This option is best for during the day when you are awake so you do not make your soup a fire hazard or burn it. Cooked pinto beans will last about 4 days in the refrigerator. Transfer beans to a 6-qt. Staph produces a toxin that causes food poisoning. Place the wrapped ham in a roasting pan in the center of the oven. After that, they should be refrigerated. First rule of thumb for the holidays is never discard the leftover bones from your star dishes like roasted turkey and baked ham. Most staph bacteria are found in your nose and are harmless as long as you remain healthy. Here is what you need to know about leaving soup out overnight and when soup becomes unsafe to eat. It all depends on how the ham was processed and how well it is sealed. If youre ever in a bind and need to know whether or not your ham is still good to eat, just remember this simple rule: cooked ham = bad; sliced ham = good. Place dry beans in a large container; for each pound (2 cups) beans, add 10 cups of cold water. *Navy beans, cannellini beans and other small white beans also work well. He has studied nutrition, personal training, coaching, and cooking. Technically, no. Bacon as well as ham are cured meats which requires a curing salt that contains sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate or both added to the brine solution. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Or you may sort them and place in a saucepan with 2-inches of water to cover. Our best tips for eating thoughtfully and living joyfully, right in your inbox. If youre like most people, you probably think that ham is already cooked and doesnt need to be refrigerated. Pathogenic bacteria are *everywhere*. You should just assume that everything is or will be contaminated. Give bacteria the right conditions and the Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or overnight. Luckily, there is an average serving size that people tend to eat, making it easier to do the math on how many green Large events and parties require a lot of planning and work! If you do buy canned beans, make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly. If the ham is labeled fully cooked (does not require heating), heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or to an internal temperature of 140 F. If the beef is sticky, slimy, tacky, or smells bad, toss it. Best answer: Should you let fish get to room temperature before cooking? I'm not stating that the beans are safe, but there seems to be very conflicting info out there. To avoid it being a fire hazard, it is best to not leave your soup unattended. I am really going to have to try it! It is much cheaper to buy dried beans. So, besides the obvious, its best to go by the shelf life of refrigerated soup, which is about 34 days.(Source). Here you'll find anything related to kitchen & cooking. link to What Wattage Is Best For a Dehydrator? This site is owned and operated by Robin Davidsson. When reheating anything, especially soup with meat or dairy products, it is important to heat it up to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until it starts steaming. After three hours, the ham will start to develop bacteria that can cause food poisoning. And, yes, food scientists are well versed in the microbiology we're discussing, it's just that we are dealing with third level food safety here. Co Vomiting is also much more common for E. coli than for Salmonella. And if the party goes longer than expected, be sure to put the ham back in the fridge as soon as possible. Can I reheat my ham if its been sitting out? I like the meat to have a nice hammy texture. Put soaked beans back into the slow cooker and add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Hello there! First, cover the beans with water at room temperature. Salmonella is most often recognized by its symptoms of stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea. No problem. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca & other affiliate programs. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. While the bone adds richness and depth to the broth, it is not absolutely necessary. The smell of beans that have turned or begun to grow bacteria is strong and offensive. Like with salmonella, you should see a doctor if your stool or vomit is bloody, if your fever persists with diarrhea or vomiting, or if you are vomiting so much you cant keep down liquids. Is it safe to soak beans overnight at room temperature? Because of this, it is a good idea to stir the soup on occasion. Happy soup season to one and to all! If you do choose to let your soup cool in order to reduce weeping Tupperware sides, do not let it sit at room temperature for longer than two hours. Place the beans in the refrigerator in an airtight container. And they are so versatile! Boil pinto beans and ham hock for a little over 1 hour on medium heat. Bean soup is a comfort food that can be enjoyed by anyone. You should always put your soup away and store it in the fridge. To prevent burning the soup, stir the soup every once and a while, adding more liquid when necessary. Place the beans into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Stir in onion, broth, water and seasonings. They reheat beautifully and can be used for other dishes as well as eaten by themselves. Your question: Do all liquids boil at 100 degrees? Of course, no matter what type of ham youre dealing with, its always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away if youre not sure whether or not its still safe to eat. Luckily I can win him over with things like chili and ham and bean soup. Can you eat food that has been left out overnight in a container? When cooking, you should do your best to keep the food above or below the danger zone, especially when it comes to meats, dairy, and eggs. There are many raw, uncut fruits that don't