Ham is a traditional centerpiece of many holiday meals But what about that layer of skin surrounding the juicy ham meat? Is it ok to eat ham skin or is it best to discard it? This is a polarizing topic among home cooks, Some people love the unique taste and texture of crispy ham skin, Others find it unappetizingly tough and chewy
So should you eat that ham skin or toss it in the trash? I’m going to walk through everything you need to know about enjoying ham skin safely and deliciously. Let’s dig in to the world of pork rinds!
What is Ham Skin Exactly?
First it helps to understand what ham skin actually is. Ham is a cured and smoked pork product, usually from the hind leg of a pig. Pork skin surrounds the leg cut to protect the meat. This outer layer is typically thick and tough.
Grocery store hams often have an added artificial “rind” or skin around them. This helps the ham retain moisture but is too thick to eat Home cooks need to remove this fake skin and outer fat layer before cooking a store-bought ham
What’s left is a thin, paper-like layer of natural skin and fat. This can crisp up nicely when roasted and adds texture. The skin also helps glazes and seasoning mixtures stick to the ham.
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Artificial rind – tough layer around store-bought ham to remove before cooking
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Natural skin – thin, edible layer of pork skin and fat
Can You Eat Ham Skin? Safety Tips
The USDA confirms that it is safe to eat ham skin [1]. However, to avoid any risks, it’s smart to take proper safety precautions:
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Cook thoroughly – Heat ham skin to at least 145°F internally to kill bacteria. Use a meat thermometer.
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Refrigerate promptly – Store ham skin and other leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature.
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Wash hands and surfaces – Clean hands, countertops, cutting boards, knives, etc after handling to prevent cross-contamination.
As long as you follow basic food prep guidelines, ham skin is safe for most people to eat. Those at higher risk for foodborne illness like young children, elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems may want to avoid it though.
Is Ham Skin Healthy? Nutrition Facts
While tasty, ham skin is high in fat and sodium. A 3 oz serving of roasted ham skin contains [2]:
- Calories: 210
- Total fat: 16g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Protein: 12g
The majority of calories and fat in ham skin come from saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat raises LDL “bad” blood cholesterol levels, increasing heart disease risk [3].
Ham skin is also very high in sodium due to the curing process. Consuming excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure.
So while ham skin has some nutritional value from its protein, it should be enjoyed in moderation. Focus on consuming lean meats and plant-based proteins as the bulk of your diet.
What Does Ham Skin Taste Like? Flavor and Texture
Okay, but enough about nutrition stats! What does devoured pork skin actually taste and feel like in your mouth?
When cooked properly, ham skin develops a lovely crispy, crackly texture with each bite. It provides a satisfying crunch contrasted against the tender, juicy ham meat.
Flavor-wise, ham skin tastes quite meaty and salty, with subtle smoky and savory notes. It makes sense that ham skin would share the smoky ham essence since it envelopes and protects the meat during curing and smoking.
The rich taste and crispy mouthfeel make ham skin a craveable treat for pork fanatics. It’s like bacon’s crispy cousin from the leg cut of the pig.
How to Cook Ham Skin for Maximum Crispness
Now let’s get into the best techniques for cooking ham skin so it achieves that ideal crackling texture. Here are some preparation tips:
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Remove rind – Use a sharp knife to slice off the thick artificial rind around a store-bought ham before cooking.
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Score skin – Make shallow cuts in a crosshatch or diamond pattern with a sharp knife to help fat render.
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Dry out – Pat ham skin very dry with paper towels before cooking to aid crispness.
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Add acid – Coat skin with pineapple juice, lemon slices or other acidic ingredients to help break down collagen.
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Bake uncovered – Roasting uncovered at 400°F allows moisture to escape so skin can get perfectly crispy.
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Turn broiler on – At end of baking time, broil ham for 2-3 minutes to finalize crisping of skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Rest before slicing – Let ham sit at least 10 minutes before cutting so skin firms up after cooking.
