Does Ginger Ale Actually Remove Salt from Ham?

A juicy glazed ham is often the crowning jewel of many holiday feasts and special occasion meals, But the salty flavor from the curing process can sometimes overpower the other flavors This has led some home cooks and food bloggers to tout ginger ale as a magical elixir that can remove excess saltiness from ham But is there any truth to this? Let’s analyze the science and evidence behind using ginger ale to de-salt ham,

Does Soaking Ham in Ginger Ale Work?

The idea behind using ginger ale is that the carbonation acidity sugar, and ginger flavor help neutralize or mask the intense salty flavor within the meat. Recipes often call for soaking the raw ham in ginger ale for several hours before cooking.

Anecdotal reports from home cooks suggest that ginger ale-soaked hams turn out less salty than expected. The ginger ale appears to help draw out some of the salty curing agents from the meat. The sugar also balances the saltiness on the palate.

However, there are no scientific studies formally testing the effects of ginger ale on ham’s sodium levels. The evidence is limited to personal accounts. While promising, more research is needed to conclusively state that ginger ale reduces salt content in ham.

Does Ginger Ale Remove Enough Salt to Impact Health?

While ginger ale may subjectively make ham taste less salty, it is unlikely to remove enough sodium to make a meaningful impact on the nutritional content.

According to the USDA, a 3-ounce serving of cured ham contains around 1,500mg of sodium. For context, the American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to no more than 2,300mg per day.

Given the high sodium levels in cured ham, soaking it briefly in ginger ale is unlikely to remove a significant portion of the salt that’s diffused throughout the meat.

So while ginger ale may mask saltiness, other methods like soaking in water, rinsing, or cooking in fresh water likely remove more actual sodium from the ham.

Other Benefits of Soaking Ham in Ginger Ale

Though unproven for reducing salt, soaking ham in ginger ale can provide other benefits:

Adds flavor – The ginger ale infuses the ham with citrusy, gingery notes and sweetness. This can enhance the overall flavor.
Keeps it moist – The carbonation provides moisture, keeping the ham tender when cooking.
Tenderizes meat – Acidity helps break down muscle fibers.
Prevents drying out – Sugar content promotes caramelization and browning.
Makes a tasty sauce or glaze – Reduced ginger ale makes a sweet and tangy glaze.

How to Soak Ham in Ginger Ale

If you wish to experiment with ginger ale-soaked ham, here is a simple process:

Choose a 2-liter bottle of ginger ale. Avoid diet or zero-sugar varieties.
Place ham in a container where it can be fully submerged in ginger ale.
Refrigerate for 6-8 hours, rotating occasionally. The longer it soaks, the more flavor infused.
Remove ham, pat dry, and cook as desired.
To use remaining ginger ale, simmer to reduce into a glaze.

Note that for best food safety, it’s ideal to soak ham that is fully cooked or cured rather than raw pork.

Other Tips for Reducing Sodium in Ham

If your goal is to lower the sodium levels in ham, here are some other effective methods to try:

Soak ham in water for 1-2 hours prior to cooking to draw out salt.
Rinse raw ham under cool water before and after soaking to wash away curing agents on the surface.
Cook ham in fresh water rather than reusing brine or curing liquid.
Choose lower-sodium ham when buying pre-cooked or deli hams.
Opt for fresh uncured ham which is not injected with a salty brine.
Flavor ham with herbs, spices, fruits, and sugar instead of relying solely on salt for flavor.

Healthiest Ways to Enjoy Ham

Ham can absolutely be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Here are some tips:

Stick to reasonable serving sizes, such as 2-3 oz per person.
Opt for less processed versions like fresh uncured ham.
Incorporate plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other fresh foods.
Roast, grill, or pan-fry instead of serving cold deli-style.
Partner with high potassium foods to counterbalance sodium.
Accompany with salad greens, pineapple, or sweet potatoes to balance flavors.

The Verdict on Ginger Ale

While soaking in ginger ale may provide some benefits to flavor and moisture, it is unlikely to significantly reduce the sodium levels in cured ham. For lowering salt content, plain water methods seem more effective. However, ginger ale can still be a fun way to impart holiday flair if you don’t mind the sodium content. Combine with other sodium-lowering techniques for best results. Most importantly, be sure to enjoy your holiday ham in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.

Does boiling ham remove salt?

FAQ

How do you get the salt out of a ham?

Reducing the Salt Place the ham in a large bowl or pot and pour cold water over it until it is covered. Let it soak in the fridge overnight to give time for the salt to soak out into the water. Remove the ham from the water and pat it dry with a paper towel before heating it in the oven.

Does ginger ale help remove salt from ham?

I soak mine in ginger ale overnight and find it removes a good portion of the salt. Does boiling cooked ham in milk remove the salt? Nothing completely removes the salt. Soaking or boiling it in any unsalted liquid should dilute the flavor content of the ham, including salt.

Does coke remove salt from ham?

Cured country hams can be cooked with sweet beverages, like ginger ale, champagne, or, in this case, Coca-Cola, to counteract their salty character.

Does pineapple take the salt out of ham?

“Typically, when you’re doing a country ham, you need something sweet to neutralize the ham’s saltiness, and pineapple does this really well.” And it’s not just me and Benton: Pineapple shows up in ham recipes—atop the ham, in glazes slicking the ham, in shield-your-eyes versions of fried rice—the world over.