Use it or lose it

Dear Home Ec 101,

I have some ham in my fridge that may or may not be from Easter. How long is it safe to keep leftover ham?
Sister Hamonella

Heather says:

Throw it out and that’s according to the FDA. Previously cooked ham can be stored in the fridge for 3 – 5 days, assuming you keep your refrigerator at 40F. If you use a vacuum sealer, you can extend the life of your leftovers by a considerable margin, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

You can freeze cooked ham for 1 – 2 months. When freezing meat, always be sure to wrap it properly to prevent freezer burn. This is especially important with certain meats, like ham, that have a high water content.

Here’s the lesson for today, “Know better, do better.” Don’t feel bad as you toss out this ham, just make a mental note for next time.

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