Times, Temperatures & Servings

Storing whole ham

To store leg ham and stop it drying out, keep it in a ham-bag or wrap it in a damp tea-towel in the fridge. It’s best to wrap your ham loosely to allow for air circulation, and place it in the coolest part of the fridge. Cooked and ready to eat whole ham will last for up to three months, if the packaging is intact, otherwise between one to two weeks. Always use the used by date to guide you.

Storing sliced ham

Our top tip for storing sliced ham is to place a piece of folded paper towel in the bottom of an airtight plastic container. Remove the sliced ham from its packing and place it on top of the paper towel. Place another piece of folded paper towel on top of the ham, close the container firmly and place in the fridge. As a guide shaved or sliced ham should last three to five days in the fridge.

Freezing ham

You can also freezer your sliced and whole hams. Whole hams will last in the freezer for up to three months; sliced for up to one month and cooked pieces for two to three months.

Keeping your fresh pork cold

When shopping, try to pick up perishable items (such as pork) last. If there’s likely to be an extended delay between the shops and returning home, take along an insulated container to keep the meat cold.

Ensure that you place your pork in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible upon returning home.

Storage life of fresh pork

Some pork will be sold with a ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date. Follow these dates where provided. Fresh pork should smell fresh and have a sweet aroma – not overly ‘meaty’.

Fresh pork will be pink or pale in colour and feel firm – not slimy or greying in colour.

Freezing fresh pork

Always use a freezer bag or airtight container prior to freezing, removing as much air as possible. If storing steak, chops or multiple large items, place food safe plastic between layers or wrap individually in separate bags. This makes defrosting easier and will prevent freezer burn. Pork can be kept for up to 6 months depending on how it’s wrapped and stored.

Thawing frozen pork

Frozen pork should be thawed before use. Whenever possible, slow-thaw pork in the fridge for 24-48 hours prior to cooking. Never thaw meat in the sun or warm water. If urgent thawing is required, microwave defrosting is the safest method.

More information

You can find more information about how to handle food safely here

Suitable cuts

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Storing Ham & Pork recipes

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Welcome.

Storing Ham & Pork

Storing Ham & Pork

Wrap your ham

Storing sliced ham

Refrigerate your fresh pork

Check the 'best before' date

Tips and tricks

Always refer to the use-by date

Moisten the ham bag or tea towel every couple of days

Fresh pork can be kept frozen for up to 6 months

Times, Temperatures & Servings

Suitable cuts