2007 Year in Review

Buying Hams for Spring Dinners

Hams can be a great main entrée at family spring dinners. Deciding on the type of ham can be challenging due to the many choices. According to Jananne Finck, University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator, we can buy fresh, cook-before-eating, fully-cooked, picnic and country types.

Information from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states ham means pork which comes from the hind leg of a hog. Ham made from the front leg of a hog will be labeled “pork shoulder picnic.” “Turkey” Ham must be made from the thigh meat of turkey.

Hams may be fresh, cured or cured-and-smoked. Hams are either ready-to-eat or not. USDA states ready-to-eat hams include prosciutto and fully cooked hams; they can be eaten right out of the package. Fresh hams and hams that are only trichina treated must be cooked by the consumer before eating; these hams will bear the safe handling label.

When buying a ham, estimate the size needed according to the number of servings the type of ham should yield. USDA recommends:

1/4 to 1/3 lb per serving of boneless ham;
1/3 to 1/2 lb. of meat per serving of ham with little bone
3/4 to 1 lb of meat per serving of ham with large bone

For more information on ham, visit the USDA website.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
March 23, 2007