Storing Ham
100% NZ Ham stores well if you take good care.
Keep it in a Ham Bag or a damp tea-towel in the fridge - soak the bag in a mix of 1 litre water to 2 tablespoons white vinegar then squeeze out the excess liquid, leaving the bag damp. Repeat the process every few days. Do not wrap hams firmly, allow for some air circulation.
After glazing or serving, cover and return the ham to the coldest part of the refrigerator as soon as possible. |
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Refrigerator Storage
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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 |
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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.