Hickory Honey Ham: A Sweet and Smoky Treat

Hickory honey ham is a beloved type of cured and smoked ham that brings together two iconic flavor profiles – the sweetness of honey and the bold smokiness of hickory wood. This specialty ham has become a favorite for holidays and special occasions thanks to its finger-licking balance of savory, salty, smoky and slightly sweet flavors.

As both a honey ham devotee and amateur pitmaster myself, I was curious to learn all about how hickory honey ham is made and why it has such devoted fans. In this article we’ll explore the curing and smoking process behind this unique ham as well as its distinctive taste texture and best uses. Let’s dive into the sweet, smoky world of hickory honey ham!

A Two-Step Process: Curing and Smoking

Hickory honey ham is made using a specialized two-step process that first cures the raw ham with a honey mixture before smoking it over hickory wood chips Here’s a look at each stage

Step 1: Curing with Honey

Curing is the process of saturating the raw pork leg in a mixture of ingredients to impart flavor, improve preservation and enhance texture. For hickory honey ham, the curing solution contains:

• Honey – The star ingredient! This imparts a subtle sweetness and golden hue.

• Salt – Necessary for preservation and flavor enhancement.

• Sugars – For balancing the saltiness and adding sweetness.

• Spices and herbs – Provide complementary flavors like warm cinnamon.

The ham soaks in this honey-based blend anywhere from days to weeks depending on the size. The cure penetrates deep into the meat, lending sweetness and seasoning it.

Step 2: Smoking with Hickory Wood

Once cured, the hams are ready for old-fashioned pit smoking. They are hung in a smoker and infused with smoky flavor by burning hickory wood chips. This wood imparts a robust, earthy, bacon-like flavor.

The smoking time depends on the size of the ham, but typically ranges from 8-12 hours. This slow smoking fully permeates the ham with smoky essence and dries the exterior.

Distinctive Characteristics of Hickory Honey Ham

The special honey cure and hickory smoke lends hickory honey hams some unique traits:

• Dark mahogany color – The smoke imparts a lovely reddish-brown exterior.

• Subtle honey flavor – You get hints of sweetness without it being overpowering.

• Bold smoky taste – Hickory smoke makes its presence known loud and clear!

• Salt and spice flavors – The cure provides a salty punch and warm spices.

• Distinct smoky aroma – The exterior emanates an irresistible smoky smell.

• Tender and juicy – Curing and smoking enhances moisture.

• Slightly chewy texture – From the smoking process.

Overall, it’s a harmonious melding of sweet, salty, spicy and smoky flavors in one ham!

Best Uses for Hickory Honey Ham

This specialty ham lends itself well to certain serving styles:

• As a stunning centerpiece – Present a whole smoked ham at Easter or Christmas dinner for a wow factor.

• Sliced for sandwiches – The thin slices are perfect in sandwiches or rolls.

• Diced in main dishes – Try in casseroles, pasta, omelets, etc.

• Chopped in salads – Adds flavor, protein and texture to salads.

• On charcuterie boards – A crowd-pleaser alongside cheese, fruits, nuts, etc.

Because it’s pre-cooked, hickory honey ham can be enjoyed both cold and heated. Slice it thick for hearty sandwiches or thin for elegant appetizers. It’s especially nice glazed with some honey or brown sugar and baked to caramelized perfection.

Buying and Storing Hickory Honey Ham

You can find hickory honey ham in some specialty deli counters or order it online through retailers like Burgers’ Smokehouse. When buying, here are some tips:

• Inspect the labeling to ensure it’s cured with honey and smoked over hickory wood.

• Look for a rich reddish-brown color and check for a smoky aroma.

• Opt for minimal ingredients without lots of preservatives or additives.

• Choose the right size ham for your needs, like a half, whole or pre-sliced.

For storage, keep hickory honey ham refrigerated. Unsliced, it can last 1-2 weeks. Once sliced, consume within 3-5 days. Frozen, it will keep 4-6 months.

Health Considerations of Processed Meats

Like many cured and smoked meats, hickory honey ham is high in sodium, which is something to be mindful of. The nitrites used in processing also carry some health concerns. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats including ham as a carcinogen, though the cancer risk is small.

For healthy individuals, enjoying hickory honey ham in moderation as part of a balanced diet is considered fine. But those with high blood pressure or certain medical conditions may want to limit intake. Discretion is advised.

A Sweet and Smoky Treat

With its centuries-old roots, classic preparation method and unique flavor profile, it’s no wonder why hickory honey ham has remained a cherished specialty meat. Its distinctive blend of honeyed sweetness and smoky depth makes it a stellar choice to serve for holidays, game day or anytime you’re craving a delicious ham.

Next time you see hickory honey ham at the market, consider bringing one home to treat your family or guests. Just beware – once you taste it, you may quickly become a honey ham devotee yourself! Dig into this sweet and smoky delight and savor all its curative glory.