Bought a beautiful ham for Christmas, but now you’re not sure how exactly to store it?
You can’t host Christmas lunch without bringing a huge, beautifully glazed Christmas ham. But even with a large family, leftovers are inevitable.
Or maybe you’ve splurged and bought a ham to enjoy in the lead-up to the big day.
If you’ve only got a small amount of leftovers, try using it up on Boxing Day to make pizzas, salad or a sundae. But if you have something that won’t fit in any of your Tupperware, we’ve got you sorted. We asked Justine Schofield, cook, author, TV presenter and MasterChef Australia alumna, for her top tips for storing a Christmas ham.
How to store ham in the fridge
The best way to store your leftover ham is to place the whole leg in a ham bag, pillowcase or wrap it in a large tea towel that has been soaked in a solution of vinegar and water. Justine says, “I usually mix 1 cup of white vinegar into 1L of water.
Be sure to wring out before wrapping ham. Also, the bag will dry out in the fridge over three days, so resoak and wrap every couple of days, so the ham does not dry out.”
What to do with leftover Christmas ham?
While it may seem like your Christmas ham is never-ending, there are many ways you can use it up, without having a ham toastie every day for lunch. For leftover slices of ham, think outside the box with breakfast pizza. Ham and pineapple scrolls make the perfect afternoon snack during that lazy time between Christmas and New Year, while ham and potato rostis are an easy, yet yummy, dinner choice. Stick to simple ingredient choices, but get inventive with the outcome!
Is it better to keep your ham whole or cut it up?
It will last longer if you leave it on the bone, but if you’re struggling to fit it in because of all your other yummy leftovers, portion and wrap in large chunks.
How long does Christmas ham last?
The ham will last for two weeks easily in the fridge if wrapped well. The best way to wrap it is in a cloth bag to keep the moisture locked in without the ham going off.
When should you throw out your Christmas ham?
Justine Schofield says that the best way to tell if your ham is turning is to smell it.
“If it’s not smelling fresh, bin it. Also the texture will change to feel slimy or have too much moisture. If it’s slimy, too wet or discoloured, it’s time to get rid of it.”
Does ham freeze well?
According to Justine, “Ham freezes really well.”
She recommends removing chunks off the bone and wrapping them in foil. Wrap the bone separately. All will freeze for at least a month. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge the day before.
P.S. The ham bone is the best part, it makes the most amazing baked beans!
