Storing Ham
Information on how best to store ham
After glazing cover loosely with aluminium foil or a clean damp teatowel. Use a clean teatowel daily. After glazing or serving cover and return the ham to the coldest part of the refrigerator as soon as possible.
NOTE: Do not wrap hams firmly. Always allow for some air circulation.
Refrigerator Storage
|
Description |
Time |
| Uncooked Ham: |
| Packaging intact-vacuum/ shrink wrapped |
Raw, Whole |
Up to 3 weeks |
| Unpacked |
Raw, Whole |
3 to 5 days |
| Cooked & Ready-to-Eat Ham: |
| Packaging intact |
Cooked whole |
Up to 3 months or the use by date |
| Unpacked |
Cooked Whole |
1 to 2 weeks |
| Sliced |
Unopened vacuum pack |
1 month |
| NOTE: The refrigerator temperature should be between 2°C and 4°C. |
Loose |
3 to 5 days |
| Cooked pieces |
3 to 5 days |
| |
Freezer Storage
|
Description |
Time |
| Uncooked Ham: |
| Note: Once thawed use as soon as possible |
Raw, Whole |
6 months |
| Cooked & Ready-to-Eat Ham: |
| NOTE: Once thawed use as soon as possible. Freezer times are based upon freezer being minus 18°C. |
Cooked, Whole |
3 months |
| Sliced |
1 month |
| Cooked pieces |
2 to 3 months |
Storing Pork
The Refrigerator
Make sure the refrigerator temperature is cold enough - it should be between 2-4°C.
Keep the refrigerator clean.
Place raw meat including bacon, seafood or poultry on a plate or in a container, cover loosely with plastic wrap and place on the lowest shelf so their juices cannot drip onto other food.
Split the packaging of pre-packaged fresh meats to allow air to circulate.
Put cooked meats including ham, seafood or poultry on a plate, cover loosely and place on a high shelf, well away from raw meat.
Leave the protective packaging of vacuum packed ham & bacon on a plate and cover loosely.
The Freezer
Make sure the freezer temperature is -18°C.
Only freeze good quality food that is fresh.
Only freeze small quantities of food at a time.
Only use packaging recommended for freezers such as heavy duty plastic bags.
Remove the air and seal with a twist tie.
Do not use thin plastic wrap, greaseproof or brown paper, unless the package is placed in a plastic bag.
Label and date all foods before freezing.
Use frozen pork, ham and bacon within their recommended storage times.