Country ham holds a special place in the culinary traditions of the American South. But this intensely salty, dry-cured meat often raises questions – can you eat country ham raw like prosciutto? Is it safe? What’s the best way to prepare it? Let’s explore the world of country ham and see if it’s okay to eat it uncooked.
What Exactly is Country Ham?
Country ham refers to a style of cured ham native to the Southern United States It differs from a classic “city” ham in a few key ways
- It’s dry-cured rather than wet-brined, using higher amounts of salt
- Aged for a longer period, losing up to 25% of its weight
- Has a more intense, concentrated salty flavor
- Can be shelf-stable without refrigeration when unopened
The dry-curing process involves rubbing the pork leg with salt and storing it for weeks to draw out moisture This preserves the meat and creates that distinctive country ham flavor.
After curing, the ham may be smoked or aged further A coating of mold naturally develops on the outside. Country ham needs to be scrubbed and soaked before cooking to remove excess salt
Is It Safe to Eat Country Ham Raw?
The short answer is yes, you can eat country ham completely raw. The lengthy dry-curing process makes the meat safe to consume uncooked. But there are a few safety guidelines to keep in mind:
- Purchase country ham from reputable, trusted sources
- Check for signs of improper curing like mold deep inside meat
- Thoroughly scrub off exterior mold before eating
- Slice off only what you plan to eat immediately
- Refrigerate promptly after opening
Consuming raw meat always carries some degree of risk. Proper handling is key to avoiding any bacterial contamination. People more vulnerable to foodborne illness may want to avoid uncooked country ham.
How is Country Ham Traditionally Enjoyed?
Most Southern cooks prepare country ham by boiling or baking it to mellow the intense saltiness. Soaking for hours beforehand helps draw out excess salt. The ham may be simmered in water, ginger ale, cola or other liquids.
Glazes made with brown sugar or molasses are also popular ways to balance the salt and highlight the pork flavor. Baked country ham is often served for holidays and special gatherings.
However, country ham connoisseurs insist the best way to enjoy this specialty pork is to slice it paper thin and eat it raw. The technique is similar to fine Italian prosciuttos. The thin slices melt in your mouth with a concentrated pork essence.
Tips for Eating Country Ham Raw
Follow these tips for safely enjoying raw country ham:
- Seek out high-quality, artisanal country hams
- Scrub mold off exterior before slicing
- Use a very sharp knife or meat slicer for thin slices
- Limit portions to 2-3 ounces due to high sodium
- Pair with fruits, jams or pickles to balance saltiness
- Refrigerate opened package; use within 3-5 days
Small nibbles allow you to appreciate the intense country ham flavor. Take your time savoring the crispy yet tender meat.
What is the Nutritional Value of Country Ham?
A 3 ounce serving of country ham contains [1]:
- Calories: 153
- Total fat: 4g
- Sodium: 1,328mg – over half your daily value!
- Protein: 19g
So while country ham provides lean protein, it also packs very high sodium content. This can pose health risks if consumed in excess. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Are There Any Health Risks With Eating Raw Country Ham?
There are some health risks to keep in mind with consuming raw country ham:
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Bacterial contamination – Raw meats can contain Salmonella, Listeria, E. Coli and other pathogens. Proper handling is crucial.
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High sodium – The salt content in country ham may exacerbate hypertension and increase disease risks.
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Nitrates – Some curing processes use sodium nitrite, which can form cancer-causing compounds.
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Parasites – Raw meat may contain Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis.
In general, country ham is considered safe for healthy adults when properly prepared. But children, elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems may want to avoid raw meat.
Healthier Alternatives to Raw Country Ham
If you love the salty, savory flavor but want to skip uncooked country ham, here are some alternatives:
- Baked or boiled ham
- Prosciutto or smoked turkey breast
- Jamón serrano, pancetta or salami
- Low-sodium deli meats
- Sprinkle of smoked paprika for smoky flavor
Cooking country ham mellows the saltiness while still providing delicious flavor. And you can get creative capturing that salty umami taste with plant-based ingredients too.
The Takeaway on Eating Raw Country Ham
Traditional dry-curing makes it possible to safely eat country ham completely uncooked. For the true Southern purist, paper-thin slices deliver an intensely porky, salty flavor. However, the high sodium content means raw country ham should be enjoyed in moderation.
If you’re new to country ham, try it baked or boiled first. But with proper handling and care, biting into a slice of country ham “raw” allows you to experience this regional delicacy at its finest.
Cutting into a Traditionaly Cured Country Ham after 22 months!
FAQ
Does country ham need to be cooked?
Can you eat country ham right out of the package?
Can you eat salt cured country ham without Cooking?
Is it safe to eat uncooked ham?
Can country ham be cooked raw?
No, simply drying or curing country ham is not enough to make it safe to eat raw. Proper cooking to an internal temperature of 160°F is still required even for very aged country ham to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses. How can you tell when country ham is fully cooked?
Is ham gluten free?
Ham naturally by itself is gluten-free. Although, many companies made their ham with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. So, you must prefer brands that indicate they are gluten-free on the packaging.
Can you eat country ham uncooked?
Country ham differs in that the salt and aging process doesn’t make it safe for eating raw. Prosciutto and jamón serrano undergo specialized curing that allows them to be consumed uncooked, but country ham requires cooking for safety. Can you eat country ham dried but not cooked?
Do Americans eat ham cooked?
Americans typically eat their country hams cooked (overcooked, in fact –turning them into salt licks), just as we’ve traditionally prepared the more common brined city hams. We inherited this practice from the British.