have to be stored in the fridge at Botulism is determined by muscle paralysis. No, but really, this soup is the epitome of comfort food, and its the perfect soup for a cold chilly day. Cooked protein left at room temperature for ~8ish hours is absolutely not safe. Combine beans, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf, ham hock, and seasonings in a pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Cooked beans can also be frozen, although they do tend to dry out a bit, so be sure to store them with plenty of liquid. The USDA recommends only leaving foods unrefrigerated for an hour if the average temperature is above 90F/32C, Once the beans have cooled a bit and everyone has enjoyed their dinner with a side of beans, its time to get them into cold storage so you can enjoy it all again tomorrow and the next day. It is also used to add flavor to other ingredients, such as beans, vegetables and stews. The most crucial step in cooking with dried beans is to let them soak overnight. Welcome to Kitchensnitches.com! (Who said Taco Wednesdays and Thursdays cant be a thing?). So youre hosting Taco Tuesday and have some cooked beans out on the buffet table. Then I covered and forgot about them on the stove. Unfortunately, there is potential for food poisoning if you dont take proper precautions with your leftovers. The ham that has been cooked all day is a little soft, so the fresh ham really adds back in the texture and flavor. Add condensed soup, broth, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper to the prepared dish. two hours Soak beans overnight: Add beans to a large pot and cover with water. Reboiling for 3 minutes should kill everything. If youre like most people, you probably have a love-hate relationship with ham. (This give you time to make your cornbread!). All of the ingredients simmer and meld together to make the most flavorful soup that is perfectly complimented by the saltiness of the ham. In a soup pot, saute the onion and garlic on medium heat until soft. Whisk together until completely combined. WebNever eat baked beans that have been left out overnight for more than two to four hours. I do remove whatever meat is on the bone at the end and return it to the pot, but I like to add some fresh ham at that point as well. Food should not be in that zone for more than two hours. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In a large stock pot, add water, ham bone and pre-soaked beans. The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. However, if meat is left out at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit), those bacteria can start to grow again. E. coli has similar symptoms to Salmonella but with little to no fever. If you want a thicker soup, mash a few of the beans and stir them back into the pot. Reheating something that has been sitting at room temperature for longer than two hours wont be safe from bacteria. The best option is to refrigerate it as soon as possible after cooking. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 F and 140 F; cooked bacon should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Nothing, thats what! After two to four hours have passed, bacteria can grow, making the baked beans unsafe to eat. Salt pork is a cured and salted pork product. I wonder what the possible contaminants could be? My go-to gluten-free gravy! Here I talk about tips, hacks about recipes, cooking, and review Kitchen related gadgets I use for the kitchen. Cooked food sitting at room temperature is in what the USDA calls the Danger Zone, which is between 40F and 140F. two hours. Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Because my whole family has, for decades, been soaking lupini beans on the kitchen counter for 4 days or so. I'd love to see it! Serve with homemade bread like my dinner rolls or bacon cheddar biscuits to complete the dish. I have been boiling my black beans twice a day for 5 consecutive days and they taste amazing. I leave them untouched after boiling. Ive used the f However, if the ham is sliced and then left out overnight, it should be fine to eat as long as its covered and refrigerated. Add remaining ingredients. russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small dice, Dried Beans, Ham and Bean Soup, Holiday Leftovers, Leftover Ham Bone. But what happens if you accidentally leave ham out overnight? Salt pork is usually made from the belly or shoulder It was a I wouldn't play with it. However, there is a limit to how long ham can be left out. That sounds like too much work. This blog is operated and cared for by Robin and Felicia. Drain beans and transfer to a large pot. Pour the room temperature cooked beans and cooking liquid into a resealable bag, leaving room for expansion. However, people who are at high risk may need medical attention. No one wants that. Technically speaking and if this were a restaurant situation, your pork was in the danger zone (between 40F to 140) for longer than recommended and should be tossed. The best way to do this is by labeling your Tupperware or container of soup. Add the diced onion and ham bone and cook, stirring occasionally just until soft. The next day, drain the beans and discard the cooking water. Her recipes are often creative combinations of traditional ingredients from various different cuisines blended together to create something new. In each of these countries she has experienced local dishes while learning about the culture as well as gaining insight into how food can be used as a bridge between different cultures. Do cooked pinto beans need to be refrigerated? As far as treatment goes, the best treatment is time and staying hydrated. Are the beans too mushy to boil again?? Remove from the heat and let beans soak for 2 to 4 hours. Reheat your beans over a medium heat and slightly crush them as you warm them. Soaking navy beans for ham and bean soup is optional, however doing so greatly reduces the cook time. Yes! Please view my disclosure page for more information. (Add ham bone if using.) Ideally if it was under 40 degrees for most of the night, thats the temp for a refrigerator. What should I do if I accidentally leave my ham out overnight? However, if youve made too many pintos and forgot to put them away, youre likely better off starting with a fresh batch. Beans soaked longer than 12 hours can absorb too much water and lose their characteristic texture and flavor. Check it out here. ATTENTION TO RIGHT HOLDERS! Add ham hocks. