According to the thefreedictionary.com, ham has a number of meanings.
- Theatre - an actor who overacts or relies on stock gestures or mannerisms.
- Needlework crafts - a cushion used for molding curves
- Telecommunications - a licensed amateur radio operator
- Anatomy – the back of the leg above the knee
- Zoology – part of the hindquarter of a pig or similar animal between the hock and the hip
- Cookery – the meat of the hindquarter of a pig, especially when salted or smoked
Let’s focus on the cookery aspect of ham. Unprocessed meat is known as fresh ham. But, most ham goes through a curing process and is known as cured ham. The meat can be dry cured by salting the surface; sweet-pickle cured by immersing the meat in a sweet brine with seasonings; or injection-cured where the meat is injected with brine. After the curing process the ham may be smoked. Virginia ham is a lean hickory-smoked ham that has dark red meat. Prosciutto is an Italian ham salt-cured ham that is usually sliced paper thin.
When purchasing fresh ham, look for one with a firm white layer of fat and a well-marbled lean portion. It can be stored in the refrigerator of up to five days. Cured hams should be firm and plump and the meat should be finely grained and rosy pink. Refrigerate a cured ham in the original wrapping for one week. Some country-style hams can be stored in a cool place 1-2 months.
If you are looking for a different flavor from ham, try cooking with apples, bananas, barbecue sauce, basil, bay leaves, brown sugar, cider, cloves, cranberries, figs, garlic, honey, horseradish, lemon, mushrooms, mustard, onions, oranges, oregano, parsley, peaches, pineapple, raisins, rosemary, sour cream, sweet potatoes, thyme, tomatoes.
When purchasing fresh ham, look for one with a firm white layer of fat and a well-marbled lean portion. It can be stored in the refrigerator of up to five days. Cured hams should be firm and plump and the meat should be finely grained and rosy pink. Refrigerate a cured ham in the original wrapping for one week. Some country-style hams can be stored in a cool place 1-2 months.
If you are looking for a different flavor from ham, try cooking with apples, bananas, barbecue sauce, basil, bay leaves, brown sugar, cider, cloves, cranberries, figs, garlic, honey, horseradish, lemon, mushrooms, mustard, onions, oranges, oregano, parsley, peaches, pineapple, raisins, rosemary, sour cream, sweet potatoes, thyme, tomatoes.
Ham imparts rich flavor to many dishes. Use it in soups, bean dishes or stews such as those found in Flavorful Fortified Food - Recipes to Enrich Life.
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