A ham shank is a delicious cut of meat from the pork leg that is ideal for flavoring soups, stews, beans, and more Its rich, smoky taste adds great depth to many dishes. If you’ve got leftover ham shank that you want to save for later, freezing is a great option. But exactly how long can a ham shank stay fresh in the freezer? Here’s a comprehensive guide to freezing ham shanks, including storage times, tips, and techniques
An Overview of Ham Shanks
Before diving into the freezing guidelines, let’s start with a quick overview of what ham shanks are. Ham shanks come from the lower portion of a pig’s hind leg, below the ham roast. They consist of the leg bone surrounded by meat, skin fat and connective tissue.
Ham shanks are often cured, smoked, or brined, giving them a distinctive salty, smoky flavor. The bone, fat, and collagen-rich connective tissue make them perfect for enhancing the taste of simmered dishes. Popular uses for ham shanks include soup stock, beans, split pea soup, and other braised recipes.
How Long Can You Freeze Ham Shanks?
Now onto the main question – how long can you freeze ham shanks? Here are some general guidelines:
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Raw, uncured ham shank – 4 months maximum
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Cured uncooked ham shank – 6 months maximum
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Fully cooked ham shank – 3 months maximum
The overall quality and taste will start to decline after these time periods. Freezing is not a long-term storage method for ham shanks. For best results, try to use frozen ham shanks within these recommended time frames.
It’s also important to note that freezing time can vary based on factors like packaging, freezer temperature, and amount of fat on the ham shank. Properly packaging and freezing at 0°F or below will give you the maximum freezing durations.
Can You Freeze Ham Shanks?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze ham shanks for later use. Freezing is a great way to preserve ham shanks and prevent waste if you can’t use them right away. To freeze ham shanks:
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Allow cooked ham shanks to fully cool before freezing.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil or freezer bags. Remove air and seal tightly.
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Label packages with contents and freeze-by date.
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Freeze at 0°F or below for best quality.
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Once frozen, ham shanks last 3-6 months depending on type.
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Thaw completely in the refrigerator before using.
With proper freezing and food safety practices, ham shanks freeze very well. Just be sure to pay attention to storage times for optimal freshness and flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Ham Shanks
Follow these simple steps for successfully freezing ham shanks:
1. Start with Fully Cooked Ham Shanks
It’s best to start with fully cooked ham shanks to freeze. Raw or cured ham shanks don’t freeze as well. Make sure cooked ham shanks are completely cooled before packaging for the freezer.
2. Portion Ham Shanks
For easier use, consider cutting ham shanks into smaller portions before freezing. This allows you to thaw only what you need.
3. Wrap Tightly
Wrap each ham shank tightly in plastic wrap, foil or place in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
4. Use Freezer-Friendly Packaging
For the best results, use heavy-duty aluminum foil, freezer paper, or freezer bags. This prevents freezer burn.
5. Label Packages
Include the type of ham shank, quantity, and freeze-by date on each package. This lets you easily identify and track items.
6. Freeze Promptly
Place wrapped ham shanks in the freezer promptly. Don’t leave them in the fridge for more than a day before freezing.
7. Freeze at 0°F or Colder
Set your freezer to 0°F or below. Colder freezing temperatures maintain quality and freshness longer.
8. Store Packages Flat
Lay packages flat in your freezer for efficient stacking and freezing. Don’t overfill your freezer.
9. Use Within 3 Months
For best quality and taste, use frozen cooked ham shanks within 3 months. Discard if they go beyond this timeframe.
Following these simple steps will help you successfully freeze ham shanks to enjoy for months to come!
Tips for Freezing Ham Shanks
Here are some additional tips to get the most out of freezing ham shanks:
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Chill first – Refrigerate ham shanks for 1-2 hours before freezing. This prevents temperature spikes in your freezer.
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Remove bones – Consider removing ham shank bones before freezing for easier portioning and storage. Discard bones or freeze separately.
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Freeze meat and fat separately – For longer freezer life, some people prefer to cut off fat before freezing to store the lean meat and fat portions separately.
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Double wrap – Use double layers of plastic wrap or foil for extra insulation and to prevent freezer burn.
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Use freezer bags – Heavy-duty freezer bags are very effective at keeping air out and preventing freezer burn. Remove all air before sealing.
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Use vacuum sealer – For the very best results, a countertop vacuum sealer removes nearly all air and seals in freshness.
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Freeze small portions – Freeze ham shanks in recipe-ready portions to avoid thawing more than you need later.
Thawing and Using Frozen Ham Shanks
Thawing is an important final step in the freezing process. Here are some guidelines for safely thawing frozen ham shanks:
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Thaw in the refrigerator – This is the safest method. Allow 24 hours of thawing time per pound. Place on a plate to catch drips.
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Thaw in cold water – For faster thawing, place sealed ham shank in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately after thawing.
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Cook frozen – For soups or stews, you can add frozen ham shanks directly to the simmering liquid to thaw and cook.
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Don’t refreeze – Never refreeze thawed ham shanks. This causes loss of quality and food safety issues.
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Use within 4 days – Cook thawed ham shanks within 3-4 days. Don’t refreeze after thawing.
Following safe thawing and food handling recommendations is crucial when using frozen ham shanks for your recipes.
Enjoy Delicious Ham Shanks from Your Freezer
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve leftover or uneaten ham shanks to savor their signature rich, smoky taste in future meals. By properly wrapping, freezing, storing, and thawing ham shanks, you can keep them fresh and flavorful for use within 3-6 months.
With this handy guide to freezing times, techniques, tips, and recommendations, you can safely freeze ham shanks with full confidence in their quality when thawed. So don’t let that delicious cooked ham shank go to waste. Freeze it instead and unlock its savory flavor for soups, beans, and braises any time you want!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you freeze cooked ham shanks?
Properly packaged and frozen, cooked ham shanks can be frozen for up to 3 months before quality and flavor begin to decline. Freeze for no more than 3 months for best results.
Can you freeze raw ham shanks?
It’s better to freeze fully cooked ham shanks, but raw uncured ham shanks can be frozen for up to 4 months if properly wrapped. Cured uncooked ham shanks last up to 6 months in the freezer.
What is the best way to wrap ham shanks for the freezer?
Tightly wrap each ham shank in plastic wrap, freezer foil or place in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. Use heavy-duty freezer-safe packaging.
How do you thaw frozen ham shanks?
Thaw frozen ham shanks in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per pound. You can also submerge sealed ham shanks in cold water, changing it every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook thawed ham shanks within 3-4 days.
Can you freeze ham shanks without cooking them first?
It’s not recommended. Raw ham shanks don’t freeze as well. For best quality and food safety, you should fully cook ham shanks before freezing them.
Can you refreeze ham shanks after thawing?
Never refreeze thawed ham shanks. Refreezing causes texture and quality to degrade. Safely thawed ham shanks should be cooked within 3-4 days and discarded if not used.