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". (Source). Ham and bean soup also freezes really well.For easy lunches later, freeze it in single serve sizes. Instructions. Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you eat spoiled beans, your body may experience health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Per the recipe, I soaked the beans for 30 mins, brought to a boil, and simmered for 30 mins. TIP: You could also add a clove or two of minced garlic along with the mirepoix. Yes, you can freeze frittata. You can use navy beans, cannellini, or great northern. On 11/29/2014 10:30 AM, Paul M. Cook wrote: > On Sat, 29 Nov 2014 08:02:25 -0800, Paul M. Cook wrote: > You said you were having a brined and stuffed pork roast for, On Sat, 29 Nov 2014 07:30:41 -0800, "Paul M. Cook" <, Paul, re ham and cheese soufflI love cheese souffl, and make it fairly often, but have never, On Sun, 30 Nov 2014 09:22:55 -0800, "Paul M. Cook" <, On Mon, 1 Dec 2014 08:24:37 -0800, "Paul M. Cook" <, Thanks, Paul. Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, they fill our bellies, and are an inexpensive, delicious addition to a wide variety of meals from cuisines worldwide. Cover and You do not need to wait for the soup to cool down before putting it into a correct-sized container and putting it in the fridge. I'm guessing 8 oz or 1 cup? Properly refrigerated soups shelf life is about 34 days, depending on the soup. Technologies, tricks, nuances join, it will be interesting! >You said you were having a brined and stuffed pork roast for, You do not have permission to delete messages in this group. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. The best way to do this is to place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. You can use resealable bags, but this tends to be messier than a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Symptoms appear 30 minutes to 8 hours after infection and last no more than one day.Staph cannot be passed from person to person. While allowing the soup to cool before putting it into the fridge will help with weeping Tupperware sides, thats about all it does. If you plan to cook beans for dinner and you want to use the long-soak method, start soaking in the morning. How long can you keep refried beans in the fridge? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your leftover ham without worrying about getting sick. Turn the pot off. Gently warm the ham for approximately 10 minutes per pound or until warmed through. If youre going to consume the ham within a few days and it will be stored at room temperature (below 70F), then its perfectly safe to leave it out of the fridge. Putting it in something too big will give a longer cooldown time, giving bacteria more time to grow, and putting it in something too small causes a little mess and requires another Tupperware. So, perhaps you made the batch of margaritas a bit too strong and you simply didnt get around to cleaning the kitchen after Taco Tuesday party night. In order to prevent your soup from going bad once properly stored in the fridge, it is best to label its container with the date it was placed in the fridge. Or you may sort them and place in a saucepan with 2-inches of water to cover. No need to make a wild guess because there is good news: beans will not lie to you. So, I put it to good use! This ham and bean soup recipe. This is because bacteria can grow on ham and cause food poisoning. 3. (Source). Just avoid any dark, red, or black beans. We find that white beans make for a creamy and visually appealing soup. Black and pinto beans are especially forthcoming here because light-colored growth is easy to see in contrast to their darker colors. If the ham is still unopened and has been left out for more than two hours, it should be thrown away. Is it still safe to eat? Reserve the ham on I've been looking for good Nicaraguan recipes, so thank you! Why is cooked pork white/light brown but cooked bacon pink? However, if your soup has not been properly stored, it may go bad before the 34 day shelf life. > On Sat, 29 Nov 2014 07:30:41 -0800, Paul M. Cook wrote: On Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:54:15 -0600, Sqwertz . According to the USDA, you can safely keep these cooked bean dishes on the buffet table at room temperature for up to two hours. You should date your Tupperware to help yourself know when your soup has gone bad. Here are the answers to some common questions about ham and food safety. It calls for the same beans you made a few nights ago and youre hoping to use your leftovers. Web1. Whisk together until completely combined. WebDirections. Were both passionate about cooking, kitchen gadgets, nutrition, and eating. Place in the ham bone or ham, turning to lightly saute on all sides. WebAccording to USDA recommendations, cooked beans left out overnight (or for more than two hours) should be thrown away. Oooh, then I am going to have to give it a try with chow-chow! Add ham bone, red onion, minced garlic, and ham base. