The delicious tradition of virginia smoked ham: a culinary treasure

Virginia smoked ham is a culinary treasure that has been delighting taste buds for centuries. Known for its rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, this ham is a true delicacy. But what sets Virginia smoked ham apart from regular ham? Let's take a closer look at the history, production process, and unique qualities of this beloved meat.

A Taste of History

The roots of Virginia smoked ham can be traced back to the early days of America. When settlers arrived in Jamestown over 400 years ago, they brought pigs from England and Bermuda to raise for food. The climate of Virginia was ideal for pig farming, and the population quickly grew. To control the pig population, the settlers began smoking and curing the meat, following the methods taught to them by Native Americans.

Over time, the pigs in Virginia developed a unique flavor profile thanks to their diet of peanuts, acorns, and other natural foods. This peanut-fed ham became highly sought after and gained popularity among food enthusiasts. In fact, by the 19th century, Queen Victoria herself was ordering Smithfield hams from Virginia for her palace kitchen.

The Art of Flavor

The production process of Virginia smoked ham is a meticulous art, requiring time, skill, and attention to detail. Whole ham legs are dry-cured with salt, gently smoked, and left to age in the open air. This process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a nutty, sweet, and smoky taste.

Many factors contribute to the flavor profile of Virginia smoked ham, including the breed of hog, the type of feed, the curing process, and the aging conditions. Producers carefully balance these variables to create a ham that is rich in flavor and texture. Some boutique ham producers even use heritage hog breeds and follow traditional processing methods to rival the renowned hams of Spain and Italy.

Virginia Ham vs Regular Ham

Virginia smoked ham is often referred to as country ham, which is a type of ham that is cured but not cooked. It can be stored unrefrigerated thanks to the curing process, which draws out moisture and slows down oxidation. Regular ham, on the other hand, is typically cooked and often sold already cured.

While Virginia smoked ham refers to the ham cured in Virginia, Virginia-style ham refers to how the ham was cured and/or cooked. A ham labeled virginia style may not necessarily be cured in Virginia but follows the same traditional curing methods. These distinctions help consumers identify and choose the type of ham they prefer.

Recipes to Savor

Virginia smoked ham can be enjoyed in a variety of delicious recipes. Here are a few ideas to tantalize your taste buds:

Country Ham Flatbread with Figs and Arugula

• Ingredients:
• 8 ounces pizza dough
• 6 ounces crumbled goat cheese
• 3-4 mission figs, thinly sliced
• 1 ounce country ham or prosciutto, torn into thin strips
• 1/4 cup lightly packed baby arugula
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
2. Roll out pizza dough and place on a baking sheet.
3. Season dough with salt and pepper and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and add figs, ham, arugula, and goat cheese.
5. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Slice and serve.

Country Ham Fantastics

• Ingredients:
• 3/4 lb. cooked Edwards country ham slices
• 1/2 lb. Swiss cheese, grated
• 2 dozen Parker House rolls
• 1 stick of butter
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with olive oil.
3. Fill each roll with ham slices and Swiss cheese.
4. Place filled rolls on the baking sheet.
5. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl and add mustard, minced onion, and poppy seeds.
6. Spoon the sauce over the rolls.
7. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
8. Remove foil cover and bake for approximately 30 minutes.
9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Ham-Chicken Divan

• Ingredients:
• 3 (10oz.) packages frozen broccoli spears
• 2 (10-oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sage
• 6 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
• 8 slices of Edwards cooked country ham
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• Directions:
1. Partially cook the broccoli spears and drain.
2. Place broccoli in a casserole dish.
3. Layer shredded chicken on top of the broccoli.
4. Arrange slices of country ham over the chicken.
5. Mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and sage in a bowl.
6. Spread the mixture over the casserole.
7. Top with grated cheddar and seasoned bread crumbs.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.

In Conclusion

Virginia smoked ham is a true culinary treasure, steeped in history and tradition. Its unique flavor and tender texture make it a favorite among food enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into delicious recipes, Virginia smoked ham is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

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