How Long Do Smoked Ham Hocks Last in the Fridge? The Complete Guide

Smoked ham hocks are a delicious addition to soups, beans, greens, and other dishes. Their smoky, salty, porky flavor takes these recipes over the top. But how long do these cured, smoked delicacies last in the fridge after opening?

This complete guide will cover everything you need to know about smoked ham hock storage times and food safety. Read on to learn how to keep your ham hocks fresh as long as possible.

An Overview of Smoked Ham Hocks

Ham hocks are cut from the lower portion of a pig’s hind leg, near the knee joint. They consist of meat, skin, fat, cartilage, and bone.

To make smoked ham hocks the raw hocks are cured with salt sugar, and nitrites. This curing process adds flavor and preserves the meat. After curing, the hocks are hot smoked slowly over a wood fire, which cooks them while infusing that distinctive smoky taste.

The smoking and curing give smoked ham hocks an exceptionally long shelf life compared to raw pork But even these preserved products eventually spoil

How to Store Smoked Ham Hocks

Proper storage is crucial for maximizing the fridge life of smoked ham hocks after opening. Here are some tips:

• Keep hocks in their original airtight packaging if possible. This prevents moisture loss.

• Once opened, wrap hocks tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Exclude as much air as possible.

• Store ham hocks on a plate or in a container to catch any drips. Never store directly on the fridge shelf.

• Keep fridge at 40°F or below. The colder the better for preservation.

Refrigerator Shelf Life

With proper storage in the fridge, smoked ham hocks can last:

• Unopened package: Up to 2 months past any “sell by” or “use by” date.

• After opening: About 1 week.

The shelf life depends on the freshness of the ham hocks when purchased and how well you store them. Trust your nose – discard immediately if you detect an off smell.

Signs of Spoilage

Watch for these signs that smoked ham hocks have spoiled and should be thrown out:

• Mold growth – discard moldy hocks immediately

• Slimy texture or sticky residue on surface

• Rancid or unpleasant odor

• Dull or faded color rather than vibrant pink/red

• Dry, shriveled appearance

When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled meat.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

For long-term storage, freeze smoked ham hocks rather than refrigerating. Frozen properly, they can last 6 months to 1 year without quality loss.

To freeze:

• Double wrap hocks in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze individually for easier use.

• Place in airtight freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

• Label bags with contents and freeze-by date.

• Freeze at 0°F or colder for best preservation.

Thawing and Food Safety

Never thaw smoked ham hocks at room temperature. Bacteria multiply rapidly above 40°F.

Instead, thaw frozen hocks:

• In the refrigerator – Allow 24 hours for a full package

• In cold water – Change water every 30 mins until thawed

• In the microwave – Use “defrost” setting if available

Cook thawed hocks immediately rather than refreezing. Always cook ham hocks thoroughly to at least 160°F internal temperature.

Enjoy Smoked Ham Hocks Safely

When stored properly in the fridge or freezer, smoked ham hocks can last for weeks or months beyond any sell by date. Follow these tips for food safety:

• Check for signs of spoilage before use

• Refrigerate for no more than 1 week after opening

• Freeze for up to 1 year to extend shelf life

• Thaw frozen hocks safely before cooking

• Cook fully to 160°F until piping hot throughout

With proper handling, you can safely enjoy the maximum shelf life of delicious smoked ham hocks!