Ham is a type of processed meat that many enjoy all over the world due to its delicious taste and addition to different recipes. It is made from pork that has been cured with salt and sugar for a mellow taste and long-lasting shelf life. Additionally, spices and herbs are also sometimes added for extra aroma and flavor.
Moreover, ham can be used in various different recipes that are all equally delicious, whether it’s a ham sandwich that we’re all familiar with, baked vegetables with ham, ham salad, or on cheese boards. The most interesting though, is ham steak that is easy to make. Simply grill the ham with black pepper or mushroom sauce for an easy but sophisticated meal.
Cured Ham: The pork is salt-cured while some others are also cured with sugar along with other spices and herbs in a cold room for several weeks or months. This curing process gives the ham a salty, sweet, and mellow flavor with tender texture. Cured ham often has a complex flavor profile and aroma from the spices used.
Uncured Ham (Fresh Ham): It is not cured but cooked for preservation via other methods such as boiling or roasting. Uncured ham often has a fresh and mild taste and can be stored for longer than fresh meats, where it is usually used in recipes such as ham steak, cheese-baked ham, or ham fried rice.
Smoked Ham: Exactly like its name, the ham is smoked for a salty yet sweet flavor, coupled with a distinct smoky aroma. This smoking process can be carried out on both cured and uncured ham.
Currently, there exists an interesting variety of ham that are enjoyed globally:
Sandwich Ham: Thin slices of cured ham for sandwiches. This type of ham is tender with a hint of saltiness, perfect when paired with bread and fresh vegetables.
Cooked Ham: Ham that has been boiled until cooked for a mild flavor and tender texture. It is tasty as a breakfast, or can be sliced into smaller pieces for an additional protein boost in your favorite dish or salad.
Jambon de Paris: A tender type of ham with a subtle hint of sweetness. It is usually placed in sandwiches, or on a cheese board as a pairing with cheeses and fruits.
Iberico Ham (Jamon Iberico): Ham made from Iberian Black Pigs that have a diet consisting of only fresh acorns, giving the ham a rich, sweet flavor, strong aroma, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It is commonly served as small slices with bread, nuts or fruits. Cheese and wine also pair very well to this type of ham.
Parma Ham (Prosciutto di Parma): A popular ham from Italy that only uses the whole back leg of the pork. It is naturally cured in salt, making it a 100% naturally processed ham with a sweet aroma and subtle salty taste. It is thinly-sliced, tender, and commonly paired with melon, or is a popular pizza topping.
Different types of ham have unique tastes and characteristics. Try choosing a ham that you like and add it to your dishes you like for guaranteed deliciousness that will definitely become your favorite!
