimum quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer but remains suitable for consumption beyond this period.
How Long Is Ham Good For? After being frozen and then thawed
If it is thawed in the refrigerator can be stored for an additional 3-5 days in the refrigerator before consumption. A whole cooked ham that has been thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately.
How do you know if a whole cooked ham has expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the whole cooked ham. Signs of stale ham are a sour smell, dull color, and sticky texture. Discard the ham if it smells or looks abnormal.