Country hams are a tradition in Kentucky and other southeastern states. But with today's various new country ham producers, consumers need to be more aware of the proper cooking and storage of hams to ensure quality and freshness.

Uncooked and cooked hams should be stored differently.

All country hams that haven't been cooked or sliced can be stored on the shelf at room temperature without spoilage.

Whole hams should not be wrapped in a non-porous material like plastic which prevents the ham from breathing. Wrap whole hams in clean unwaxed paper or cloth bags to allow moisture to escape.

Once a ham is cooked or sliced, it should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage and flavor changes.

Consumers who plan to keep a sliced or cooked country ham for more than a week should wrap it in butcher paper, aluminum foil, or a freezer bag and freeze.

When wrapped properly, country ham can be kept frozen for months without noticeable change in quality.