Let’s be real for a second—most ham comes from pigs raised in industrial farms. I’m not here to preach, but you should know that the majority of that $5.99/lb ham lived a short, indoor life. If you’re curious about better options, look for pasture-raised or heritage breed (like the mangalitsa or iberico pigs). Those pigs eat acorns and grass, and their ham tastes like pork’s fancy cousin who went to culinary school.
What Animal Does Ham Come From? Uncovering the Truth About This Popular
But hey, no judgment here. I still buy the cheap stuff for sandwiches. We all have our price, and sometimes that price is $4.99.
The real “ham” you didn’t know about
Did you know there’s a specific cut called the “ham hock”? That’s the joint—the ankle part—and it’s usually smoked. People use it to flavor soups, beans, and collard greens. It’s like the pig’s foot, but with more reputation. If you’ve ever eaten black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day, you’ve probably tasted ham hock without knowing it. Traditions are weird, folks.
And then there’s the “city ham” (wet-cured, mild, common in American fridges) versus “country ham” (dry-cured, salty, aged for months like a fine cheese). Country ham is basically the punk rock version—hard, tough, and it doesn’t need refrigeration. It’s also probably been hanging in a barn for a year. Don’t be afraid of it. Just slice it paper-thin or you’ll break a tooth.
How to Cook and Glaze a Ham