How long does ham last? Ham stays good for one to two weeks after the date it was labeled, depending on the following factors: Ham has a different shelf life depending on things like the sell by date, how it was prepared, and how it was stored.
Ham, just like bacon, is a cured meat prepared from the hind thighs of a hog. The rear of the pig is thick and flavorful. It is the curing process that makes a ham, it is fully cooked. Ham is a popular sandwich meat all year, but on holidays like Christmas or Easter, a whole or half ham is the main dish.
So, how long does ham last? If it’s stored properly, ham will stay fresh for about a year after its sell-by date.
The sell by date on spiral ham is simply the manufacturer’s estimate of when the ham will be at peak freshness and flavor. It does not indicate spoilage or mean you have to toss out the ham after that date. With proper refrigerated storage spiral ham stays safe to eat and retains good quality for a period of time after the sell by date expires.
Follow this guide to understand how many more days you can still enjoy spiral ham after the sell by date has passed
Decoding the Sell By Date
The sell by date, also called the “best by” date, is the manufacturer’s suggested date for selling or consuming the ham. For spiral hams, this date is typically 1-2 months from when it was packaged.
However, the USDA confirms that spiral ham maintains both safety and quality for a window of time after the sell by date if it has been continuously refrigerated.
So use your eyes, nose, and common sense along with the sell by date to gauge whether spiral ham is still good to eat. Don’t automatically toss it out once the sell by date has passed.
How Long After the Sell By Date is Spiral Ham Still Good?
With proper refrigeration below 40°F, you can expect spiral ham to stay fresh for:
- 1-2 weeks past the sell by date if unopened
- 3-5 days past the sell by date if opened and refrigerated
The exact shelf life depends on when it was packaged and how it was stored. But spiral ham generally lasts 1-2 weeks past that sell by stamp if kept cold consistently.
Frozen spiral ham lasts even longer – 6-9 months if unopened and 1-2 months if opened.
Refrigerator Shelf Life of Spiral Ham
To maximize the refrigerator shelf life of fresh spiral ham:
- Store unopened ham in original packaging
- Wrap opened ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below
- Use within 3-5 days once opened and sliced
- Discard any funky smelling, slimy, or moldy ham
Properly stored, spiral ham stays fresh for a period after the sell by date. But once you cut into it, use the opened ham within 3-5 days.
Ham Food Safety After the Sell By Date
The sell by date is not an expiration date or indicator of when the ham becomes unsafe. However, here are some general food safety guidelines for spiral ham:
- Discard ham with an off smell or appearance
- Never eat ham that has mold – discard the whole portion
- Refrigerate ham at 40°F or below for safety
- Cook ham thoroughly to an internal temp of 140°F
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
As long as you follow safe food handling practices, spiral ham should be safe to eat for some time past that sell by date stamped on the package.
Storing Spiral Ham After Opening
Once opened, spiral ham has a shorter shelf life. For best safety and quality, store opened ham:
- Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil
- In sealed containers or bags
- Towards the back of the refrigerator furthest from the door
- For only 3-5 days before consuming or freezing
These proper storage methods prevent contamination and help preserve spiral ham once exposed to air.
Freezing for Long Term Storage
For longer storage life, freeze spiral ham:
- In original packaging up to 2 weeks past sell by date
- In freezer bags or airtight containers if opened
- At 0°F or below
- For 6-9 months if unopened
- For 1-2 months if opened
Freezing locks in the freshness of spiral ham for extended storage after the sell by date has long passed.
Signs Your Spiral Ham Has Spoiled
Be on the lookout for these signs that your spiral ham has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture and sticky residue
- Foul, sour, or rotten smell
- Unnatural colors like gray, green, or blue
- Dry, shriveled, or tacky appearance
When in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk eating spoiled ham.
Enjoy Ham Safely After the Sell By Date
Now that you know how long spiral ham stays fresh and safe after its sell by date, you can confidently store, freeze, and enjoy it for 1-2 weeks beyond that stamp. Just be diligent about refrigeration, proper wrapping, and discarding any ham that smells or looks questionable.
With smart storage methods, you can get the most out of your spiral ham purchase while staying protected from foodborne illness. Keep this guide handy and share with family and friends to spread awareness on the real meaning of sell by dates.
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| (Unopened) | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Past Printed Date | Past Printed Date | |
| Ham lasts for | 1-2 Weeks | 6-8 Months |
| (Opened/Cooked) | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Ham lasts for | 7-10 Days | 6-8 Months |
Of course, ham lasts for a shorter period of time if it is not stored properly. As with many other proteins, though, it usually has a “sell by” date that just means the last day the store should sell it and not when it goes bad.
What are our shelf life resources?
Our content uses research from a number of different sources, such as the US Department of Agriculture and the US Food and Drug Administration, to figure out how long Ham lasts. We also looked all over the Internet for helpful articles and reports about food safety, storing food, and how long Ham will last.
How long should I cook a precooked spiral ham?
FAQ
Can you eat ham past the sell-by date?
How long is a vacuum-sealed ham good for?
How to tell if packaged ham is bad?
Is a 2 year old frozen ham still good?
How long does a spiral ham last?
If the ham has been opened and heated for a meal, it should be consumed within 3-5 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. Alternatively, it can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you have an unopened spiral ham, it may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating. This will help to maximize its shelf life.
How long does a ham last after a sell-by date?
The length of time ham remains good after the sell-by date depends on various factors. From my knowledge, cooked ham can be safely consumed for about 3-4 days after the sell-by date if stored properly in the refrigerator. On the other hand, smoked or cured ham can last even longer, up to 7-10 days after the sell-by date if stored correctly.
How long does cooked ham last?
From my knowledge, cooked ham can be safely consumed for about 3-4 days after the sell-by date if stored properly in the refrigerator. On the other hand, smoked or cured ham can last even longer, up to 7-10 days after the sell-by date if stored correctly. Now, let’s talk about the difference between unopened and opened ham.
Does Ham have a shelf life?
Absolutely, like all meats, ham has its limits. While it’s a hearty meat, it doesn’t last forever, especially if not stored correctly. In this guide, I’ll break down the ins and outs of ham’s shelf life, giving you the knowledge to enjoy it at its best. How Long Is Ham Good For? How long is ham good for after the sell-by date?