Freezing Ham Cooked in Cola

Asked by Sarah cannon. Answered on 6th December 2014

Full question

I have a large gammon joint that I want to cook using Nigella's Ham in Coca Cola recipe. The best before date is early Dec so am I best to freeze now and then cook nearer the time or can I cook now and then freeze? Sarah

Our answer

We would suggest freezing the uncooked gammon until you are ready to cook it as you may want to serve the ham hot and it is at its best when freshly cooked, rather than reheated. Raw meats generally freeze quite well and if it is vacuum wrapped then leave it in this wrapping as it will help to protect the meat in the freezer. Otherwise wrap the gammon tightly in a double layer of clingfilm and then seal it in a large freezer bag or wrap in a double layer of foil.

Make sure that the gammon is thoroughly defrosted before you cook it. If it is a very large join then it may need 2 to 3 days in the fridge for this so make sure that you check and leave yourself enough time. Leftovers of the cooked ham can be kept for 3 to 5 days in the fridge or frozen if tightly wrapped in clingfilm (plastic wrap) and foil and will keep in the freezer for up to one month.