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Campylobacter is the number one bacteria that causes diarrhea in the U.S. Chickens, turkeys, and cows often carry Campylobacter without showing any signs. According to the USDA, any perishable food left out of cold storage for more than two hours enters into the danger zone and eating it puts you at risk of food poisoning. The CDC estimates that Salmonella causes about 1.35 million cases of illness a year. And when they do, they can cause food poisoning. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 F and 140 F; cooked black beans should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. So why is there a difference? In the general bustle of having the whole family around we put everything in the fridge/freezer except the spiral ham. However you eat this ham and bean soup, youre sure to love it! Cooked food sitting at room temperature is in what the USDA calls the Danger Zone, which is between 40F and 140F. Continue to cook for another 30 minutes to an hour. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. It is okay to put mildly hot food in the refrigerator though. If ham is left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be thrown away. If you dont want to buy a whole ham, you can get ham shanks or smoked ham hock to get your soup started. About 15 to 20 minutes. It was on the counter for about 10 hours. Dont soak the beans any longer than 24 hours. (If your climate is an exceptionally warm one, this window is even shorter). As always, it is a good idea to wash your hands regularly. As long as the Tupperware is shallow and the right size, your soup will be okay. We've created original recipes that are perfect for families, holidays, and large crowds. So, if youre planning on serving ham at your next party, make sure to take it out of the fridge no more than three hours before guests arrive. Foodborne illness, more commonly referred to as food poisoning, is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. And they've lived to tell about it. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. >> I left my Thanksgiving ham out last night. If youre wondering about a can of beans that has not yet been opened, check the expiration date on the can itself. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. When any food substance, including soup, enters the danger zone of 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit and stays there for more than two hours, it should be thrown out. How long do cooked red beans last in the fridge? The short answer is: maybe. Posted on Published: November 13, 2015- Last updated: January 21, 2023. How Do You Make Poppadoms in The Microwave? They are cheaper to purchase and more Are Toaster Ovens Faster Than Regular Ovens? Symptoms start 2-5 days after infection and last for about 1 week. Is it safe to soak beans overnight at room temperature? Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the ham on a rack in a large baking pan and add about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch of water to the pan. Add the potatoes, broth, salt and pepper. I leave them untouched after boiling. On 2014-12-02 11:43 AM, Paul M. Cook wrote: On Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 4:30:48 AM UTC+13, Paul M. Cook wrote: "Ed Pawlowski" wrote in message news:R7UVB.11243$HA4.@fx35.iad On Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 10:30:48 AM UTC-5, Paul M. Cook wrote: On Wed, 6 Dec 2017 22:01:13 -0800, Julie Bove wrote. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you or a friend or family member are having symptoms of botulism, see a doctor immediately. Either email addresses are anonymous for this group or you need the view member email addresses permission to view the original message, I left my Thanksgiving ham out last night. Add carrots, celery, and onion (if using whole onion) to the saucepot. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. slow cooker. Like all foods, soup has specific guidelines for when it becomes no longer safe to eat. However, a lot of the time, the spoiled soup will not appear to be bad at all. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". If not cooked properly or eaten spoiled, beans can cause such symptoms as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, mild fever, weaknesses and other symptoms associated with food poisoning. Even if you reheat the beans to kill any bacteria, there Otherwise, youll be left with hard, crunchy, powdery, beans in your soup. WebRemove pot from heat, cover, and le Transfer pinto beans to a slow cooker. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. health department would say no, but honestly I would heat em up and use em. It is simple and really allows the ham and beans to shine. They are super simple to make from scratch. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These toxins cannot be boiled or cooked out of food, hence why it is quite a menace and a danger. Instructions. The biggest downside is the possibility of burning the sides and bottom of the soup. Add garlic, mix and cook for 1 minute. It is used as a flavoring or seasoning ingredient in many dishes. Canned refried beans that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 4 days. Sort beans and soak in enough water to cover overnight. Its a risk. If theyve sat unused for a long time, shake the jar and look for signs of moths or mold. Thank you. Youre going to get a little bit of condensation no matter what you do. I did a side-by-side slow cooker test and found that the Here are just a few ways to utilize your leftover pinto beans! Rinse and sort beans; soak according to package directions., Drain and rinse beans, 2. Remove the ham bone, shred meat, and add back to the beans. Web1. Bring them to a boil, boil for 3 minutes, then cover and remove from heat. You can buy cubed ham or dice a couple of ham steaks if you would like. The bottom line is this: dont eat your soup if it looks, tastes, or smells funny; store your soup properly in the refrigerator; reheat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until steaming; and label the date you put your leftover soup in the fridge on your Tupperware. Web1. (Source). You asked: Can I cook Richmond sausages from frozen? No need to thaw. So there you have it. Skim any excess fat, if necessary, before serving. Despite some information to the contrary, putting hot food in the fridge wont harm your appliance or affect the temperature of the foods around it. This said, you could also re-heat the dish to Most people do not need antibiotics and get over it in about a week. