Is the ham OK in the fridge? (freeze, leftover, recipes)

[JustJulia]

I bought a ham from the supermarket a few days ago. My fridge is newer and we keep it pretty cold, something like 36 or 38 degrees. (I can't remember exactly, but I know it's below 40.) The ham is for Christmas. I've never bought one and didn't eat it right away. Will it be OK in there until Christmas, or should I freeze it for the next few days?

[JustJulia]

Shoot. I see now that I posted this in Recipes instead of the general Food forum. Sorry about that.

[southdown]

Is it pre-cooked, or cured/smoked?

Is there a label with a sell-by or use-by date on it somewhere? There should be...

To be certain you could call the supermarket and ask them what the shelf-life is. The codes on the label should be enough info for them to check - so you could even take off the label and take it to the store for them to check.

[JustJulia]

It's not smoked, but it is pre-cooked. The kind you just heat up. Haha, I'm not very knowledgeable in hamology. I looked at the label and didn't see a "use by" date, but I will double-check. Maybe it's stamped on the foil and I overlooked it. Good idea about calling the store.

[stacylee926]

Should be just fine Since we eat ham sandwiches for up to 2 weeks after the holiday and are still kicking . However, after Christmas, you might want to freeze the leftovers in portions and not let it sit too much longer in the fridge.

[subsound]

Should be good, they are usually pre cured as well as pre cooked (city hams at least).