Rainbow hues on ham: Harmless or a health hazard?
Sliced cold cuts are one of our favourite sandwich toppings. However, we often wonder whether they are truly fresh when they display that characteristic rainbow-coloured sheen. Discover whether you can eat such ham or if it's better to dispose of it.
Rainbow sheen on cold cuts
What is the colourful sheen on ham that resembles a rainbow? This detail can make many people uneasy, and they may question whether they should eat it or throw it out. Some believe it's due to chemicals, while others think the cold cut has gone bad, and some simply ignore it.
It turns out that the colourful slices are merely a change in the structure of the meat caused by the movement of fibres and light reflecting off its surface. The refracted light produces the characteristic "rainbow" colours on the cold cut. Therefore, this doesn't signify anything harmful and can be consumed without major concerns.
When is a cold cut unfit for consumption?
After purchasing or opening our ham, we often wonder how long it remains safe to eat. Unfortunately, this isn't always clear from the use-by date. Therefore, we must assess its condition ourselves to determine if it might be spoiled. It's essential to pay attention to the quality and visual appearance of the ham, starting when we buy it, as these will indicate its freshness.
The first clue signaling that the product is unfit is its smell. The ham is unsafe for consumption if it has an unpleasant, sour, or rotten odour. Another sign is its stickiness and altered colour. It has passed its prime if the ham is not light pink but has a grey or green tint. Mould indicates that the entire piece should be discarded, even if it appears on a small part. Eating even a small piece could lead to unpleasant health issues.
