Deliciously Simple Southern Hospitality
Too busy to cook? No worries. You can still delight family and friends with a premium country ham intended for ease and enjoyment.
It’s dry-cured by hand with salt and brown sugar. It’s also classically smoked and aged. Since it’s boneless and fully cooked, this Country Ham provides plenty to eat while allowing you less time in the kitchen and more time with friends and family.
What is Smoked Country Ham?
Smoked country ham is a variety of heavily salted ham preserved by curing and often smoking, associated with the cuisine of the Southern United States. It is a true American delicacy that has a unique and distinct flavor.
Country hams are salt-cured for one to three months and are usually hardwood smoked, often with hickory and red oak. However, some types of country ham, such as the North Carolina salt-and-pepper ham, are not smoked. The curing process involves mixing salt with sodium nitrite to reduce microbial activity and prevent the ham from spoiling. Country hams can also be cured with a salt-and-sugar mixture and are often smoked over hickory after curing to enhance the flavor.
Each state, and often each producer, has a slightly different country ham production method, resulting in a variety of flavors and textures. The aging process can range from several months to three years, depending on the fat content of the meat. The result is a salty, funky, and sometimes nutty flavor that country ham enthusiasts adore.
The Difference Between Country Ham and Regular Ham
When it comes to ham, there are distinct differences between country ham and regular ham, also known as city ham. City ham is wet-cured in a saltwater brine and then refrigerated to stay fresh. It can be cured quickly, usually in two to three days, and is almost always fully cooked. City hams are more commonly available and affordable, with various options such as bone-in or bone-out, spiral-cut, honey-glazed, or sliced into deli meat.
On the other hand, country ham is dry-cured for several months, resulting in a more intense flavor. It is saltier and funkier than city ham, making it ideal for slicing thin, like prosciutto or other dry-cured meats. Country ham is a beloved special-occasion staple in the South, with a salty-funky flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes.
The curing style and length of time differentiate the two types of ham and determine their flavors, textures, and ideal ways to enjoy them. While city ham is moist and milder in taste, country ham is robust and salty, with a more complex flavor profile.
How to Enjoy Smoked Country Ham
Smoked country ham is best enjoyed thinly sliced. Its intense flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this Southern delicacy:
- Serve it on a flaky biscuit at breakfast
- Incorporate it into a charcuterie board for cocktail hour
- Use it as an accompaniment for other meats, especially poultry, at dinner
The versatility of smoked country ham allows it to be a standout ingredient in various recipes. Its salty and smoky flavor adds depth to dishes and creates a unique culinary experience. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply want to elevate your everyday meals, smoked country ham is sure to impress.
Where to Find Smoked Country Ham
Smoked country ham is a regional delicacy primarily produced in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. If you're not in one of these prime country ham producing states, you can easily order and ship cooked and uncooked country hams from reputable smokehouses and sellers.
Some well-known smokehouses and sellers include Broadbent's, Col. Bill Newsome's, and Father's Country Hams in Kentucky; Benton's, Rice's Country Hams, and The Hamery in Tennessee; Goodnight Brothers, Sugar Grove, Silverstone Ham Co., and Smithfield Marketplace in North Carolina; and Edwards, the Old Virginia Ham Shop, and Smithfield Marketplace in Virginia.
These establishments have perfected the art of smoking and curing country ham, ensuring that you receive a high-quality product that will exceed your expectations.
In Conclusion
Smoked country ham is a beloved Southern delicacy with a rich history and a distinctive flavor. Its dry-cured and smoked process results in a ham that is salty, funky, and full of character. Whether you enjoy it thinly sliced on a biscuit, as part of a charcuterie board, or as an accompaniment to other meats, smoked country ham is sure to impress your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Indulge in the delight of smoked country ham and experience the true taste of Southern hospitality.
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