Are you planning on serving a delicious spiral ham for your next special occasion?
If you’re a fan of Costco, you may have already picked up one of their popular Kirkland spiral hams. But how long will it last? Can you freeze it? And what about leftovers?
In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about the shelf life of a Costco ham and give you some tips on how to store and reheat it to keep it fresh and delicious.
So, let’s dive in!
How Long Will A Costco Ham Last?
According to the label on the packaging, a Costco spiral ham has a use-by date of 7-10 days. This means that if you purchase the ham and keep it refrigerated, it should last for up to 10 days before it starts to spoil. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate and the actual shelf life may vary depending on factors such as temperature and storage conditions.
If you’re not planning on using the ham within 7-10 days, you can freeze it to prolong its shelf life. Whether the ham is cooked or not, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.
The Shelf Life Of A Costco Ham
The shelf life of a Costco ham can vary depending on how it’s stored. If you purchase a fully cooked ham, it should last for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator or until the date on the package. If you plan on keeping the ham for longer than this, it’s recommended to freeze it.
When storing a whole or half ham in the refrigerator, make sure to keep it at a temperature of 40°F or lower at all times. Unopened hams can be kept in their original packaging to maximize shelf life, but once opened, they should be consumed within the recommended time frame or frozen.
To freeze a whole or half ham, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. It’s also recommended to place the wrapped ham inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When stored properly in the freezer, a ham can maintain its best quality for up to 1-2 months.
If you’re thawing a frozen ham, do so in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Once thawed, it should be consumed within 3-5 days or frozen again. It’s important to note that hams that have been thawed in the microwave or cold water should be cooked immediately.
Can You Freeze A Costco Ham?
Yes, you can freeze a Costco spiral ham. In fact, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of your ham if you’re not planning on using it within the recommended 7-10 day period. Before freezing the ham, it’s important to keep it in its original packaging and not remove it. This will help preserve the quality of the meat and prevent freezer burn.
If you’re freezing a cooked ham, make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. For an uncooked ham, you can freeze it as is in its original packaging. Both cooked and uncooked hams can be frozen for up to 3 months without loss of flavor or texture.
It’s important to note that if you store the ham in the freezer for longer than 3 months, it may start to develop freezer burn which can affect its taste and texture. To prevent this, consider investing in a frost-free freezer or wrap the ham in freezer-safe packaging if you plan on storing it for longer than 3 months.
Storing Leftover Costco Ham
If you have leftover Costco ham, it’s important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), both cured and fully cooked spiral hams that have been opened and cooked at home will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to five days afterwards. Country ham will last for up to a week.
To store your leftover ham, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It’s important to keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth. If you won’t be eating the leftover ham within the next few days, transfer it to the freezer. Cured and fully cooked hams that have been opened and cooked can be frozen for up to one to two months, while country ham should be used within a month of freezing. Fresh, uncured cooked ham has a longer freezer life of three to four months.
When freezing your leftover ham, make sure to wrap it tightly in airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn. This will help maintain the quality of the ham for a longer period of time.
It’s important to note that frozen ham remains food-safe practically forever; however, its taste and texture may start to degrade over time. When thawing your frozen ham, it’s best to do so in the refrigerator. Whole ham or half ham that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional three to five days in the refrigerator before cooking.
Reheating Tips For A Delicious Costco Ham
If you have a leftover Costco ham that you want to reheat, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that it stays moist and delicious. First, it’s important to note that the ham is already fully cooked, so you’re really just reheating it rather than cooking it further.
One way to reheat your spiral sliced ham is to do so “low and slow”. Preheat your oven to 275°F and heat the ham for about 18 minutes per pound. Baste the ham occasionally with any juices that accumulate to keep it moist. This method will ensure that your ham is heated evenly and stays tender and juicy.
Another option is to reheat your ham in the oven at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time. Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the ham with aluminum foil, and cook for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Start checking the internal temperature frequently after 1 hour of cooking. Once the internal temperature is between 140°F and 160°F, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.
If you have a HoneyBaked ham, it’s best to reheat it gently in a 325°F to 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. Cover the slices with foil and heat in the oven, or cover and reheat in a microwave. Overheating a HoneyBaked ham can detract from its natural state, so be sure not to overdo it.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to let your ham rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat and make for a more flavorful and tender ham.