Choosing from endless varieties can prove cumbersome; the first thing is to know the ham: city hams, the most common, wet-cured and usually smoked, have that familiar slightly salty taste; country hams are dry-cured, saltier and have a nuttier taste and are much denser than city hams. More about country hams can be learned at Broadbent’s Grand Champion Country Ham site. The flavor intensity preferred by your family should also be considered in your choice.
Bone in or Boneless Easter Ham
Are you going to buy bone-in or boneless? Bone-in hams are said to have a bone marrow flavor added to the ham while you bake it. It also serves as a centerpiece in itself on your table. Boneless ham becomes your best friend when serving guests much easier to prepare and carve.
Reading Labels for Quality Easter Ham
Among your criteria in selecting Easter ham would be the labels regarding the assurance of quality. For example, the most ideal label would be just “ham,” as it refers to cured pork leg with at least 20.5% protein, and has been added no water. Hams with “natural juices” labeled ginormous cut will usually have a higher quality. By all means, please avoid dull-colored or off-smelling hams, for they flag poor quality. Of course, it is a more rewarding experience going to Serious Eats’ definitive guide to ham.
Serving Sizes for the Easter Ham
These are also applicable to size portions. Allow about half a pound per person for bone-in hams and a quarter pound for those without bones. The cut of ham also matters: shank-end hams are easiest to carve compared with butt ones, which at times tend to be leaner and are more tender.
Elevate Your Easter Celebration
These five quick and delightful Easter recipes, 6 fun ideas for Easter home décor, and Broadbent’s Grand Champion Country Ham page will all have some tips and tricks that will allow you to easily pick the best Easter ham. So by now, you would be soaking enough tips to help you confidently get that perfect Easter ham and celebrate in style. May you have a marvelous Easter with a well-deserving ham setting a ton of good memories and traditions on your table.
