Country ham, with its characteristic salt-cured flavor, is a cherished staple across the South While an uncut whole country ham can be stored at room temperature, keeping sliced country ham requires refrigeration to maximize freshness. But with proper storage methods, you can enjoy this specialty meat for extended periods without waste
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fridge storage for sliced country ham. You’ll learn about ideal storage conditions, how to pack ham for the refrigerator, and just how long it will maintain best quality. Let’s dive in!
Before jumping into storage methods, let’s do a quick overview of country ham itself.
Country ham refers to a style of heavily salted, cured ham traditionally produced in Southern states like Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, and others. The dry-curing and smoking process gives country ham a noticeably salty, hardy flavor compared to a mild “city ham.”
Whole, unsliced country hams keep remarkably well at room temperature when stored in a clean, dry environment. But once sliced, the exposed surfaces make refrigeration necessary for optimal freshness.
When buying pre-sliced country ham, it will come packaged in sealed plastic with all air removed This allows for some unrefrigerated shelf life before opening. But for best quality, pre-sliced ham should also head to the fridge immediately
Creating the Right Refrigerator Conditions
To keep sliced country ham in peak condition, your refrigerator environment needs to be optimized. Here are the key factors to control
-
Consistent temperature: Keep temps between 34-40°F. Avoid frequent opening of doors that lets in warm air.
-
Low humidity: Excess moisture accelerates spoilage in cured meats. Make sure your fridge isn’t overcrowded.
-
Air circulation: Don’t cram storage containers close together. Allow space for air movement.
-
Clean surfaces: Disinfect fridge interior regularly to prevent cross-contamination.
Following these guidelines creates an ideal climate for your sliced country ham. Now let’s look at storage methods.
Storing Country Ham Slices
To maximize country ham’s fridge shelf life, the enemy to beat is exposure to air. Oxygen allows oxidation reactions that degrade flavor, color, and texture over time.
Here are some smart storage techniques:
-
Wrapping: Enclose each slice individually in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. This prevents air reaching the surfaces.
-
Vacuum sealing: For the best protection, use a vacuum sealer system to remove all air before sealing in bags or canisters.
-
Airtight containers: After individual wrapping, place slices in airtight plastic or glass storage containers. Screw-top Mason jars work great.
-
Humidity control packs: Use desiccant packs made for cured meats to absorb excess moisture inside containers.
-
Layer separation: Place wax paper between slice layers to prevent sticking.
Follow these steps, and your country ham will have minimal air exposure in the fridge.
How Long Does Refrigerated Country Ham Last?
Now to address that key question: how long can you expect refrigerated country ham to stay fresh?
With ideal storage conditions, sliced country ham keeps well for 1-2 months in the fridge. The maximum for best quality is around 60 days.
Here are some signs your refrigerated country ham is past its prime:
- Dry, shriveled appearance
- Discoloration and sliminess
- Off odors
- Mold growth
- Rancid or bitter taste
When you notice these issues, it’s time to discard the ham. For peak flavor and food safety, use refrigerated sliced country ham within 2 months.
Freezing Country Ham for Long-Term Storage
For storage beyond 2 months, the freezer can extend your country ham’s shelf life. Properly frozen, slices can last for 3-6 months.
To freeze country ham:
- Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap and foil.
- Place wrapped slices in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Label with freeze date and “Use By” date calculated 3-6 months later.
Thaw refrigerated ham overnight in the fridge before using for best texture.
Enjoy Your Country Ham!
With proper refrigeration and storage methods, you can take full advantage of your valuable country ham. Now that you know how long sliced ham lasts when refrigerated, you can find uses for it without worry.
Try adding country ham to biscuits, sandwiches, green beans, or redeye gravy. Its signature twang livens up any dish. Just follow our guidelines to keep your slices fresh!
How long can you keep a Smithfield ham in the refrigerator?
FAQ
Does sliced country ham go bad?
Can ham last 2 weeks in the fridge?
How do you store country ham in the fridge?
How long is country ham cured for?
How long does a ham last in the fridge?
A fully-cooked, unopened, vacuum-sealed ham can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, according to the USDA, but the clock starts ticking once you open that package. Sliced meat, like fresh cut ham or spiral-cut ham from the store, will last in the refrigerator for only three to five days.
How long does sliced ham last?
The shelf life of sliced ham largely depends on factors such as packaging, storage temperature, and exposure to air. When properly refrigerated at 40°F or below, unopened sliced ham can typically maintain its quality for 3-5 days past the “sell by” date, while opened packages should be consumed within 3-5 days for best quality and safety.
Should sliced ham be refrigerated?
In general, it is recommended to keep sliced ham tightly wrapped or sealed in plastic wrap or a resealable bag to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can accelerate spoilage. Additionally, storing the ham on a lower shelf in the refrigerator helps maintain a consistent temperature and prevents cross-contamination with other foods.
How long does a country ham last?
The length of time that country ham lasts depends on how much air is in the package and how tightly you seal it. A good rule of thumb is to keep it refrigerated for no more than 3 weeks. A whole, uncut dry cured or country ham can be stored safely at room temperature for up to 1 year. After 1 year, the ham is safe but the quality may suffer.