You may have noticed turkey ham sitting in the deli aisle of your grocery store and thought to yourself: What in the world is that? At first glance, it makes about as much sense as a product labeled “chicken beef” or “salmon pork” — and besides, ham is legally required to be made with the thigh meat of a pig. But rest assured, turkey ham is made from turkey. Theres no pork in it.
Its a similar type of confusion as the kind associated with almond milk and other non-dairy milk alternatives. According to a 1976 New York Times report, turkey ham caused legal troubles with pork producers similar to the ones non-dairy milks have had with dairy companies today. Obviously, turkey ham was able to keep its name, or we wouldnt know it as such today. But turkey ham products are now required to include a subheading of “cured turkey thigh meat” as a result of those legal troubles — just to clarify exactly what it is.
Turkey ham is a mysterious deli meat that often leaves people wondering, “What in the world is that?” After all, it seems about as logical as something labeled “chicken beef” or “salmon pork.” By law, ham must contain pork, so how can turkey ham exist? I’m here to clear up the confusion around this curious creation.
I’ve done extensive research on the history, production, taste and uses for turkey ham. After reading this guide, you’ll be a turkey ham expert ready to find and enjoy this tasty processed meat. Let’s dive in!
What Is Turkey Ham?
Turkey ham is a fully cooked, ready-to-eat deli meat made primarily from turkey. Despite the name it contains no pork. Turkey ham is created from turkey thigh meat that is cured smoked, cooked and often sliced. It’s essentially turkey crafted to mimic the taste, texture and appearance of traditional ham.
Brands like Jennie-O, Butterball and Oscar Mayer make turkey ham products labeled as “cured turkey thigh meat.” It provides a lower-fat, lower-sodium alternative to regular ham.
A Brief History of Turkey Ham’s Origins
Turkey ham was invented in 1975 by Jennie-O, a major turkey product company. They collaborated with Robert C. Baker, an influential agriculture scientist, to develop this new spin on deli meat.
Jennie-O’s turkey ham was immediately popular as a healthier ham alternative. However, the terminology angered pork producers. In the early 1980s, the American Meat Institute tried to ban the use of “turkey ham,” arguing it misled consumers.
The term stuck, but today turkey ham packaging must clarify it contains cured turkey to avoid confusion That’s why you’ll see “cured turkey thigh meat” on the label
How Turkey Ham Is Made
To make turkey ham, thigh meat from turkeys is first deboned. It’s injected with a wet cure solution containing water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite and other ingredients.
Wet curing diffuses the mixture deep into the meat, similar to how traditional ham is prepared. After curing, the turkey is cooked thoroughly to finish the process.
Smoked paprika, brown sugar, honey and other flavorings are often added to make it taste like conventional ham. The finished product is formed into a classic ham shape.
Turkey Ham’s Taste and Texture
Bite into a slice of turkey ham and you’ll notice the predominant flavors are salt and smoke. There’s a subtle sweetness and smoky, spicy hint from paprika. The texture is pleasantly chewy without being tough.
Overall, the flavors and texture closely mimic traditional sliced ham. Subtle differences come from the fact that it’s made from turkey, but the eating experience is nearly identical.
How to Cook and Eat Turkey Ham
Turkey ham lends itself to any recipe calling for regular ham. You can swap it into sandwiches, omelets, salads, pasta bakes and more. It’s already fully cooked, so all you need to do is heat it up or enjoy it cold.
If you buy sliced turkey ham at the deli, it’s perfect for easy sandwiches. I love it on toasted bread with cheese, lettuce and mustard. For breakfast, add diced turkey ham to scrambled eggs or wraps.
When preparing recipes, turkey ham can be substituted 1:1 for recipes calling for ham. Its flavor won’t be overpowering in sweet or strongly seasoned dishes.
Nutrition Information and Health Impacts
A 2-ounce serving of turkey ham provides 7-10 grams of protein. It also contains some potassium, iron, cholesterol and fat.
However, turkey ham is very high in sodium – nearly half your daily recommended amount! It also carries risks of listeria, as all deli meats do.
As a processed meat, excessive turkey ham consumption may be unhealthy. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Pregnant women should avoid it due to listeria concerns.
Where to Buy Turkey Ham
Turkey ham can be found pre-packaged or at the deli counter of most major grocery stores. Brands like Jennie-O, Oscar Mayer and Butterball are widely available. Check your grocer’s website to see if they carry it.
You can also find turkey ham at butcher shops, warehouse stores or order it online. Smaller specialty brands provide artisanal versions with premium ingredients.
Turkey Ham vs. Regular Ham
While turkey ham mimics traditional ham in many ways, there are some key differences:
- Turkey ham is lower in fat and sodium
- It has a slightly softer, more delicate texture
- The flavor is less intense than traditional ham
- The pinkish color comes from paprika instead of the pork cure
For those avoiding pork or red meat, turkey ham provides a near identical substitute. If you love regular ham, give the turkey version a taste test!
Satisfy Your Curiosity with Turkey Ham
Don’t be afraid to get creative with recipes using this adaptable processed meat. Now that you know what to expect from turkey ham, it’s time to dig in and savor the flavors!
How to cook with turkey ham
When purchased as deli slices, turkey ham is most often used in sandwiches. Grab some bread, some of your favorite toppings, and some mayonnaise — and there you go. But just because the classic use of turkey ham is a sandwich doesnt mean you cant get creative. Turkey ham can be incorporated into mashed potatoes, pasta salads, and omelets, too.
Of course, you can also try substituting turkey ham whenever you are making a recipe that calls for traditional ham. You may be familiar with the slight taste and texture differences between bacon and turkey bacon, and while the difference here isnt quite as extreme, there are similarities to how ham and turkey ham compare. They can otherwise be used fairly interchangeably. Turkey ham and traditional ham have similar textures, and since turkey ham is made with the same process as regular ham, they have similar flavors — so you likely wont even need to adjust your recipe if youre trying to swap one meat for the other.
How is turkey ham made?
Since turkey ham is made to imitate the flavor and texture of regular ham, its prepared in a similar way. Ham can be prepared in many different ways, but the birds eye view of the process of making boneless ham is that its cured, smoked, or both.
For turkey ham, the turkey thigh meat is first deboned. Its then cured by injecting a mixture of salt, sugar, sodium diacetate, sodium erythorbate, sodium phosphate, sodium nitrite, potassium lactate, and water into the meat. Curing meat is a process of food preservation that dates back to 3,000 B.C. There are both wet and dry curing methods; dry curing meat involves rubbing a mixture of salt and seasonings on the outside of the meat, while wet curing, though similar, adds water to make a brine. Turkey ham uses a wet method, as does traditional ham. The turkey is submerged in the brine and left to rest for several hours; afterward, the meat is cooked, completing the cure.
Turkey ham – A delicious pork ham alternative
FAQ
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