Preparation & Serving

How long can I store the ham and bacon?

When we pack your ham and send it, you receive the freshest ham we make. Refrigerate immediately and without breaking the vacuum packaging on the ham, it should keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. Freezing is not recommended because it breaks down the muscle issue and tends to lose its texture and juices. But if needed, do not freeze longer than 30 days.

Bacon is packaged the same way, receiving the freshest we make. Also refrigerate immediately and without breaking the packaging, it should also keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. Unlike the ham, the bacon can be held in the freezer for a longer period of time. It could be in the freezer for 50-60 days.

Do I have to cook the ham?

Cooking is not necessary because every ham we make has already been smoked and fully cooked. It can be eaten cold, hot or any temperature in between. We feel warming our hams releases some of our flavor from the natural marbling and enhances the smoke flavor.

Preheat oven to 325º F. Place ham on rack in roasting pan and cover with foil. You may fill the bottom of the roasting pan with ½” of water to retain moisture. Warm for about 15 minutes per pound or until internal temperature is 140º F. Hams will vary in weight and ovens will vary in temperature so cook to temperature. Using a meat thermometer will insure the best results.

Unused portions of hams should be refrigerated and consumed within a week.

To freeze, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and put in an airtight plastic bag. Do not freeze for over 45 days.

How do I carve a ham?

To carve a whole ham, just follow these steps:

  1. Cut a wedge in the shank end (the pointed end)
  2. Remove the fat.
  3. Starting at the wedge, slice from the shank end to the butt end (the rounded end), slicing the meat to the bone.

Save the bone! The bone is a wonderful addition to a pot of beans or a great start to a winter soup stock.