Did you buy
turkey or pork ham and want it to last longer without losing flavor or freshness? Storing these cold cuts properly is key to maintaining their quality and avoiding waste. At kiwilimón, we explain how to keep ham fresh, both in refrigeration and freezing. Once you follow these tips and the cold cut lasts longer, remember that we have an endless number of recipes you can prepare with ham:
sandwiches, enchiladas, sincronizadas, tortas, and much more. Let's get to work! You can also read:
The best hams according to Profeco!Why is it important to store ham properly?Both pork ham and
turkey ham are cold cuts that, although they have a much longer shelf life than other meats, can spoil quickly if not stored correctly.
According to the USDA, poor handling can promote the growth of harmful bacteria like listeria. Therefore, it is very important that you follow all these tips to the letter, not only so that the cold cuts last longer in the refrigerator but also to take care of your health and avoid infections and diseases. How to preserve turkey hamTurkey ham, having a lower fat content, is more prone to drying out. To keep it fresh for longer, follow these tips: 1. In the refrigeratorStore slices in airtight containers or wrap them in plastic.Avoid leaving it in the original packaging if you have already opened it.Place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator; it should be at a temperature between 0°C and 4°C.According to the USDA, ham should be consumed within 3 to 5 days once the package is opened.2. In the freezerYou can freeze turkey ham if you don't plan to use it soon.Use special freezer bags, remove the air, and label with the date you stored it.The USDA recommends freezing it for 1 to 2 months to maintain its quality.See more:
15 easy recipes with hamHow to preserve pork hamPork ham, having a firmer texture, is a bit more resistant over time, but it also requires certain care. 1. In the refrigeratorStore in wax paper, plastic, or in an airtight container.Avoid direct contact with air.If it's in slices, consume it within a maximum of 5 days, as recommended by the USDA.2. In the freezerYou can freeze ham in slices or whole.According to the
Real Simple portal, frozen ham retains its flavor for up to 4 months, although the USDA suggests a maximum of 2 months.Make sure to use double wrapping: plastic and resealable bag.More tips to keep ham freshDo not store it in the door of the
refrigerator, where the temperature varies constantly.Avoid humidity: if you notice it feels damp, change the wrapping and dry it with absorbent paper.Check smell, color, and texture before consuming: if it smells sour or has a slimy texture, it's better to throw it away.Once thawed, do not refreeze it.Knowing how to store turkey or pork ham correctly not only extends its shelf life and freshness but also protects your health and helps you avoid food waste. Whether you prefer to refrigerate it for a few days or freeze it for longer, these tips guarantee greater freshness. If this information was useful to you, feel free to share it with family and friends so everyone knows how to keep ham fresh for longer. Continue reading:
12 lunches with ham and cheese