Whole smoked ham and whole ham slices can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or the use by date on the label. Smoked sausages, hot dogs, bacon and other luncheon meats can be kept for up to 7 days.

Sealed, prepacked fresh pork cuts can be kept in the refrigerator 2 to 4 days; sealed ground pork will keep in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If you do plan on keeping the raw, fresh pork longer than 2 to 3 days before cooking it, store it well-wrapped in the freezer.

All our fresh pork products are minimally processed and do not contain Nitrates/Nitrites. Our Leidy’s Nature’s Tradition brand (smoked and fresh) do not contain any added Nitrites/Nitrates. Most of our smoked/processed items contain small amounts of Sodium Nitrite.

The words “Naturally Wood Smoked” define a process by which we hang our products in our smokehouse and allow the meat to absorb smoke from smoldering fires using real hardwood chips. This gives added flavor and color to meat without using artificial smoke flavoring. Alderfer also “Double Smokes” certain ham products for an even more old-fashioned taste!

All of our smoked hams are fully cooked and do not need to be heated prior to serving. If you would prefer to serve your ham warm, preheat oven to 325ºF. Place ham on rack in roasting pan and cover with foil. You may fill the bottom of the roasting pan with 1/2 inch of water or ginger ale to help retain moisture. Roast until the internal temperature is 120ºF. Using a meat thermometer will insure the best results. However, it generally takes 7-8 minutes per pound to reach the desired temperature. Unused portions of hams should be refrigerated and consumed within a week. To freeze, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place in an airtight plastic bag. The ham can be frozen for up to 45 days. Bone-in ham sold as whole ham, half ham, shank and butt half or center slices provides 2 to 3 servings per pound. Boneless ham, made from sectioned pieces of lean cured meat with the external fat trimmed away, provides 4 to 5 servings per pound. Semi-boneless ham includes the round leg bone or shank bone, which makes it easier to carve. It provides 3 to 4 servings per pound.

The best way to defrost pork is in the refrigerator in its original wrapping. Follow these guidelines for defrosting pork in the refrigerator: Small roast will take 3-5 hours per pound Large roast will take 4-7 hours per pound Chop, 1″ inch thick will take 12-14 hours Ground pork needs to be estimated by package thickness

Under USDA regulations, three types of ham products can be labeled “ham.” “Ham” means that the lean meat contains at least 20.5 percent protein. “Ham with Natural Juices” must contain at least 18.5 percent protein and those labeled “Ham-Water Added” must contain at least 17 percent protein. “Ham and Water Product” may contain any amount of water, but the label must state the percent of added ingredients.

All of our products are gluten free.

We don’t use this ingredient anymore in our products.

At this time our Leidy’s Brand offers an Antibiotic Free product line called “Nature’s Tradition.” Key Features of this product line are: No antibiotics administered. Ever. This is a “Never Ever” program. All-Grain Fed. No meat animal byproducts or fishmeal. Third party verification by American Humane. No Nitrates. Gluten Free. No MSG in any of our Smoked or Fresh “Nature’s Tradition” products.