How Long Does Hormel Cure 81 Ham Stay Good? Your Complete Guide

Hormel Cure 81 ham is a beloved holiday staple for many families. Its rich, smoky flavor makes it perfect for special occasions and meals throughout the fall and winter months. But with its hefty price tag, you want to make sure you safely store your Hormel Cure 81 ham to get the longest shelf life possible.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to maximize the freshness of your Hormel Cure 81 ham, including:

• What is Hormel Cure 81 ham?
• How is it cured and cooked?
• Refrigerator shelf life for fresh ham
• Freezer shelf life for fresh ham
• Refrigerator shelf life after opening
• Freezer shelf life after opening
• How to tell if cured ham has gone bad
• Proper storage methods for longest freshness
• Can you freeze cured ham after cooking?

Knowing the shelf life and signs of spoilage will ensure your Hormel ham stays tasty through the holidays and beyond, Let’s get started!

What Is Hormel Cure 81 Ham?

Hormel Cure 81 ham refers to a specific process used by Hormel Foods Corporation to cure and cook their boneless smoked ham products. It was dubbed “Cure 81” by Hormel as a futuristic-sounding name back in 1962.

The Cure 81 method involves gently smoking the ham first, then slow-cooking it at low temperatures. This results in a tender, juicy texture with a distinctive smoky flavor.

The ham is fully cooked when you purchase it, so it can be eaten cold straight from the package. It just needs to be heated through before serving

How Is Hormel Cure 81 Ham Cured and Cooked?

Hormel uses the following curing and cooking process to make their Cure 81 hams:

• Trimmed and boned fresh ham muscles are carefully selected
• The ham is cured using water, salt, sugar, and sodium nitrite
• Slow smoking over a period of up to 8 hours at low heat
• The ham is then cooked low and slow, up to 18 hours, until fully cooked through
• Finally, the ham is quickly chilled to lock in moisture

This gentle approach results in juicy, plump meat infused with smoky flavor throughout.

Refrigerator Shelf Life of Fresh Hormel Cure 81 Ham

An unopened, fresh Hormel Cure 81 ham will last 2-3 months in the refrigerator from the printed “sell-by” date on the packaging.

The ham is fully cooked so it does not require freezing for safety, but refrigeration is important to maintain quality.

Make sure the ham sits on a shelf rather than the door where temperature fluctuations happen. Don’t leave it in the plastic packaging–instead, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Freezer Shelf Life of Fresh Hormel Cure 81 Ham

For maximum freshness, an unopened Hormel Cure 81 ham can be frozen for 4-6 months past the sell-by date indicated on the package.

Make sure to wrap the ham tightly in two layers of plastic wrap or freezer-safe foil before freezing. This prevents freezer burn which can cause dryness and texture issues.

Thaw the frozen ham for 48 hours in the fridge before ready to use. Do not refreeze after thawing.

Refrigerator Shelf Life After Opening Hormel Cure 81 Ham

Once opened, Hormel Cure 81 ham will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to refrigerate any uneaten portions promptly after carving and tightly wrap in plastic wrap or foil.

Only slice off portions you plan to immediately eat rather than cutting the whole ham at once. Limiting air exposure will prevent drying out.

For longer storage, carved ham can be frozen for 2-3 months in airtight packaging. Again, do not refreeze after thawing.

Freezer Shelf Life After Opening Hormel Cure 81 Ham

Similar to the refrigerator, an opened Hormel Cure 81 ham will last 2-3 months in the freezer. Wrap tightly using multiple layers of plastic wrap or foil before freezing.

Cutting the ham into smaller portions before freezing helps for quick thawing and easier use.

Always thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator, allowing 48 hours for a full ham. Do not thaw at room temperature as this can increase risk of bacterial growth.

How To Tell If Cured Ham Has Gone Bad

Here are some signs that your Hormel Cure 81 ham has spoiled and should be thrown out:

• Mold growth – discard ham if even a small spot of mold is visible
• Slimy texture or shiny appearance
• Unpleasant sour or ammonia odor
• Significant drying out or hardening
• Rancid smell
• Visible sliminess

When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk eating spoiled ham.

Proper Storage for Longest Ham Freshness

To maximize the shelf life of your Hormel Cure 81 ham, follow these storage tips:

• Store ham in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not the door
• Maintain a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating
• Don’t open ham until ready to serve to limit air exposure
• Avoid cross-contaminating ham with raw meat juices
• Freeze for longer storage, up to 4-6 months

With proper refrigeration and freezing methods, you can keep Hormel ham fresh for months.

Can You Freeze Cured Ham After Cooking?

Yes, it is safe to freeze any leftovers from your cooked Cure 81 ham. Wrap tightly in airtight freezer bags or plastic wrap before freezing. Portion into usable amounts so you can thaw only what you need each time.

Cooked ham will last 2-3 months in the freezer. Make sure to label packages with dates for easy reference.

Thaw frozen cooked ham overnight in the refrigerator. Do not leave ham to thaw at room temperature as this encourages bacterial growth.

Reheat fully to 165°F until hot and steaming before serving. Enjoy your leftovers!

Key Takeaways on Hormel Cure 81 Ham Shelf Life

To summarize the shelf life for Hormel Cure 81 ham:

• Unopened, refrigerate 2-3 months past sell-by date
• Unopened, freeze 4-6 months past sell-by date
• Opened, refrigerate 5-7 days
• Opened, freeze 2-3 months
• Look for mold, odor, sliminess to identify spoilage
• Store wrapped tightly in refrigerator or freezer
• Freeze cooked leftovers up to 2-3 months

With proper storage techniques, your delicious Hormel ham can grace your holiday table and everyday meals for months to come. Arm yourself with knowledge of shelf life, signs of spoilage, and freezing tips.

Now go enjoy that tender, juicy Hormel Cure 81 ham without worrying about wasting a single slice! From elegant dinners to simple sandwiches, Hormel Cure 81 ham is the kind of classic comfort food you want stocked in the fridge.