Help! Packaged Ham Bought from Spain Requires Refrigeration?
 

Hi All,

I bought some packaged Iberico ham from a small shop in Madrid, and have not been refrigerating the packages since ( 1 1/2 weeks). Do they last without refrigeration?

The packages were stored in a open fridge at the shop, but when I asked the store staff whether it requires refrigeration, they said no. Well, not sure if either of us understood each other in single-word Spanish communication! I think they said something about the packages were vaccuum sealed.

Anyway, just want too check before I feed the stuff to my family at a picnic this weekend. I don't want to poison the whole family because of my poor understanding of Spanish!

Thanks for your help!

The packages are in heavy duty pastic.

I believe they are fine, or your nose will tell you. It is not unlike our country ham which can stay at room temp.

Are you back in the US--did you declare it?

If you remember visiting restaurants or ham stores in Spain, how were the hams stored? Weren't they just hanging at room temperature for weeks and perhaps months? If you want a proof, why not eat some today and see how you feel tomorrow? :-)

Whole hams have not been cut so the air does not affect them. Vacuum sealed packs do not need to be refrigerated for the CURED ham, which is what I assume you bought. However, I sometimes forget and put mine in the fridge but I have been told that is not necessary. But it is always best at room temperature no matter what.

(Of course she didn't declare it, Gretchen, or she wouldn't have it still)

Depending on how long the pieces are, I would cut them in half and roll them/arrange them a bit and place them atop a bed of gourmet potato chips or spread around a pile of Marcona almonds.

Be sure to keep the little ones away as this ham can be choked on by children quite easily as it is very soft and makes a ball in your throat if you do not chew it properly.

Enjoy!

After opening, wrap in thin plastic wrap pressing so there is no air, and then I DO keep it in the fridge, but it will never taste the same.

Thanks, all, for your reassurance. Glad to report we all survived, thus far.