Things You Should Know Before Buying Ham

Have you ever wondered if you need to cook the ham before eating, or you can eat it straight out of the cooler without cooking? It is essential to identify the difference between cooked and raw ham to avoid foodborne illness.

We mostly buy ham from the deli and do not cook it, making it a little confusing as not all hams are pre-cooked. However, If the ham is cured or smoked, it is a pre-cooked ham, and we will not cook it technically.

Most of the Ham available at food stores is generally cured and smoked, and if it is deli meat, it can be eaten right after taking it out from the refrigerator. However, if the ham is of any other type, it will require us to reheat it to improve its flavors and texture. You can buy cooked Ham and raw Ham but make sure to cook the uncooked ham well before eating it.

Moreover, you can find out whether the ham is processed or not by looking at the package as it will tell you about the type of ham. If a package of ham says that it needs cooking, it will also display cooking directions.

It is also important to note that the cured ham must be refrigerated at 40-degree Fahrenheit or below. However, if the ham is canned or dry-cured, you can save it at room temperature.

You can store the ham for about three to five days in the refrigerator and three to six months in the freezer. However, you can also find the specified time online as in some conditions; it can vary.

Things to Consider Before Buying Ham

Following are the things that you should know about the ham before buying it.

Is the Ham-Cured?

Ham has three categories, wet-cured (City Ham), dry-cured (country ham), and uncured (fresh ham). The most common type among the three is the city ham which usually comes fully cooked. You can serve it cold as well as warm at 140 degrees. Moreover, if the city ham is raw, you can bake it at 145 degrees and let it rest for three minutes.

What is the cost of the ham?

If you find a ham at a bargain price, it might be because extra water is injected during the curing process. You should buy a ham that is meat labeled or ham with natural juice. If you buy the ham that is low in price means that you are paying for water weight. Moreover, the meat with water in it will be bland and spongy.

How should the Ham be Cut?

A ham usually serves 30 people, and therefore most people buy half ham. It does not matter what the cutting style of ham should be, but it is usually the main recommendation to purchase a ham with a bone.

How is the Ham Carve?

Traditionalists might disagree, but some people love ease are prefer pre-carved ham. It will not dry out if you bake it over water and cover it in foil. However, if you follow a recipe to cook ham, you should buy a naked ham as spiral sliced hams come glazed.