How to keep your cold cuts fresh: Essential storage tips

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

Remember that adequately storing cold cuts is critical to maintaining taste and freshness. Do not let your favourite ham lose its flavour 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 thus 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 in glass containers. Glass does not absorb odours, which is crucial for maintaining freshness. You can also prepare baking paper sheets, which you will 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 from 3-7°C on the middle shelf, and 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.