The right way to keep your cold cuts fresh and delicious

Cold cuts lose their flavor if not stored under proper conditions. Usually, they end up in the fridge tightly wrapped in plastic, which is a huge mistake. Plastic does not allow air to pass through, promoting the growth of bacteria and resulting in slimy ham. So, see how to store it correctly.

Remember that adequately storing cold cuts is critical to maintaining taste and freshness. Do not let your favorite ham lose its flavor due to improper storage. Follow these simple rules; your cold cuts will always be fresh and tasty.

Regardless of the circumstances, it would help if you did not leave the purchased cold cuts in plastic bags. Right after purchase, the product should be wrapped in parchment paper, which absorbs moisture and prevents the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms on the surface of the cold cuts. Parchment paper also allows air to pass through, which is essential—otherwise, the cold cuts will become slimy.

Another recommended way to store cold cuts is by using glass containers. Glass does not absorb odors, which is crucial for maintaining the freshness of the cold cuts. Also, prepare baking paper sheets, which you will then cut into smaller pieces.

Place a baking paper at the bottom of the glass container and lay the ham on it. Then, place another piece of paper on the ham and another portion of cold cuts. Continue this process until you run out of cold cuts. The key is to ensure that cold cuts have access to air. Therefore, cover the container with a lid, but do not seal it tightly.

Cold cuts should be stored on the middle shelf of the refrigerator. This is the ideal spot for ham, cottage cheese, and other products that can quickly lose their freshness. The temperature ranges on the middle shelf from 37-45°F; under these conditions, cold cuts should stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Cured products such as sausage, kabanos, or salami can last up to 10 days.

It's also worth remembering that buying a smaller amount of ham at a time is optimal. This way, the chance of it spoiling is much smaller, and you won't have to waste food. If possible, try to choose cold cuts in blocks rather than slices. In this form, they will stay fresh longer.