How Long Does Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham Last?
Shelf Life and Storage Tips
When considering the shelf life of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey (What wine goes well with honey?) Ham, understanding the product's storage and preservation measures is essential. As a deli meat, Hillshire Farm's honey ham is designed to be convenient and ready-to-eat, making it a popular choice for quick meals and sandwiches (What wine goes well with sandwiches?). However, deli meats like this ham come with a set of guidelines to ensure freshness and safety. Typically, unopened packages of this ultra-thin sliced ham can be expected to last in the fridge until the date printed on the package.
Once the package is opened, the ham's longevity can vary. It's generally recommended to consume open deli meat within three to five days for optimal quality and safety. To extend the lifespan of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham after opening, proper storage is crucial. It should be kept tightly sealed in its original packaging or wrapped securely to minimize exposure to air, which can expedite spoilage. If properly stored in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the ham maintains its quality and flavor while also ensuring it remains safe to eat.
Product Overview
Hillshire Farm's Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham is known for its balance of quality and flavor, designed to provide a delectable addition to sandwiches and meals. The product's characteristics and ingredients reflect the brand's commitment to taste and customer satisfaction.
Brand Background
Hillshire Farm, a brand within the Tyson Foods portfolio, has established itself in the market as a provider of high-quality deli meats. They prioritize crafting meals with care and attention to detail, focusing on delivering products without artificial preservatives and flavors.
Honey Ham Features
This particular ham is slow-roasted for hours, then sliced ultra-thin to achieve the perfect balance of taste and texture. The honey ham is distinguished by its touch of sweetness, providing a hearty option for lunch. Each serving makes it simple for consumers to enjoy a flavorful meal.
Ingredient Profile
Hillshire Farm's Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham has a defined ingredient profile, ensuring a product that's both tasty and trustworthy. Key ingredients include:
Ham: Carefully selected for its quality and taste
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to the ham
Vinegar, Sugar, Salt: Used to enhance flavor and preserve freshness
Sodium Phosphate: Helps maintain moisture and texture
Dextrose: Mild sweetener derived from corn
Natural Flavorings: Complements the ham’s taste without artificial additives
Celery Juice Powder: Acts as a natural preservative with nitrates occurring naturally
Sea Salt and Citric Acid: Contributes to the ham's flavor and acts as preservatives
With a focus on health, the product is also gluten-free and crafted to minimize additives while preserving quality. The ham promises a savory experience with a reduced level of preservatives, making the most of natural ingredients and seasonings.
Nutritional Information
When examining Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham, the essential nutritional aspects to consider are the serving size and caloric content, sodium levels, and the daily nutritional value contributions of these servings.
Serving Size and Calories
The standard serving size for Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham is four slices (53 grams). Within this serving size, consumers can expect to intake approximately 70 calories.
Sodium Content
Sodium is a significant nutrient to monitor in processed meats. In a single serving of Hillshire Farm Honey Ham, there are 570 milligrams of sodium, which is a considerable portion of the daily recommended intake.
Daily Value Breakdown
Each serving provides a varied breakdown of the daily values of necessary nutrients, which can be understood as follows:
Protein: Contributes to 55% of the content in one serving, supporting muscle maintenance and growth.
Iron: Although specific iron content information is not provided, it's generally known that ham contains iron, which is crucial for blood production and oxygen transport in the body.
It's important for consumers to note that while the ham provides some essential nutrients, the sodium content is substantial and should be factored into the daily dietary intake.
Safety and Allergen Information
When considering the safety and allergen information for Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham, it is crucial to address both the presence of allergens and the safety standards adhered to during production.
Allergen Presence
Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham is subject to stringent allergen control measures. The product's ingredients and processing are closely monitored to prevent cross-contamination. Key allergens typically monitored include:
Dairy
Nuts
Gluten
Soy
Eggs
For consumers, it is essential to review the product's packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date allergen information.
Safety Standards
Hillshire Farm is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. The company's safety protocols include:
Regular quality checks to ensure the ham is free from harmful bacteria and contaminants.
Adherence to federal regulations regarding food safety and handling.
