How Long is Spiral Ham Good After the Sell By Date? A Complete Guide

Spiral ham is a popular choice for holiday meals and special gatherings But if you’ve got some leftover spiral ham in the fridge after the big event, you may be wondering – how long is it still safe to eat?

The sell by date printed on the packaging is meant to indicate when the ham is at peak freshness. However, it’s still perfectly safe to eat spiral ham for a period after that date, as long as it was stored properly.

In this complete guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the shelf life and storage of spiral ham to keep your family safe. We’ll cover:

• How to understand the dates on spiral ham packaging
• Factors that affect how long spiral ham lasts
• How long unopened spiral ham lasts
• How long opened spiral ham lasts
• Proper storage methods for maximum freshness
• How to tell if spiral ham has gone bad
• When to throw out spiral ham

Let’s start with decoding those expiration dates!

Understanding Sell By and Use By Dates on Spiral Ham

When you purchase spiral ham at the grocery store, you’ll notice some numbers stamped on the packaging. These are sell by and use by dates. Here’s what each one means:

• Sell By Date: This date tells retailers how long the ham will be at peak quality. It’s still safe to eat for a period after this date.
• Use By or Best By Date: This is the last date recommended for use at peak quality. The ham may not be very tasty, but still safe to eat for a short time after this date.
• Expiration Date: This date indicates when the ham may become unsafe to eat. Do not consume spiral ham past the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Now let’s look at how long spiral ham actually lasts…

How Long Does Unopened Spiral Ham Last?

An unopened spiral ham stored properly in the fridge will stay fresh for:

• 1-2 weeks past the sell by date. Since the sell by date indicates peak freshness, the spiral ham will still be safe for consumption for this period afterwards.

• 6-9 months in the freezer. Placing an unopened spiral ham in the freezer can significantly extend its shelf life. Just make sure to check for freezer burn before thawing and eating.

The exact shelf life depends on factors like the preparation method and packaging. Vacuum-sealed spiral hams tend to last longer than plastic-wrapped ones.

Follow our storage tips below to maximize the freshness and shelf life of your unopened spiral ham.

How Long Does Opened Spiral Ham Last?

Once you open the packaging and cut into that beautiful spiral ham, its days are numbered:

• 3-5 days in the fridge: An opened spiral ham will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator before going bad. Make sure to tightly wrap cut portions in plastic wrap or foil.

• 1-2 months in the freezer: Freezing is the best way to preserve cooked spiral ham after opening. Portion it out into freezer bags or airtight containers for longer storage.

• 3-5 days after cooking: Spiral ham that has been cooked, sliced and served should be eaten within 3-5 days. Always refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible.

For maximum safety and quality, use any cooked spiral ham within these time frames. Discard if mold appears or you detect an off smell or slimy texture.

Next, let’s go over the proper storage methods for opened and unopened spiral ham.

How to Store Spiral Ham for Maximum Freshness

Storing your spiral ham correctly is the key to keeping it fresh, flavorful and safe to eat. Follow these tips:

Unopened Spiral Ham Storage

• Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below. The colder the better.
• Leave ham in its original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap if loose.
• Place on a shelf or in a meat drawer away from cross-contamination.
• Freeze for up to 9 months if not using soon. Wrap well in plastic then foil.

Opened Spiral Ham Storage

• Refrigerate all cut ham within 2 hours of cooking/serving.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents drying out.
• Store in sealed airtight containers or resealable bags.
• Freeze in portions for longer storage. Allow defrosting in fridge overnight before eating for food safety.

Proper refrigeration and sealing in air-tight packaging helps block bacteria growth and keeps spiral ham tasting great.

How to Tell If Spiral Ham Has Gone Bad

Spiral ham has a pretty long shelf life, but it won’t last forever. Here are signs that your ham has spoiled and should be thrown out:

• Mold growth – discard ham immediately if you see any fuzzy mold.
• Slimy texture – bacteria growth causes sliminess.
• Foul, sour, or ammonia-like smell.
• Discoloration – graying, green or blue tints indicate spoilage.
• Dry, shriveled appearance – dried out ham can harbor dangerous bacteria.

If you detect any of these signs, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw out the spiral ham. Consuming spoiled ham can cause serious foodborne illness.

When to Throw Out Spiral Ham

We’ll give you a quick cheat sheet on when to toss that leftover ham to be safe:

• After the expiration or use by date has passed
• More than 2 hours outside of refrigeration
• Refrigerated for more than 5 days after opening or cooking
• Signs of spoilage like mold, slimy texture, or bad smell
• More than 3-5 days after being partially reheated or served
• Frozen for over 2 months

Being aware of these ham food safety time limits will help protect you and your loved ones from potential foodborne pathogens. If in doubt, remember it’s better to just throw it out.

So there you have it – everything you need to know about how long spiral ham lasts! With proper refrigerated storage and freezing, you can prolong the shelf life of spiral ham well beyond that sell by date. Just be sure to watch for signs of spoilage and consume any cooked ham within 3-5 days.

Follow our guide to enjoy delicious spiral ham on holidays, vacations and or any special occasion without worries. Share these spiral ham storage times and safety tips with family and friends to spread the word on smart ham handling.