How Long Does a Smithfield Ham Keep? A Complete Guide to Properly Storing Your Gourmet Ham

As a lover of Smithfield hams I often get asked – how long does a Smithfield ham keep? With so many different types of hams available, it can get confusing figuring out the proper storage times.

In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through exactly how long each type of Smithfield ham will stay fresh, whether refrigerated frozen or at room temperature. I’ll also provide tips to maximize shelf life.

Smithfield hams have a rich heritage dating back to the 1700s in Smithfield Virginia. They have a distinctive salty smokey flavor that sets them apart from other hams.

There are a few main types of Smithfield hams:

• Country Hams – Dry cured and uncooked. They have the boldest, saltiest flavor.

• Genuine Smithfield Hams – Also dry cured and uncooked. Similar to country hams but cured longer so they are saltier.

• Spiral Sliced Hams – Fully cooked and spiral sliced. More mild flavored.

• Hardwood Smoked Hams – Fully cooked with a lovely smokey flavor.

The curing and cooking process impacts how long the ham will last. Now let’s look at proper storage times.

Refrigerated Storage Times

Proper refrigeration is key for maximum freshness. Here’s how long the different types of Smithfield hams will last refrigerated:

• Uncooked Country Hams – Up to 6 months

• Uncooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – Up to 1 year

• Cooked Country Hams – At least 6 weeks

• Cooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – At least 6 weeks

• Spiral Sliced Hams (bone-in) – 7 to 10 days

• Spiral Sliced Hams (boneless) – Up to 2 weeks

• Hardwood Smoked Hams – Up to 2 weeks

The uncooked hams last significantly longer than the cooked hams when refrigerated. It’s important to store them properly wrapped in the refrigerator.

I recommend wrapping uncooked hams in heavy duty aluminum foil or butcher paper. For cooked hams, use the original packaging or wrap in plastic wrap.

Frozen Storage Times

Freezing is another excellent way to extend the shelf life of Smithfield hams. Here is how long they will last frozen:

• Uncooked Country Hams – Up to 6 months

• Uncooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – Up to 1 year

• Cooked Country Hams – At least 6 months

• Cooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – At least 6 months

• Spiral Sliced Hams – Up to 3 months

• Hardwood Smoked Hams – Up to 3 months

For best quality, cook hams before freezing if possible. Wrap ham properly in heavy duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap. Remove bone from cooked hams for easier freezing.

Pro tip: Let ham thaw in the refrigerator before cooking from frozen state.

Room Temperature Storage

Traditionally, some uncooked Smithfield hams were simply hung in a dry environment. Here are guidelines for room temperature storage:

• Uncooked Country Hams – Up to 6 months

• Uncooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – Up to 2 years

You’ll get the best flavor by cooking country hams within 6 months. For Genuine Smithfield hams, cook within 1 year for optimal freshness.

I don’t recommend storing cooked hams like spiral sliced at room temperature. Refrigerate them for food safety.

How to Know When Your Ham Has Gone Bad

There are certain signs that indicate your ham has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat. For both cooked and uncooked hams, look for these signs of spoilage:

• Mold growth – especially black, blue-green or white mold

• Rancid odor

• Slimy texture

• Discoloration

Additionally, for cooked hams, look for a grey color and dried out, hard appearance.

When in doubt, remember the saying “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled ham.

Tips for Maximizing Ham Shelf Life

Follow these tips to safely store your Smithfield ham and keep it as fresh as possible:

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

• Wrap ham properly in freezer wrap, foil or plastic wrap.

• Avoid cross-contaminating ham with raw meats.

• Cook ham fully to an internal temperature of 145°F.

• Refrigerate cooked ham within 2 hours of cooking.

• Slice only the amount of spiral ham needed and refrigerate the rest.

• Use clean utensils and equipment when handling cooked hams.

• Check refrigerated hams weekly for signs of spoilage.

• Track refrigerated storage times with date labels.

• Freeze hams if you won’t eat within recommended times.

The Bottom Line on Smithfield Ham Storage Times

With proper refrigeration and freezing, Smithfield hams can stay fresh for extended periods of time. Uncooked hams generally last much longer than cooked hams.

Follow the storage guidelines in this article and your delicious Smithfield ham will be ready whenever you get a craving! With some care and planning, you can enjoy this Virginia delicacy year round.