How long...

[ursusarctos]

... will half a smoked ham hock keep in the fridge? I made pea soup from half of it about a week ago and would like to use the other half for another batch tomorrow. It should be fine, right? I mean, isn't the point of smoking meat to preserve it?

[Camile Rynd]

Originally Posted by ursusarctos

... will half a smoked ham hock keep in the fridge? I made pea soup from half of it about a week ago and would like to use the other half for another batch tomorrow. It should be fine, right? I mean, isn't the point of smoking meat to preserve it?

As long as the meat was properly brined before it was smoked then you ought to have at least a few more days on it. The real warning is that the smell of rotten can be covered up fairly well by the smoke taste/smell.

[ursusarctos]

Originally Posted by Camile Rynd

The real warning is that the smell of rotten can be covered up fairly well by the smoke taste/smell.

Oh dear! I was just thinking, well, it smells fine so it's probably fine Are there any visual signs I should look out for?

I also have no idea if it was well brined. I bought it from some local butchers and didn't ask how long it would last...