Curing ham is one of the most popular foods around the world. There are several methods to accomplish this, and learning new approaches and concepts is always exciting. However, there are some common factors that you should consider when looking to start your own cured ham business.
Dry curing vs. wet curing
Dry curing and wet curing are two techniques used to produce cured ham. Both have high-quality meat, but there are some essential differences.
The dry curing process is used most often for cured hams. It involves coating the meat with a salt mixture, which draws moisture out. In this way, the final product is more flavorful and dense.
Wet curing, on the other hand, entails submerging the meat in a brine solution. This method works well for more minor cuts of beef. However, it is much faster and produces a more flavorful result.
Unlike dry curing, wet curing requires refrigeration. Therefore, the refrigerator is the ideal temperature for the curing process.
In addition, wet curing has the advantage of allowing the chef to control the humidity of the meat. By controlling the moisture, the curing process is more stable.
As a result, this method is also quicker than dry curing. But it does require more space, and the meat may develop a funky taste if not kept in a controlled environment.
Dry vs. wet vs. aged
Two main types of ham can be gift ideas: dry and wet cured. They vary in color, thickness, flavor, and price.
Dry-cured hams are frequently cut thinly. This ham is most commonly served at room temperature. However, it may be cooked or smoked as well.
The ham is made from the hind thigh of a hog. It is coated in salt and left to dry. Unlike other meats, ham is bacteriologically stable.
Depending on how the ham is cured, it can be smoked or cooked. Hams are sometimes used in toasted sandwiches or sliced to make a Cubano sandwich.
Wet-cured hams are typically cooked before being sold. In most cases, ham is soaked in brine for days, then smoked.
When selecting a cured ham, look for the label on the packaging. The FDA requires that a ham be labeled for health reasons. Often, ham is packaged in paper to prevent rotting.
Preparation
Curing ham is a process that involves injecting fresh ham with brine. The brine will kill bacteria and preserve the meat. Brine can be made from salt or flavorings such as sugar or potassium chloride.
Before starting curing, clean the ham thoroughly and trim excess fat. Then, rinse the meat with cold water. If possible, hang the ham to allow better moisture drainage.
The cured ham is cooked to an internal temperature of 150 F. It then dries to an internal temperature of 65 C. This process takes about 18 days for a medium-sized ham.
Hams are an excellent source of calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamine. They also contain reasonable amounts of protein.
Sodium or potassium nitrite is a common preservative used to cure ham. Nitrites prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause botulism.
Hams can be stored for up to one year. They should be checked monthly to ensure that insects or rodents do not impact them.
Cure vs. smoke
Curing and smoking are different processes, requiring different cooking temperatures and lengths of preparation. Regardless of which method you choose, good sanitation is a must in all phases of curing.
Brine and smoke are both a part of the process of curing ham. Brine, in particular, adds a flavorful salty component to the ham. It is because potassium nitrate or saltpeter is present.
Smoking, on the other hand, adds the benefit of heat. It will add an extra layer of smoke, enhancing the overall flavor of the ham. However, the process of smoking takes longer to complete.
Depending on the cut of meat and how you want to treat it, you can choose between the two techniques. Smoked ham is generally more flavorful and less salty than cured ham. You may bake the ham in the oven if you aren’t a smoker.
To properly cure a ham, you need to use a curing calculator. It will determine how long the cure should last.