Ham is a product that often remains after holidays and feasts. However, there are methods to extend the shelf life of meat. In the article, you will learn how to properly store ham and how to understand that it has gone bad.
Storage rules
Sliced ham will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. However, whole meat will be fresh for 1 week.
Therefore, ham is best stored whole, not sliced.
To extend the shelf life of ham, use freezing.
Wrap the meat in waxed paper, foil and place in the freezer in a ziplock bag. Remember to stick a sticker with the date and time the product was sent to storage.
Raw ham is stored in the freezer for about 3 months, and boiled - up to six months.
To store sliced ham in the refrigerator, use an airtight container with a paper towel inside.
How to understand that the ham has gone bad
Damage to the product is easy to notice in appearance.
Spoiled ham changes its color, it becomes paler, acquires a greenish tint. Sometimes spoiled meat is covered with dark spots.
Another sign is an unpleasant smell. If it is sour, putrid, the ham is clearly spoiled.
The third sign is the texture of the ham. Spoiled meat is covered with mucus, fat.
In order not to risk your health, do not use spoiled ham, but throw it away.
