Christmas Ham FAQs

Everything you need to choose, store and enjoy the perfect Christmas ham.

We’ve answered the most common questions, from flavour, freshness and sizes to storage tips and leftovers, so you can shop with confidence and enjoy the very best from your Meat Cellar ham this festive season.

Choosing Your Christmas Ham

A great ham should be balanced in flavour - smoky, salty and slightly sweet, with a natural pork flavour that comes through. It should be tender, juicy and slice easily without falling apart.

Bone-in hams are traditional, flavourful and stay juicy. They make a beautiful centrepiece for Christmas Day. Boneless hams are easier to slice, making them great for platters, sandwiches and everyday eating.

They are the same cut. A Christmas ham refers to serving a leg ham as part of Christmas tradition. The term is seasonal, not a different product.

We recommend ordering early. Once they’re sold out, they’re gone. Ordering any time from October, November or early December generally ensures availability and preferred size.

Ham Sizes & Fit Guide

This depends on whether you choose a half leg ham or full leg ham. Always check your fridge shelf height beforehand.

A typical half leg ham (around 4–6kg) is generally:

  • Length (end to end): 30–40cm
  • Height (thickest point at the bone): 15–22cm
  • Width: 15–25cm

To make sure it fits comfortably, allow around 20–25cm of shelf height in your fridge. The lowest shelf of the fridge is usually the coldest and the best place to store it.

If space is tight, lay the ham flat on a tray or store it in the crisper drawer (many people find this is the easiest fit). If you’d like to confirm, please contact us.

A full leg ham (around 8–12kg) is larger and can vary based on the shape of the bone.  As a guide:

  • Length (end to end): 45–60cm
  • Height (thickest point at the bone): 20–30cm
  • Width: 20–30cm

For a full leg ham, allow 25–35cm of shelf height and make space ahead of time if possible.  If your fridge doesn’t have adjustable shelves, storing the ham in the crisper drawer or at an angle on the bottom shelf often works. If you’d like to confirm, please contact us.

This depends on whether you choose a half leg or a full leg, and whether you’d like leftovers.

Half Leg Ham (approximately 4–6kg)

  • Suits most families
  • Generally feeds 8–14 people depending on serving size and leftovers

Full Leg Ham (approximately 8–12kg)

  • Feeds a crowd
  • Ideal for larger gatherings or planning multiple meals over Christmas
  • Generally serves 15–25 people

A simple rule of thumb:

  • Allow 250–300g of ham per person for Christmas Day.
  • Allow 350–400g per person if you’d like leftovers.

Tip: Always check your fridge shelf height (or reorganise shelves) before pickup or delivery.

Storing & Caring for Your Ham

Packaging guidelines recommend up to 7 days once opened. However, when stored correctly in a ham bag and kept in the coldest part of your fridge, a bone-in ham can last up to 21 days. Refresh the ham bag or cloth daily for best results.

  1. Remove from plastic wrapping.
  2. Wrap in a clean, damp ham bag or clean pillowcase.
  3. Refresh the bag daily in cold water with a splash of vinegar.
  4. Store in the coldest part of your fridge (not the door).

Do not store your ham in plastic for extended periods, as it traps moisture and causes spoilage.

If the ham becomes sticky, slimy, dull, shiny or develops an unusual smell, it is past its best and should be discarded.

 As a guide:

  • Bone-in ham stored correctly: up to 21 days
  • After baking/glazing: up to 5 days

Yes. Once reheated, baked or glazed, your ham should be eaten within 5 days.

Preparing, Serving & Leftover Christmas Ham

No, your ham is fully cooked and ready to eat. Baking or glazing simply warms the ham and adds flavour. If glazing, warm gently to keep the meat juicy.

Leftover ham is great in toasties, salads, omelettes, frittatas, pasta, quiche, breakfast fry-ups, pizza and of course, pea and ham soup (use the bone).

No. Cooked bones can splinter and are not safe for dogs.

Nitrate-Free Ham

Nitrate-free ham is cured using only salt (no added nitrates or nitrites). Because of this, the colour of the ham will be much lighter and more natural in appearance.It will not have the bright pink colour that traditional hams have. This difference in colour is completely normal and expected.

It tastes like a traditional smoked ham, but with a milder, more natural flavour.Some people describe it as slightly sweeter and less salty.

Because nitrate-free ham does not go through the same curing process, it has a shorter shelf life once opened. Once the vacuum seal is broken, nitrate-free ham should be consumed within 3 days.

It is recommended to store nitrate-free ham the same way as a traditional ham:

  • Use a clean, damp ham bag or pillowcase
  • Refresh the bag daily using cold water and vinegar
    Keep the ham in the coldest part of your fridge

The key difference is simply the shorter timeframe for eating once opened.

Some people choose nitrate-free ham because they prefer a minimal-ingredient product or are avoiding nitrates in their diet. Others simply enjoy the milder, natural flavour.