You have leftover spiral ham from Sunday dinner in the fridge, a can of ham in the pantry from God knows how long ago, and a package of deli sliced ham for sandwiches. Same words. Very different product. Very different shelf lives. One of them can last for years. The second one should have been used three days earlier.
Does ham go bad?
Short answer: Yes, ham does go bad, but it depends entirely on what type of ham you have. Deli-cut ham keeps for 3 to 5 days after opening. A cooked whole ham lasts for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Spiral-cut ham lasts for 3 to 5 days refrigerated. Canned ham (shelf-stable) lasts for 2 to 5 years in the pantry without being opened. Whole country ham lasts up to 1 year unrefrigerated. Once cut or opened, all types require refrigeration.
See the Food Storage Guide for more information on storing deli meats and perishable foods.
key takeaways
- Cooked whole ham or spiral ham (opened): 3 to 5 days refrigerated (USDA)
- Deli-cut ham (uncovered): 3 to 5 days refrigerated
- Canned ham, shelf-stable (unopened): 2 to 5 years at room temperature (USDA)
- Canned ham, labeled “Keep Refrigerated”: 6 to 9 months in refrigerator; follow the label
- Whole country ham (uncut): up to 1 year at room temperature (USDA)
- Country ham, after cutting: cool; Use within 1 week
- Freezer: Most hams 1 to 2 months; Country ham is not recommended
Ham is not a product
More than any other deli meat, it’s important to know which specific type you have before you can say anything useful about ham shelf life. The USDA FSIS Ham and Food Safety Guide lists five major categories, each with completely different storage regulations. What is true for a can of shelf-stable ham is the opposite of what is true for deli-sliced ham. They’re confused by how leftover holiday ham goes to waste or how someone gets sick from a can they assumed was still good.
The five types and what makes them different:
cooked ham (whole, halved, spiral-sliced, boneless) are fully cooked during processing. Most holiday hams, spiral cuts and deli counter whole hams are of this type. Requires refrigeration. Reheating is optional as it is already fully cooked.
Deli-sliced ham Sold in refrigerated packages or cut over the counter. Always refrigerated, always perishable, once opened has the shortest shelf life of the group.
Shelf-Stable Canned Ham Has been commercially unsuccessful. No refrigeration is required before opening. Shelf life in the pantry 2 to 5 years according to the USDA. Generally no more than 3 pounds.
refrigerated canned ham Labeled “Keep Refrigerated.” It is a different product from shelf-stable canned ham, even though both come in cans. It has not been completely sterilized. Should remain cool. Never leave at room temperature.
country ham (Virginia Ham, Smithfield Raw Country Ham) Cured with salt and kept for months. A whole, uncut country ham is shelf-stable for up to 1 year at room temperature, per USDA. Once cut, the moist interior should be refrigerated.
How long does ham last?
| Type | Pantry (not open) | refrigerator | freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked whole or half ham (boneless) | Refrigerate only | 7 days (USDA) | 1 to 2 months |
| Cooked ham after cutting or cutting | Refrigerate only | 3 to 5 days (USDA) | 1 to 2 months |
| Spiral-Cut Ham (cut open) | Refrigerate only | 3 to 5 days (USDA) | 1 to 2 months |
| Deli-sliced ham (cut loose) | Refrigerate only | 3 to 5 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Shelf-Stable Canned Ham (Unopened) | 2 to 5 years (USDA) | 6 to 9 months | not recommended |
| Refrigerated canned ham (“keep refrigerated”) | never have a pantry | 6 to 9 months (USDA) | not recommended |
| Country ham, whole uncut | Up to 1 year (USDA) | up to 1 year | not recommended |
| Country ham, after cutting | Refrigerate only | 1 week after soaking or cutting | not recommended |
How to tell if ham has gone bad
Symptoms of Malfunction
- Sour, stale, or foul-smelling: Freshly cooked ham has a mild, sweet, smoky or savory aroma. Any sour, pungent or rotten smell means abandonment. Country ham has a stronger, saltier odor than cooked ham, but it should not smell stale or rotten.
- Sticky or sticky texture: The ham should feel moist but firm. Sliminess on the cut surface or on deli slices means the growth of bacteria. Discard immediately.
- Brown, green, or dark discoloration: Ripe ham is pink in color. Brown or green edges that extend inward, or any green spots, indicate spoilage. Some slight darkening around the cut edges due to oxidation is normal on a large whole ham. There is no extensive discoloration.
- Mold on Cooked or Deli Ham: Discard the entire piece. Do not cut around the mold on a ham with excess moisture.
- Mold on country ham: Different rules. According to the USDA, surface mold is common on country ham during the lengthy curing process. Don’t give up. Rinse the ham in hot water and scrub off any mold with a stiff vegetable brush. The fungus is external and the salt-rich surface prevents deeper penetration. If mold has seeped into the meat or the ham smells rancid, discard it.
