Hams
The curing process of hams is integral to their unique flavors. This centuries-old process begins by salting the meat and leaving it to rest. In some cases, spices and herbs are added which imbue a distinctive character. After this, the hams are typically smoked or air-dried over a period of several months. As these hams dry, the outer layers of fat develop a waxy texture while the interior remains soft and supple.
The most well-known type of ham is the smokey, salty prosciutto. Originating from the Italian region of Parma, this fragrant cut of meat can be served with a range of dishes from sweet to savory. Other favorite styles of ham include the northern Italian speck, which is lightly smoked and seasoned with pepper, and the German Westphalian ham, whose intense smoky flavor comes from being air-dried over a mixture of juniper and oak.
Given the diverse array of hams, it’s no wonder they have become an all-time favorite throughout the world. Whether you’re enjoying traditional prosciutto alongside a plate of freshly baked focaccia, or serving a plate of distinctive Spanish jamón serrano with a platter of fried eggs, hams provide endless possibilities for experimentation. For this reason, hams remain a timeless delicacy, providing an array of complex flavors and textures, each with its own distinct personality.
Hams dishes
A selection of Hams dishes.
Ham and egg bun
The ever-dynamic ham and egg bun is a classic culinary delight that never fails to please the taste buds. Its succulent pork slices and crispy egg-filled center provide a unique blend of salty and savory flavors that tantalize the senses. In addition, the contrast between the soft steamed bun and the crunchy filling gives this dish an undeniably satisfying complexity.
Ham and egg bun
Pan de jamón
Pan de jamón is an absolute delight that truly embodies the harmony of flavors and textures in every single bite. This Venezuelan culinary masterpiece dances effortlessly on your taste buds, inviting you to uncover its intriguing layers of subtle sweetness and savory complexity. Showcasing an irresistible combination of soft, fluffy bread, succulent ham, briny olives, plump raisins, and the ever-present touch of gold-dusted melted butter, this exquisite creation is a symphony of unexpected flavors that will transport you to a realm of gustatory bliss.
Pan de jamón
Denver sandwich
Discover the splendid symphony of flavors that await you in the delightful realm of the Denver sandwich. This epicurean masterpiece brings together a harmonious medley of textures and aromas, encapsulating the essence of culinary excellence. With its toasted bread embracing a tantalizing filling of ham, peppers, onions, and melty cheese, this gastronomic creation takes sandwich artistry to unprecedented heights.
Denver sandwich
Ham and cheese sandwich
Ah, the classic Ham and Cheese sandwich. This staple of breakfast and lunchtime meals has been an integral part of American culinary culture for generations. There's something so sublimely simple yet delectably delicious about the combination of succulent ham, creamy cheese, artfully arranged between two slices of toasty bread. For many of us, it's the humble dish we turn to time and time again when in need of a hearty, comforting meal.
Ham and cheese sandwich
Jamón
If you come from Spain, then you know of the culinary delicacy known as Jamón. This delightful dish of air-dried, salted ham is nothing short of a gastronomic masterpiece. Traditionally made from the hind legs of a native Iberian pig, this succulent concoction has been an integral part of Spanish cuisine for centuries.
Jamón
Jambon
As the exquisite aromas delicately waft through the air, an enchanting dance begins to unfold on the palate. It is a symphony of flavors, a tale told through tender slices of succulent, cured ham. Ah, Jambon, a true culinary masterpiece that hails from the enchanting realms of France.
Jambon
Jamón ibérico
The Jamón ibérico is a highly esteemed dish in Spain and beyond. It is a dry-cured ham, made from the black Iberian pig, and it is often referred to as the king of hams. With its succulent taste and robust texture, it has come to be considered one of the finest cured hams in the world.
Jamón ibérico
Hams
When one thinks of hams, the first thought that comes in to mind is a well-cooked, sumptuous meal, laden with the rich taste of tradition and nostalgia. Hams are a classic food item and have been around for generations. Whether it be served during the holidays, at a wedding, or simply as part of a meal any day of the week, there's no denying the unique flavor that it packs.
So, what exactly is ham? Ham is a cured meat, made from the hind of a pig. It gets its flavor from its curing process, which includes salting, smoking, and drying it. This process infuses the meat with a salty, smoky, and earthy taste. There are several different types of ham, depending on the cut and the curing process used. Popular varieties of ham include honey glazed baked ham, Virginia style country ham, and smoked city ham.
No matter how it is prepared, ham adds an unmistakable flavor to any dish, and some great pairings include roasted vegetables, cheesy grits, and sweet potatoes. Perhaps one of the most classic dishes involving ham is a southern favorite: the classic ham and cheese sandwich. The combination of salty ham and sharp cheddar cheese provide a delightful mix of flavors that can't be beat. Another classic favorite is the Easter celebration meal, which features a large spiral cut ham served alongside a variety of veggies and sides.
The possibilities with ham are endless, and there is no shortage of creative recipes to try. One delicious option is a ham and pineapple pizza, which combines a sweet and salty flavor profile. For a more filling dish, try a stew or soup that incorporates ham, such as split pea soup or a black bean and ham soup. And of course, no discussion of ham would be complete without mentioning ham and eggs.
Hams are sure to add an extra bit of flavor to any dish. With the many different styles of ham and ways to prepare it, you'll never run out of yummy options to choose from. Whether you're looking for something classic or a little out-of-the-ordinary, you're sure to find something delicious with a ham.
History of Hams
Ah, the delightful and delectable ham. This savory, salty, and succulent cured meat has been tantalizing taste buds since long before the dawn of history. But what is the origin of this delicious dish?
Originally, the curing process that ultimately gives us ham began as far back as ancient times, when the Babylonians and Greeks would preserve meat by hanging it in smokehouses. And while the Romans were consuming ham-like dishes as early as separate BC, the actual word “ham” wasn’t coined until the tenth century AD when Anglo-Saxon farmers began to use the term to describe the product of a pig being salted and hung.
In Europe, the technique of curing pork with salt dates back centuries. For example, by the 13th century, Italians had popularized the production of prosciutto. It wasn't until the 15th century, however, that the signature smoky flavor of modern ham was developed in Germany. The process of smoking and curing pork over smoldering oak wood emerged, giving us the distinctive flavor that we know and love today.
Today, there are endless variations of ham around the world, from the Spanish Jamón Serrano to the Chinese Háo Jiāo. Each culture has put its own unique spin on the savory cured meat, resulting in an array of flavorful creations.
Whether it’s on sandwiches, in soup, or served as part of a holiday meal, ham’s ubiquity is a testament to its resilient history. From ancient times to present day, ham has stood the test of time and continues to delight our palate. Next time you sink your teeth into a juicy slice of ham, remember the long journey it took to get there.