It is important to identify the differences between fully cooked and uncooked ham to prevent foodborne illness.
Do you ever wonder if you need to cook a ham or if you can eat it straight out of the cooler without cooking? We buy ham from the deli and we don’t need to cook it, which can be confusing. The answer, in short, is if it is cured, smoked or baked, ham is considered “pre-cooked,” and would not technically need to be cooked. This includes the ham that is purchased at the deli. In fact, most ham that is sold to consumers is already cured, smoked or baked. As a deli meat, it can be eaten right out of the refrigerator, but other hams are typically reheated for improved flavor and texture. You can also buy fresh ham, and it would have to be cooked prior to eating.
You can identify if the ham has been processed as the package will say what type of ham it is. If a ham has the statement on the package label indicating that it needs cooking (ex. “cook thoroughly”), it should also display cooking directions. It should clearly state that cooking is required.
Even cured ham must be refrigerated at a temp of 40 degrees Farenheit or below. The exception is if the ham is canned or dry-cured, then it would be able to be stored at room temp. Country ham and prosciutto are examples of dry-cured ham. Most hams are safe to keep three to five days days in the refrigerator, and three to six months in the freezer, but specific times can be found online as there is some variation.
The USDA recommendations state, “Set oven temperature to 325°F. Cook all raw fresh ham and ready-to-eat ham to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook meat to higher temperatures. Reheat cooked hams packaged in USDA-inspected plants to 140°F and all others to 165°F.”
Trichinella Spiralis is a parasite found in pork, but its presence is minimal because processing plants must follow USDA guidelines to kill the parasite. Regardless, Michigan State University Extension recommends that proper food safety practices should be followed when handling ham. For instance storing in a refrigerator at 40°F, not leaving out at room temperature for more than two hours and cooking and reheating according to the directions above.
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FAQs
Some are sold partially cooked or raw. It is important to check the product label to identify how the ham was processed. Partially cooked or raw hams will generally say “cook thoroughly” on the package in addition to displaying cooking directions and a safe handling instructions label.
How to tell if ham is cooked or uncooked? ›
How do you know if a ham is uncooked? Check the label on the ham at the grocery store and it will usually read "cook before eating." Often smoked, these hams need a little extra time in the oven to reach a safe temperature for eating.
What does a cooked ham look like? ›
Color changes: Due to the nature of ham, it's common for the meat to remain pink even after it's fully cooked. Some uncured products may look a little paler or even beige. On the flip side, any spot on the inside of the ham that looks gray, brown or green is a strong indicator of spoilage.
How do I make sure my ham is cooked? ›
Bake in the preheated oven for 4 1/2 to 5 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center, making sure it is not touching the bone, should read at least 160 degrees F (72 degrees C). Let ham rest for about 20 minutes before carving.
Are all store bought hams fully cooked? ›
Most ham sold in the U.S. is cured and fully cooked, but even in that case, it can still take several hours to warm in the oven.
What does uncooked ham smell like? ›
A sour or rancid smell Ham should smell enticing—fresh, salty, and smokey. If your ham smells like sulfur, gasoline, or skunk, throw it out. The sniff test is usually a pretty solid test to determine if ham has gone bad.
Why is my ham slimy but not expired? ›
Slimy, super-wet, or oily textures on the outside of your ham might indicate bacteria growth. Juice can just be congealed oils, so use your senses to see if anything else is off. Slimy ham that's growing bacteria will usually have a smell that indicates spoilage.
How long does ham take to cook? ›
If the ham is a half ham weighing five to seven pounds, it should heat at 325°F for 22-25 minutes per pound. If it is a whole ham weighing between 10 to 14 pounds, heat the ham at 325°F for 18-20 minutes per pound. The internal temperature should be 140°F.
What is uncooked ham called? ›
But lately, I've been seeing more ham labeled “uncured” on grocer's shelves. What's going on? Uncured ham is also called fresh ham. It's the same cut as cured, but not embellished with any of the brine and smoke or other flavorings the more common city hams and gourmet country hams.
How long will ham last in the refrigerator? ›
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked. If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer.
According to Canada's food safety guide, ham is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F). Make sure your instant-read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone.
Can you overcook a cooked ham? ›
If you are baking a precooked, bone-in spiral cut ham, the great news is it's already cooked and you're just basically reheating. The bad news is if you over bake it, you can dry it out easily.
Do you cook a ham at 325 or 350? ›
Heat oven to 325ºF. Remove all packaging materials and place ham on its side, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan; cover loosely with aluminum foil. Heat approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound until heated through. Remove ham from oven and let stand, covered, 20 minutes before serving.
How do I know if a ham is precooked? ›
The answer, in short, is if it is cured, smoked or baked, ham is considered “pre-cooked,” and would not technically need to be cooked. This includes the ham that is purchased at the deli. In fact, most ham that is sold to consumers is already cured, smoked or baked.
What does an uncooked ham look like? ›
Ham, Fresh or Uncured: The uncured leg of pork. Since the meat is not cured or smoked, it has the flavor of a fresh pork loin roast or pork chops. Its raw color is pinkish red and after cooking, grayish white.
Does ham get more tender the longer you cook it? ›
Why slow cook ham? Slow cooker ham is infinitely more tender for a fall-off the bone texture. A low, consistent heat over hours breaks down the collagen and connective tissues, which tenderises the meat. The natural fat slowly renders down, infusing the meat with a more intense, rich flavour.
How can you tell if a ham is done without a thermometer? ›
If you don't have a meat thermometer, there are three visual checks that must done. Pierce the thickest part of the meat with a fork or skewer and check that: The juices run clear. It is piping hot all the way through (it should be steaming)
What happens if you undercooked ham? ›
Trichinosis is an infection from a parasite. It is caused by eating undercooked meat — most commonly pork. Symptoms can go beyond belly pain and diarrhea. They can also include muscle pain, facial swelling, fever, and chills.
Can you eat a fully cooked ham without cooking it? ›
Cooked canned ham and cooked vacuum-packaged ham, both from federally inspected plants, can be eaten right out of the package. All of these along with spiral-cut cooked ham are safe to eat cold or can be warmed to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), as they are already fully cooked.