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Milk, fruits, and veggies that have had contact with campylobacter are the biggest culprits. Discard the bone. Make sure to soak your beans overnight. The way we enjoy this soup is over diced potatoes, especially the frozen O'Brien potatoes! After that point, they recommend storing the ham in the refrigerator. You can keep your soup on the warm or low settings for longer periods of time in order to keep it hot and ready and out of the fridge. It is possible to make perfectly delicious soup without the bone. Can pinto beans stay out overnight? Ms. Carlee, can I use chicken broth instead of the 8 cups of water? Thanks for all of the thoughtful responses! Ugh, I hate when that happens. If desired, pick off meat from ham bone to stir into soup. As altitude increases and atmospheric pressure decreases, the, The process of cooking food breaks down some of its fibers and plant cell, Put the rice in a colander, fine mesh sieve, or pan. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until beans are tender., Remove meat from bones when Meat 210 Show detail Preview View more I made it home 4 hours later after running errands and it was 38 degrees outside and the ham was in the car the whole time. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Leave out at room temperature overnight. There are five popular bacteria that can lurk in your soups. KitchenAcorns.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. I know what youre thinking. Throw away baked beans that have been sitting out for two to four hours overnight. Whats more comforting than ham and bean soup? That means that even if bacteria does start to grow on the surface of the meat, it wont make you sick. I made this yesterday and it was a huge hit with both my husband and myself. The best bet is to err on the side of caution: throw away the beans left out on the counter and start a fresh batch. WebDrain beans, discarding water. However, if the ham is uncooked or has been repackaged (for example, from a deli counter), it should not be left out for more than one hour. Drain and rinse the beans when youre ready to use them. health department would say no, but honestly I would heat em up and use em. Rinse and sort beans; soak according to package directions., Drain and rinse beans, 2. Preheat oven to 375F (190F). Add garlic Drain and rinse. Allow to sit for one hour after boiling (don't lift the lid). Sometimes these symptoms continue after getting rid of the bacteria. The unnaturally dark beans typically will not cook tender and stand out after cooking. You can also sprinkle on some parsley if desired. I created Chef Savvy to share delicious, easy, quick weeknight meals that your family will love. Ive used the fridge in the past but have gone bad in 2 days. Kitchensnitches.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The short answer is yes, its usually OK to put hot food in the fridge. How do you make an easy Popsicle stick house? A 45 years old mom blogger from Boston. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the ham on a rack in a large baking pan and add about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch of water to the pan. Antibiotics are not usually prescribed for E. coli because it doesnt help more than hurt. According to USDA recommendations, cooked beans left out overnight (or for more than two hours) should be thrown away. Cooked beans are no exception and should not be eaten if left out overnight at room temperature. Bake at 325F for 16-20 minutes per pound, until a meat thermometer registers 135F. Botulinum toxin is caused by a bacterial toxin that creates muscle paralysis. In the morning, dump the water and rinse the beans and then they are ready to cook. Italian Ham and White Bean Orzo. Discard the bone. WebAdd half to two-thirds of the ham to the beans and reserve the rest for garnish. Most types of ham can be left out at room temperature for up to two hours. My dad finds it in a grocery bag this morning and says "oh we forgot to put After the ham has been soaked, or soaked and cooked, it should be used within 5 days. put them into the refrigerator when they are cool, as they very quickly turn sour -- especially in hot, muggy weather. It is much cheaper to buy dried beans. If youre like most people, you probably have a ham in your fridge right now. This is because after two hours, the internal temperature of the ham begins to approach unsafe levels. (Source). Can you tell me the measurement of 1 serving please? Your soup can be left in the crock-pot for as long as you like, as long as it keeps the soup above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It is now about 15 hours later. Place beans into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak, 8 hours to overnight. Beyond that, it should be refrigerated or frozen. Share a picture on Instagram or Pinterest and tag me @carleecooks to let me know how it went! You can extend this time a little bit if you keep them in the hot pot in which they were cooked with the lid on to preserve the time that they are still very warm. Although not a perfect test, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments to tell if your ham has gone bad. Pick through for hard bits and discard.