Do Smoked Ham Hocks spoil?
How long past the "buy before" date do ham hocks keep? They've been refrigerated, have no mold or off smell.
Best Answer
Smoking, which imparts wonderful flavor, is also a preservation method. In fact, that is how it was started. A smoked ham hock will have a low moisture content and long shelf life. Sell by dates are estimates, so this hock is good for quite a while after the date. Remember, too, that a 'Buy before' date then has a shelf life after it.
All that being said, there are official food safety guidelines, then there are the practices that many people use all over the world. A smoked, refrigerated hock should be good for weeks, even months, unless someone is infirm or has weak immune system, or that particular piece of meat is statistically loaded with bacteria. A couple days, a week is totally fine. You can freeze it to extend the life, since it will most likely be simmered for a while when used.
Really it is a choice between going by printed shelf life guidelines and using your judgement and past experience.
Pictures about "Do Smoked Ham Hocks spoil?"
Quick Answer about "Do Smoked Ham Hocks spoil?"
Freshness might come into question if you have leftover ham hocks stored in the refrigerator. Ham hocks that are salt cured before smoking stay fresh for much longer in the refrigerator because they lack the moisture that leads to rapid spoiling, but they eventually go bad just like uncured ham hocks.How long can you keep smoked ham hocks?
If the hock is still vacuum-sealed in its original packaging, you can keep it refrigerated for two weeks or until its "use-by" date, whichever comes first. Once it's opened, or if you purchase it unsealed, you should use it or freeze it within 3 to 5 days.How long does it take for smoked ham to go bad?
So, how long does does smoked ham last in the fridge? Well, if you've bought fresh ham that's been smoked, it may last for around 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. You could also freeze it, in which case it can last for up to 6 months. This is ideal if you aren't going to be eating it in the immediate future.How long does Smoked Ham last in the fridge?
Properly stored, whole ham or half ham will typically last for 5 to 7 days, or the date on the package, in the fridge. Unopened whole ham or half ham may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of whole ham or half ham, do not open the package until ready to use.How long can you keep smoked ham on the bone in the fridge?
How long does smoked ham last in the fridge? If your smoked ham was stored properly in an air-tight container, it should last 5-7 days in the fridge. Uncooked, well-sealed smoked ham may last 3-5 days, whereas smoked ham lunch meat can last up to 2 weeks.How to Smoke Ham Hocks
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Irita Antonevica, Julia Filirovska, Julia Filirovska, Towfiqu barbhuiya