Can I Cook A Frozen Joint?

[lyall]

Hello
I have had a senior moment! I have forgotten to take my gammon joint out the freezer for lunch. I know some things are fine to cook from frozen, would I be alright cooking my small joint from frozen? Or is this not recommended? Thanks for your advice in advance.

[rockyracoon]

If you've nothing to lose, stick it in the oven on a low heat, hopefully it'll cook right through in time. Check before you eat it to make sure it's cooked thoroughly, I'm sure you don't need to be told that though :)

[lyall]

Thanks Rocky, needs to be ready for no later than half 1, it is a small joint (2 people for 1 meal) yep I'm paranoid about everything being cooked through!

[sunny-dave]

Has your microwave got a "defrost" setting?

If so I'd follow the instructions for that & then cook normally (checking for 'cooked through' as Rocky has said).

[EDDIE51]

you can cook gammon from frozen but you have to use the 'slow' setting it takes several hours though. I would not expect to cook a frozen joint by 1/2 past 1 though more like 4pm if you start now.
You could boil it , that would be ok, just takes a few mins longer as it defrosts first

[lyall]

The microwave!! Oo i rarely use it, wouldn't know where the manual is!? I think I know which setting it is so could give it a go I suppose, I'd know when it was defrosted. Thanks sunny-dave

[lyall]

Thanks Eddie, would never have thought of boiling it, this way sounds more in my comfort zone

[Hypognosis]

The risk of food poisoning arises from the fact that the frozen core of the joint might only rise to 30-40°C, which is ideal incubation temperature for bacteria.

_Even if_ the temperature subsequently rises to 80+ - high enough to make it look, feel and taste cooked - bacterial toxins are not destroyed by cooking temperatures.

A sheet of meat rolled into a roast has had surfaces exposed to the air and human hands, whereas a joint on the bone cannot have bacteria in the core.

[naomi24]

I wouldn't. Pop out and get something else. Let the gammon thaw and have it tomorrow.

[whiskeryron]

As Naomi says, don't risk it . I know you say you are not familiar with microwave cooking but these days it's all so easy, pop out & get ready meals & simply follow the instructions on the box or packet.

[lyall]

Thank you all for your advice, I have decided to defrost and cook the joint tomorrow as Naomi suggests, I've got a couple of thin pork chops out instead as I know these will be ok

[dzug2]

Defrost in the microwave then cook in the oven is what I read into Sunnydave's post - but a bit late now I think