Spiral Sliced Ham - how long do they last?

[JohnL]

One of my local supermarkets has spiral sliced hams on sale this week. How long do they last? Can I purchase one on sale this week and still be confident that it will be safe to serve on Christmas?
Any input is appreciated.
John

[Michael in FtW]

What does the label on the ham say?

I would get one - read the label - and then if you're worried about the expiration date ... put it into the freezer. Then, move it to the refrigerator about 3 days before you want to use it to thaw. Follow the instructions on the label for heating/cooking.

[Uncle Bob]

...Or you could just wait. Spiral hams are a very popular "ad item" around the holidays. You will probably see them again....maybe even at a lower price.

Enjoy!

[Barb L.]

Most hams have a fairly long expiration date on them - check yours to see and go from there. I really don't like to freeze ham, unless for soups or casseroles. (They retain a lot of water) !

Also, if it has a good date and vacuumed sealed, your set !

[Bilby]

Just checking on the terms used here but if "sliced" is that you are buying slices of spiral ham, then I definitely would hold off until immediately prior to use unless you are freezing.

If the use of "sliced" here is something else, then listen to the learned people above me.

[Uncle Bob]

Bilby

Here is Spiral Cut ham. The spiral is cut by machine. This one was "cooked' on a BBQ grill, with light smoke. I can't remember the time frame, but long enough to cook all of the 'water added' out of it. This results in a denser meat with less water. .......

[JohnL]

Thanks for the input,
Guess I'll just wait. I don't really want to freeze something that I'll be serving for sandwiches. The price is great though, less than half price. Personally I prefer a plain jane ole ham, they're so versitile. Many in my family though like the spiral sliced ham for sandwiches.

[suziquzie]

LOL Uncle Bob do you just happen to have a freshly cooked ham sitting on your porch, or readily available pics of food on your 'puter?!?!

I bought 2 spiral sliced hams buy one get one free this week, 2 for $35 in the end. The dates are February on them, but I freeze them just because I have more freezer space than fridge. I don't know when I wil be making one, Christmas Eve is my very special annual roast beef and yorkshire pudding day!

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by suziquzie

LOL Uncle Bob do you just happen to have a freshly cooked ham sitting on your porch, or readily available pics of food on your 'puter?!?!

I Gobbled this one up at Thanksgiving!

[JohnL]

Great pic Uncle B!
I just plan on heating one up in the oven though for an easy brunch item.
I'll have "too many other irons in the fire" so to speak, so I really wouldn't have time to smoke one.
Great idea for a tailgate party though