Follow these tips and your ham skin will bake up with an incredibly satisfying, crispy, crackly texture and mouthwatering flavor.
What About Eating Leftover Ham Skin?
Leftover ham will likely have soft, pliable skin rather than crispy. Unfortunately ham skin does not reheat well. Reheating causes it to become rubbery and lose that delicious crispy texture.
If you have leftover ham skin, it’s best to use it immediately after the initial cooking. You can fry up the skin in a skillet to recrisp it. Just don’t plan on reheating already crisped skin after refrigerating.
Of course, crispy ham skin rarely lasts long enough to become leftovers! It makes a tasty addition to ham sandwiches, salads, omelets and more.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Ham Skin
If you do end up with leftover ham skin, there are plenty of ways to use it up:
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Chop into crunchy topping for casseroles, pasta bakes and potato dishes
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Render the fat to use for cooking
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Mix into dry bean dishes and soups for smoky flavor
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Cook with collard greens, turnip greens or other hardy greens
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Feed small pieces to dogs as an occasional treat
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Use leftover skin and fat to add rich flavor to cornbread or biscuits
Don’t let that leftover ham skin go to waste. Get creative with recipes to use up every last bit.
Should You Avoid Eating Ham Skin?
Certain individuals may want to avoid eating ham skin:
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Vegetarians/vegans – Ham skin is an animal product. Stick with plant-based proteins and fats instead.
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Religious restrictions – Certain faiths prohibit pork consumption. Always respect your own religious food customs.
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Health conditions – People with gout, diabetes or hypertension may need to limit high sodium meats. Consult your doctor.
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Pregnancy – Pregnant women are advised to avoid luncheon meats to limit risk of listeria. Ham skin falls into this category.
While most people can safely eat ham skin in moderation, individuals with specific dietary needs or restrictions should consider avoiding it.
Healthier Alternatives to Ham Skin
If you love the salty, smoky flavor of ham skin but want a healthier option, try these substitutes:
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Turkey or chicken skin – More lean skin options, but still provide crunch
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Bacon – A little goes a long way for big flavor
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Mushrooms – Portobello or shiitake mushrooms can mimic meaty texture
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Roasted chickpeas or nuts – Get crunch from plant-based sources
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Smoked paprika – Adds smoky flavor without the fat
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Seaweed snacks – Salty, crispy, low-calorie substitute
With a little creativity, you can find alternatives to highlight your favorite aspects of ham skin. Focus on that satisfying crunch!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Skin
Here are answers to some common questions about eating ham skin:
Is it safe to eat ham skin?
Yes, ham skin is safe to eat if fully cooked to 145°F and properly handled. Take care to prevent cross-contamination.
Should you eat the skin on spiral cut ham?
No, spiral cut hams have an inedible artificial rind that should be removed before eating.
Can you eat ham skin if pregnant?
It’s best for pregnant women to avoid luncheon meats like ham skin due to risk of listeria.
Is the skin part of a ham good for you?
While ham skin has some nutritional value, it’s very high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Enjoy in moderation.
What’s the black stuff on ham?
The black coating on some hams is an external mold that forms during curing. It’s harmless but should be scraped off before eating the ham.
The Takeaway on Eating Ham Skin
Ham skin can be an indulgent treat that adds delicious flavor, crispy texture and visual appeal to your holiday ham. For the best texture and taste, remove the inedible rind before cooking. Then use acidic ingredients and high heat to help the skin become crispy and crackly when bitten.
Keep in mind that ham skin is high in fat and sodium. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Leftover ham skin can be used creatively in other dishes but does not reheat well after refrigerating.
Not everyone will enjoy the texture of ham skin. But with proper preparation, it can transform your ham into a five star main course. Crispy, salty, smoky ham skin can be a highlight of your holiday meals.
So don’t be afraid to give ham skin a chance using these helpful tips! With an open mind and skilled cooking techniques, even ham skin skeptics may become converts.