Meat
How long does a shank or butt portion ham last in the fridge?
A bone-in shank or butt portion keeps 1 week in the fridge uncooked — whichever end you bought, the window is the same week.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1 week |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 1–2 months |
| Safe minimum temp | 145°F + 3 minutes rest |
Can it sit out?
A shank or butt portion ham is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if a shank or butt portion ham has gone bad
- A sour or off smell at the sawn bone
- A surface gone slimy under the plastic
- Cure color faded to gray-brown
When in doubt, throw it out.
The shank end carves more neatly; the butt end has more meat but a knuckle of bone to work around.
Quick answers
How long does a shank or butt portion ham last in the fridge?
A bone-in shank or butt portion keeps 1 week in the fridge uncooked — whichever end you bought, the window is the same week.
Can you freeze a shank or butt portion ham?
USDA’s freezer window for a shank or butt portion ham is 1–2 months.
How long can a shank or butt portion ham sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to a shank or butt portion ham. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).