Question for you happy homemakers???

[ChaosSurvivalist]

Hi, newbie here so hope this is the right place to post this.

Just wondering if anyone in here knows how long those surgar cured hams that are wraped and hang in a cool dry place last. Is it days, months or years?

I was thinking I might need to replace mine from Y2K

 

[Freeholdfarm]

Have you cut into one of your old ones to see what it smells like? If it smells, looks, and tastes all right, try eating a small piece. If it hasn't made you sick after a day or so, eat a larger piece. If that doesn't make you sick, the hams are probably fine. Salt and sugar are both good preservatives. But, I do think it's time to either use them or toss them!

Kathleen

 

[Gingergirl]

As a once and again Virginian, I can tell you for us a sugar cured ham is not for long term storage. "Sugar cured" means quick cured with the salt often injected into the ham.

A country or Virginian or Smithfield ham is long cured and can be hung in a cool place till cooked, for an average of 9-12 months. Once cooked, it can be kept in the frig for several weeks. However, they are SALTY and an acquired taste. Still, for this Virginian, there is no substitute.

 

[ChaosSurvivalist]

Thanks for the info/advice.

I think i'll buy a new one to eat (mainly to season beans) and save my two old one's for throwing at the jihadi's if they come a knock'n. Then I can save my .

I'll check into those hams Gingergirl.

Thanks again.

 

[Susan4]

I tried to keep a Burgers ham for quite awhile hanging in the basement. Unfortunately it did not keep. The kind of beetle that eats on taxidermy mounts got after it and it also went rancid. Virginia hams may fare better.

Susan4

 

[briches]

Gingergirl-

I too am from VA- there's is nothing like a salty Smithfield ham! My dh hasn't acquired a taste for them, but I LOVE it!

 

[A.T.Hagan]

Storage conditions are going to dictate your ham storage life. It needs to be kept cool and dry, especially dry.

I'd give your Y2K ham a good sniff test. If it doesn't smell rancid then now is the time to eat it. A little mold on the outside can be scrubbed off with

A good dry-cured ham can last for years with good storage conditions, but the older it becomes the stronger the flavor. Kind of an acquired taste after about three years or so.

.....Alan.