In this article, we will learn for how long can you keep ham on the bone in the fridge, along with which we will share some insightful tips that will help you handle the ham like a pro.

Food experts believe that keeping up with food’s quality while storing it in the refrigerator is quite tough, despite how simple it may appear. It’s tough to detect how food metabolic affects changes, and food can go bad and cause digestive issues.

How Long Can You Keep Ham on the Bone in the Fridge?

• You can store uncooked ham for up to 5 days at 40 degrees F (4 degrees C). It will stay good for six months if frozen.
• You can store cooked Ham in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months after cooking.
• You can keep cured ham in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or frozen for up to four months.

What Causes Ham to Go Bad?

A variety of factors affects the freshness of ham, such as; Ham type, preparation, Temperature, and humidity levels in storage, Packaging, preservatives added to the ham, etc

TIP: Make sure to get the meat into the fridge or freezer as soon as possible

How Can You Tell if Your Ham Is Bad?

First of all, double-check the expiration or best before or best-by dates given on the package. If the ham is over its due date or is kept open for an extended period, you should discard it; even if it appears to be in good condition.

Other than the date mentioned on the package, you should closely look into the following factors;

• Slimy or grey meat
• Emits a foul odor
• Tastes awkward

Tips to Store Ham Perfectly

You can either store Ham in the fridge or the freezer. Below are the detailed processes for both processes.

The Fridge

1. Use a calico ham bag, pillowcase, or a large tea towel for this. Make sure the bag or case covers the ham, completely
2. Wet the bag with 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, making sure it is saturated
3. Slightly wring it out so it’s not leaking, then place the ham inside or wrap it in the tea towel
4. Refrigerate in the coolest region of the fridge (like at the bottom)
5. Redo every 2-3 days or until the wrapping is dry
6. Slice off the amount of ham you’ll need to serve
7. Return to the refrigerator as soon as possible after rewrapping. Meat should never be left out of the fridge for longer than 2 hours

Pro Tip: Place the meat in the refrigerator’s corner to guarantee it lasts the longest. Canned ham that hasn’t been refrigerated can be kept at room temperature. However, the tins should be kept cool, like in a kitchen or pantry.

The Refrigerator

1. Remove the ham bone from any leftover Christmas ham. Divide the mixture into smaller servings so that the entire family can consume it in one sitting
2. Wrap it in foil before wrapping it in cling film. Place in a freezer bag or a container that can be sealed. Put date and label on it
3. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using

Pro Tip: If you’re going to use the ham for sandwiches, slice it before freezing it. It will be ready to use as soon as it is defrost. You can also cut up a huge batch of sliced ham from the deli into smaller portions.

Because freezer bags take up less room than containers, they are the best alternative for freezing ham.

How to Reheat the Ham After Storage?

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. In a large baking pan, place the ham on a rack and pour about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch of water
3. If the ham is labeled “completely cooked” (meaning it doesn’t need to be heated)
4. Heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or until it reaches a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit

Conclusion

The most difficult aspect of storing leftover ham is preventing it from drying out. As a result, only carve as much ham as you’ll need for your supper because flesh left on the ham bone will stay juicy for longer than carved pork slices.

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FAQs

What Can You Do with Leftover Ham?

You can prepare a substantial sandwich, fried rice, or an omelet with the ham slices.

Is It Possible to Moisten a Ham Bag?

It must be stored in a wet bag. A tea towel, a pillowcase, or a decent ham bag will suffice.

Is It Possible to Eat a Two-Year-Old Frozen Ham?

Only high-quality food should be kept in the freezer. After a year, the ham is okay to eat, but the quality may decline.