Why You Shouldn’t Freeze Serrano Ham
The main appeal of Serrano ham is the fact that it has been dry-cured over a long period of time, resulting in delicious, complex flavours that are difficult to achieve in the first place.
The curation and refinement process that the meat goes through would simply be wasted if you place it in the freezer.
So, in short, while it’s safe to freeze Serrano ham, it’s definitely not advisable to do so. We discuss some of the best ways to store Serrano ham below.
How to Store Serrano Ham
Freezing Serrano ham should be avoided at all costs, so what other ways can you store it? Well, there are two easy options available to you, if you would like to ensure your Serrano ham lasts that little bit longer.
After all, it’s the type of food you want to keep coming back to, to enjoy in small quantities. You can store your Serrano ham in one of the two following ways:
In a Dry and Dark Place
Providing your Serrano ham is well covered, it’s best to store it in a dry and dark place, away from direct sunlight.
The heat and light from the sun can affect the quality and taste of the meat, so it’s important that you keep it away from the window or any other source of light.
In the Refrigerator
If you wish, you can store your Serrano ham in the fridge. If you do, make sure it’s covered so the other odours in your fridge don’t disturb the flavours of the ham.
If you decide to store your Serrano ham in the fridge, be sure to take it out and allow it to rest to room temperature before eating it.
The bottom line here is that vacuum-packed Serrano ham doesn’t need any special treatment! Keep it covered in your cupboard or pantry, and it should be perfectly fine for a couple of months.
Does Serrano Ham Freeze Well?
As you’ve probably guessed by this stage, Serrano ham doesn’t freeze well at all. Putting your Serrano ham in the freezer will all-but-ruin the complex and delicious flavours that have been cured over a long period of time.
The best way to preserve your Serrano ham over a long period of time is to keep it covered in a cupboard or pantry, away from direct sunlight.
Due to the way in which it has been prepared, Serrano ham has a shelf-life of a couple of months without being frozen or refrigerated, meaning you should avoid placing it in the freezer.
Related FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about freezing serrano ham or ham in general, then these may help:
Can You Freeze Parma Ham?
Parma ham is very similar to serrano ham and is also not something we would recommend you freeze. If you have got low-quality parma ham that you’re going to use in cooking then you can freeze it but we would never advise serving it up on a charcuterie board, for example.
How Long Does Vacuum-Packed Serrano Ham Last?
Vacuum-packed serrano ham, that has not been opened, will last for around 2 to 3 months. Once opened, ensure you consume it within a few days as it will very quickly dry out and then turn bad.
