How Long Does Ham Last In The Fridge?

Got leftover ham? Here's how long it's good after you put it away.

The leftovers after a holiday meal are one of the best parts of the feast, especially when the Easter menu includes ham. We look forward to days of surplus biscuits and ham, eggs and ham, and thick-sliced ham and sharp Cheddar cheese sandwiches.

However, appetites can be different every year, and sometimes we are left with more than just a few leftovers. To make the most of ham past the holiday, how long can you safely store it to eat? Here’s some information about the safest way to enjoy your meat without spoiling your sandwich.

What Is a Ham?

A ham is a cut of pork from the back portion of a pig's leg. It's usually cured by smoking, drying, or salt preservation and can include the bone or be boneless. Sometimes, the term "ham" also refers to pork pressed to resemble a roast. The most common variety of ham available in U.S. grocery stores is cured with a combination of wet salt brine and smoking methods.

Related: 44 Leftover Ham Recipes To Feed The Whole Family

How Long Does Sliced Ham Last In The Fridge?

A fully-cooked, unopened, vacuum-sealed ham can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, according to the USDA, but the clock starts ticking once you open that package. Sliced meat, like fresh cut ham or spiral-cut ham from the store, will last in the refrigerator for only three to five days. The slicing reduces the amount of time the meat will be good.

Do Whole Hams Last Longer?

Whole cured hams last in the refrigerator for up to a week.  However, fresh ham only lasts a few days in the refrigerator, about three or four once you've cooked it. It doesn’t matter if the ham is whole or sliced; the lack of preservatives allows it to spoil more quickly.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a great resource for ham that recommends the proper refrigerator and freezer time for each type of ham.

Ham Cooking Times

Hams are offered fully-cooked, partially cooked, and uncooked. If you choose a fully-cooked ham for your holiday meal, you’ll just need to heat it up. With so many variables, it’s nice to have this cooking chart.

How Can I Tell if Ham Is Bad?

It's usually obvious when food in your fridge starts to go bad, even ham. First, take a look at the appearance. Has it changed color? Fresh ham might be a pale color, and cured ham is pink. If your ham starts to take on a green or grey hue, or even gets black or brown in a few areas, throw it away.

If it doesn’t smell good, throw it away. Ham should have a salty or smokey aroma, almost sweet. If there is a sour smell or something smells off, don’t take the chance of a food-borne illness. Get rid of it.

Slimy, super-wet, or oily textures on the outside of your ham might indicate bacteria growth. Juice can just be congealed oils, so use your senses to see if anything else is off. Slimy ham that’s growing bacteria will usually have a smell that indicates spoilage.

Can I Freeze Leftover Ham?

Getting the most of every ounce of that holiday ham is important. The best method to extend the life of your leftovers is to use your freezer. Make certain you do this soon after your holiday meal, as you don't want to freeze ham that is spoiling.

First, wrap the meat in freezer or wax paper and then foil. Put in a vacuum-sealed or zip-top bag marked with a label and a date. Any pre-cooked ham that you freeze should be used within one to two months. Fresh or uncured ham can last longer in the freezer, for about three to four months.

How To Store Leftover Ham

The best way to store sliced ham is to place a folded paper towel inside of a sealable storage container. Layer the slices of ham with paper towels to reduce excess moisture, and keep your ham super fresh. Make sure the lid is tight to limit any exposure to bacteria.

A whole ham should be tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to reduce air exposure and keep the meat from drying out.

Related: How to Cook the Perfect Easter Ham This Holiday

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.