Choosing the Perfect Holiday Ham for Easter and More

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Nothing embodies the spirit of celebration quite like a beautifully glazed ham, a staple at many festive gatherings, especially during occasions like Easter. Its appeal is widespread, and it’s a dish that offers a forgiving cooking experience.

Since the vast majority of hams available today are precooked, the anxiety surrounding precise cooking instructions is significantly reduced. In fact, the most challenging aspect of preparing ham often lies in navigating the selection process at the market. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect ham for your next event.

Types of Ham

Ham refers to the hind leg of a pig, and while it is primarily associated with salt curing, it encompasses a rich variety of cured pork products worldwide, including beloved varieties like prosciutto and jamón serrano. In the United States, here are some primary types you might encounter:

City Ham: Typically, when one thinks of a holiday ham, a city ham comes to mind. These hams are wet-cured, pre-cooked, and often smoked, featuring a spiral cut that allows for easy serving and glazing.

Country Ham: This variant represents a drier, saltier cure reminiscent of prosciutto, best enjoyed in thin slices rather than as the star of a meal.

Fresh Ham: This is the uncured version of ham, sold as pork leg or pork leg roast. While not as readily available as other selections like shoulder or loin, it offers a delightful balance of taste and texture when cooked correctly.

Picnic Ham: Often sourced from the lower part of the pig’s shoulder, picnic ham is smaller than a country ham, contains more fat, and is generally more affordable, making it a great option for sandwiches and soups.

Bone-In vs. Boneless (and Spiral-Cut) Ham

High-quality hams can be found in both bone-in and boneless forms at your local butcher or grocery store. The methods of curing and cooking are often more significant indicators of quality than whether or not a bone is present.

Semi-boneless hams have the hip bone removed while retaining the central leg bone, facilitating easier slicing. The spiral-cut ham, invented in the 1930s, has gained popularity due to its convenient preparation and serving style, allowing glazes to infuse throughout the meat.

If a spiral-cut ham is unavailable, boneless options provide a practical alternative, as they are simple to slice and heat evenly, making them a favored choice for gatherings.

How Much Ham Per Person

The weight of bone-in or spiral-cut hams typically ranges from seven to ten pounds for a half ham, while whole hams can reach up to 19 pounds. A general guideline suggests purchasing about three-quarters of a pound per person. For boneless hams, plan for six to eight pounds for half hams and eight to ten pounds for whole versions, with roughly half a pound per person. If your guest list contains lighter eaters or an abundance of side dishes, feel free to reduce this amount. Remember, leftover ham can always be repurposed into delicious meals.

How to Cook a Holiday Ham

Contrary to what one might think, “cooking” ham can be somewhat misleading as most wet-cured hams come already cooked. While it can certainly be enjoyed cold from the refrigerator, reheating it enhances its flavor and texture, softening the fat and improving overall juiciness.

To safely reheat, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it remains succulent. To achieve this, place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, add a quarter-inch of liquid, and cover tightly with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F, allowing approximately 12 minutes per pound, or until it reaches 140°F. For those who wish to add a glaze, uncover the ham towards the end, brush it on, and bake further until the glaze caramelizes.

How to Store Ham

Storage practices for ham largely depend on its type. Dry-cured varieties can be kept at room temperature, while wet-cured hams such as city and spiral-cut should be refrigerated.

Adhere to the use-by date for safety, and store ham at temperatures below 40°F. For leftovers, consume within four days or freeze for up to two months, making them excellent for sandwiches or soup.

How to Pick the Best Ham

Choosing a ham is about more than just taste; sourcing plays a pivotal role. Look for pigs raised without antibiotics, added hormones, and opt for certified humane practices. When possible, select pasture-raised ham.

According to various experts, the flavor profile of pasture-raised pork tends to be superior, with animals raised in low-stress environments and fed a varied diet yielding better results. Purchasing from local sources can also enhance flavor and support your community.

For those looking to invest in quality pork, reputable sources like Niman Ranch and Whole Foods often offer such high standards.

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