No artificial preservatives, and no added nitrates or nitrites, except for those naturally occurring in celery juice, to minimize risks.
The hams are slow-roasted and reach internal temperatures sufficient to reduce the risk of foodborne pathogens. All processing facilities are expected to comply with strict food safety guidelines.
Storage Recommendations
Proper storage is crucial to extending the shelf life of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham. Maintaining the right conditions preserves the quality and safety of the product.
Optimal Storage Conditions
Refrigeration: The sliced honey ham should be stored in the refrigerator immediately after purchase. It's essential to keep it at a consistent temperature of 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth. The ham should be kept in its original packaging until use to maintain freshness.
Sealed Packaging: If unopened, keep the ham in its vacuum-sealed package.
After Opening: Once opened, the ham should be placed in an airtight container or re-wrapped securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Shelf Life Indicators
Expiration Date: Always check the use-by date printed on the package. This date is a reliable indicator of how long the ham remains at peak quality when stored properly.
Shelf Life:
Unopened: Typically, unopened sliced honey ham can last 5 to 7 days past the use-by date if refrigerated correctly.
Opened: For optimal freshness, consume the ham within 3 to 5 days after opening.
Visual and Olfactory Signs: Spoilage is indicated by a sour smell, slimy texture, or any discoloration on the ham slices. If these signs are present, the ham should be discarded regardless of the use-by date.
Consumption Tips
When incorporating Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham into one's daily diet, it is important to handle and serve the meat properly to ensure optimum freshness and flavor.
Meat Preparation
Before consuming Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham, ensure that the package is cold to the touch and sealed properly. Upon opening, if any discoloration or off odors are present, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating the meat. Ham should be stored in the refrigerator, and once the package is opened, it’s advisable to consume it within five to seven days for the best quality.
Storage Tip: Keep the opened ham in a sealed container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness.
Serving Suggestions
The serving size for sandwiches typically ranges from 2 to 3 ounces of sliced ham per sandwich. To serve the Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham, one can simply lay it on bread, perhaps with complementary condiments and toppings like mustard, cheese, and greens. This product lends a touch of sweetness to sandwiches and wraps, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Sandwich Idea: Pair the honey ham with whole grain bread, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh lettuce for a balanced and satisfying lunch option.
Sliced ham is also versatile for various culinary uses—chop it up to add protein to salads or incorporate it into omelettes to enrich the flavor.
Purchase and Savings
When considering the acquisition of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham, consumers often look for ways to optimize cost without compromising on quality.
Where to Buy
Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham is available at a variety of retail locations. Consumers can find this product at supermarkets like Target, as well as other grocery chains. It is also listed in online stores, providing a convenient option for those who prefer to shop digitally.
Cost-Effective Purchasing
To maximize savings when purchasing Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham, shoppers may consider looking for sales or using coupons. Buying in larger quantities, such as the 16 oz pack mentioned in one of the searches, might also offer better value per ounce. Additionally, joining store loyalty programs where available can provide discounts and exclusive offers, leading to overall savings on grocery purchases.
Consumer Resources
When exploring the longevity of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham, consumers have access to a variety of resources that assist in making informed decisions regarding their purchase.
Product Reviews
Product reviews offer invaluable insights into the quality and shelf-life of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham. Customers generally rate this product highly, with many praising its taste and the brand's commitment to quality ingredients. It is important for consumers to read reviews to gauge personal experiences with the product's freshness over time, as reviews often include details on how the ham preserves after opening.
Freshness: Reviews frequently highlight the product's freshness upon purchase.
Shelf Life After Opening: Several reviews may note how long the ham retains its quality after the package is opened.
Customer Support
For detailed product information and specific inquiries about shelf life, Hillshire Farm provides customer support. They can offer:
Product Handling Tips: Guides on proper storage to ensure the honey ham lasts as long as possible.
Shelf Life Information: Official recommendations on consumption windows for both unopened and opened packages.
Contact Details:
Phone: Consumers can call their hotline for direct assistance.
Email: Often used for less urgent inquiries that may require detailed responses.
By utilizing these resources, consumers can apply best practices for storage and handling to maximize the Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham's shelf life.
