How Long Does a Smithfield Ham Keep? The Complete Guide to Properly Storing This Gourmet Delicacy

As a longstanding symbol of southern hospitality and cuisine the Smithfield ham holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many. This salty smokey delicacy has been produced in Smithfield, Virginia since the 1700s, gaining a reputation for its distinctive flavor and quality curing process.

However, the unique salt-curing method used to create Smithfield hams also leads many to wonder – how long does a Smithfield ham keep once you bring it home? With so many kinds of Smithfield hams available from uncooked Country Hams to spiral sliced beauties, proper storage can get confusing.

Not to worry – in this complete guide, we’ll walk through exactly how long each type of Smithfield ham will stay fresh, whether refrigerated, frozen or at room temperature. We’ll also provide tips to maximize shelf life so you can enjoy this Virginia tradition whenever the craving strikes!

Overview of Main Smithfield Ham Varieties

There are a few main types of Smithfield hams to be aware of:

• Country Hams – Dry cured and uncooked. They have the boldest, saltiest flavor.

• Genuine Smithfield Hams – Also dry cured and uncooked Similar to country hams but cured longer so they are even saltier,

• Spiral Sliced Hams – Fully cooked and spiral sliced. More mild flavored.

• Hardwood Smoked Hams – Fully cooked with a lovely smokey flavor.

The unique curing and cooking methods impact how long each ham variety will last when stored. Now let’s explore proper storage times.

Refrigerator Storage Guidelines

Proper refrigeration is the key to keeping your Smithfield ham fresh for as long as possible. Here’s a breakdown of how long the different types will last refrigerated:

• Uncooked Country Hams – Up to 6 months

• Uncooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – Up to 1 year

• Cooked Country Hams – At least 6 weeks

• Cooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – At least 6 weeks

• Spiral Sliced Hams (bone-in) – 7 to 10 days

• Spiral Sliced Hams (boneless) – Up to 2 weeks

• Hardwood Smoked Hams – Up to 2 weeks

As you can see, the uncooked Smithfield hams keep significantly longer than the pre-cooked varieties when refrigerated. Proper storage methods are also essential – wrap uncooked hams in heavy duty foil or butcher paper, and cooked hams in plastic wrap or original packaging.

Frozen Storage Timelines

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of your Smithfield ham even further. Here’s how long the different types will last in the freezer:

• Uncooked Country Hams – Up to 6 months

• Uncooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – Up to 1 year

• Cooked Country Hams – At least 6 months

• Cooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – At least 6 months

• Spiral Sliced Hams – Up to 3 months

• Hardwood Smoked Hams – Up to 3 months

For best quality, cook hams before freezing if possible. Remember to wrap the ham properly in heavy duty foil or freezer wrap. Removing the bone from cooked hams also makes freezing easier.

Pro Tip: Allow ham to thaw slowly in the refrigerator before cooking from frozen state.

Room Temperature Storage Times

Traditionally, some Smithfield hams were simply hung to cure in a dry environment without refrigeration. Here are the guidelines for room temperature storage:

• Uncooked Country Hams – Up to 6 months

• Uncooked Genuine Smithfield Hams – Up to 2 years

For peak flavor and quality, cook country hams within 6 months at room temperature. Genuine Smithfield hams should be cooked within 1 year. I don’t recommend leaving cooked hams out on the counter.

Signs Your Ham Has Spoiled

There are certain signs that indicate your ham has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat. For both cooked and uncooked hams, look for these signs of spoilage:

• Mold growth – especially black, blue-green or white mold
• Rancid odor
• Slimy texture
• Discoloration

For cooked hams, also watch for a gray color and dried out, hard appearance. When in doubt, remember: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled ham.

Tips for Maximizing Shelf Life

Follow these tips to safely store your Smithfield ham and keep it as fresh as possible:

• Store ham in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at 40°F or below.
• Wrap ham properly in freezer wrap, foil or plastic wrap.
• Avoid cross-contaminating ham with raw meats.
• Cook ham fully to an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Refrigerate cooked ham within 2 hours of cooking.
• Only slice the amount of spiral ham needed and refrigerate the rest.
• Use clean utensils when handling cooked ham.
• Check refrigerated hams weekly for signs of spoilage.
• Track refrigerated storage times with date labels.
• Freeze ham if you won’t eat within recommended timeframe.

The Bottom Line

With proper refrigeration and freezing methods, Smithfield hams can maintain optimal freshness for extended periods of time. Uncooked hams generally last much longer than pre-cooked varieties.

Follow these storage guidelines for enjoying your Smithfield ham year-round. With some planning, you can always have this tasty Virginia staple ready for biscuits, salads, omelets and more!

So grab a slice of this salty, smokey perfection and savor a bite of southern heritage. Just be sure to store it properly so you can enjoy Smithfield hams for months to come.