Country ham and canned ham shelf life surprises
Two ham types that most people don’t realize are shelf-stable are country ham and shelf-stable canned ham. If you’ve only ever bought refrigerated cooked ham, both are truly amazing.
According to USDA FSIS a whole, uncut country ham can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 1 year. Salt curing draws out moisture and reduces water activity to a level that prevents pathogen growth, much like dry-cured prosciutto or salami. For this reason country hams have hung unrefrigerated in smokehouses and pantries in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee for centuries. Once you cut it and scoop out the moist part inside, immediately refrigerate and use within 1 week.
Shelf-stable canned ham has been commercially sterilized and can be stored in the pantry for up to 2 years according to the USDA Ham and Food Safety Guide (some USDA shelf-stable food resources typically set shelf life of up to 5 years for low-acid canned goods; follow the date on your specific product). These are usually small hams under 3 pounds that have been processed at high heat to kill all the bad bacteria and pathogens, including Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella, and Trichinella spiralis. The USDA notes one warning: Storage above 122 degrees Fahrenheit can cause harmless thermophilic bacteria to grow and cause the product to sour or swell. Do not store canned ham near the stove, in a hot car or in the garage in the summer.
significant difference: Not all canned hams are shelf-stable. If the label says “keep refrigerated”, it is not shelf-stable even though it is in a can. Those hams must remain cold at all times and last for 6 to 9 months in the refrigerator according to the USDA. “Keep refrigerated” Never store canned ham at room temperature.
Can you freeze ham?
Yes, for most types. Cooked whole ham, spiral ham, and deli-sliced ham all freeze well for 1 to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or remove air in a zip-top freezer bag. For spiral ham, consider cutting into portions before freezing for easier use. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
See also
Country ham is not listed on the USDA freezer storage chart, and most producers do not recommend freezing it. Freeze-thaw cycles can affect texture and increase the risk of fat rancidity. The USDA recommends freezing canned ham. The liquid inside may expand during freezing and potentially damage the seal of the can. If you want to freeze ham from opened canned ham, transfer it to a freezer-safe container first.
A practical note on cooked hams: Most whole cooked hams, spiral hams and boneless hams sold at the grocery store are fully cooked and safe to eat cold straight from the refrigerator without reheating. The label will confirm this. “Ready to eat” or “fully cooked” means no reheating is required, although many people prefer it warm. If you recommend heating cooked hams packaged in USDA-inspected plants to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the USDA opts for heating them.
Recipes that use ham
If your cooked ham is nearing the end of its 3 to 5 day shelf life, use it. Leftover Spiral Ham Croque Monsieur is one of the best uses for leftover ham from the holidays. Using chopped ham, ham and egg chilaquiles come together in less than 20 minutes. For a centerpiece holiday ham, Peach, Honey and Wine Glazed Ham works with any bone-in whole ham. For USDA’s complete ham and food safety guidance, visit USDA FSIS Hams and Food Safety Page.
Does Ham Go Spoiled FAQ
FAQ: How long is leftover ham good for?
Leftover cooked ham, whether a whole ham, spiral cut, or a baked half ham during the holidays, lasts for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator according to USDA guidance. Wrap it tightly or keep it in an airtight container. If you have a large quantity that you won’t be able to finish in that window, freeze it in portions within the first day or two, while it is at peak quality.
FAQ: Does ham go bad in the freezer?
Frozen ham stored continuously at 0 degrees Fahrenheit is safe indefinitely according to the USDA. Quality declines over time: Cooked ham is best if frozen within 1 to 2 months. After that it is safe but may develop freezer burn, loss of flavor or a mealy texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and use within 3 to 5 days after thawing.
FAQ: How long does ham last after its sell by date?
For unopened vacuum-sealed cooked ham, it is often fine to keep in a properly functioning refrigerator a few days before the sell-by date if it passes odor and texture checks. Once opened, the sell by date matters much less than the 3 to 5 day period after opening. For country ham and shelf-stable canned ham, the printed date is a quality guide, not a safety cutoff. Both preserve well beyond normal use-by dates when stored correctly.
FAQ: Is it safe to eat ham while pregnant?
Cooked deli ham and sliced ham carry the same risk of Listeria as other ready-to-eat deli meats. The CDC and FDA advise pregnant women to avoid cold deli meats or heat them to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (steaming hot) before eating. Fully cooked whole ham that is reheated until steamed is safe. Country ham that is cooked before eating is still safe if heated properly. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on daily meat intake during pregnancy.
FAQ: How long does a ham bone last in the fridge?
A ham bone with some meat on it will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, about the same as leftover cooked ham. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. For long-term storage, freeze the ham bone in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Frozen ham bone is excellent for split pea soup, bean soup, or any dish where you want a smoky pork base. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Further reading
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