It can be hard to part with your Christmas ham, especially after it’s served you so well for days after the Big Day. But for those with an eye on food safety, here’s what the experts say about the shelf life of your ham.
According to the Food Safety Information Council, your Christmas ham can last for several weeks, while the CSIRO suggests it will last safely for two to three weeks, if it’s handled properly.
To ensure the longevity of your ham, it needs to be kept in the fridge (obviously), and a special cloth ham bag – which some hams come sold with – or clean pillowcase will keep it fresh and at the best-possible quality for the longest. You’ll need to soak the bag in a mixture of 2 parts water to 1 part white vinegar and wring it out before you put the ham inside, and then you need to wash, dry and re-soak the bag or pillowcase every 3 days. To ensure your ham doesn’t dry out in the fridge, only slice off what you need as you go, and keep it covered.
Be sure your fridge is at 5°C or colder, to help slow the growth of any bad bacteria. And however difficult it can be when entertaining at Christmas, try to ensure the fridge isn’t overfilled – a crowded fridge can raise the temperature inside and stop cold air from circulating.
The Food Safety Information Council points out that if your ham is a reduced-salt ham, it won’t last as long in the fridge. So if yours is a reduced-salt ham, only keep what you think you’ll need for the next week in the fridge, and freeze the rest to enjoy later.
It’s time to toss your ham if you detect a slimy or sticky texture, any grey, green or blue discolouration or a sour or rancid smell. And no, you shouldn’t feed it to your dog.
Sliced leftover ham should be eaten within three days, and should not be out of the fridge for more than two hours. When you’ve had your fill, the ham can be frozen for up to four weeks and turned into soup, stock, or anything your heart desires. Check out our collection of easy and tasty leftover ham recipes here.
