What is Tennessee Ham? A Guide to the State’s Famous Cured Pork

Tennessee is renowned for its mouthwatering, traditional country hams that have been produced in the state for generations From salty, aged country hams to sweet, maple-glazed city hams, Tennessee offers a wide variety of unique cured hams worth exploring

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Tennessee’s famous hams and what makes them so special,

Overview of Tennessee Ham

Tennessee ham refers to pork legs that are cured with salt, smoked and aged over long periods of time. This process preserves the meat while infusing robust complex flavors.

There are four main types of Tennessee ham:

• Country ham – Dry cured and smoked for months or years. Very salty.

• City ham – Shorter curing time than country ham. Milder flavor, often glazed.

• Smithfield-style – Similar process as country ham but unique spice blend.

• Prosciutto ham – Dry cured but not smoked. Aged at least 400 days.

No matter the variety, Tennessee hams share qualities like intense smoky, porky flavors and deep red hues from curing salts.

History and Tradition of Curing Ham in Tennessee

The history of ham production in Tennessee stretches back hundreds of years to pioneer days when curing pork was a means of preservation before refrigeration.

Over generations, unique curing techniques emerged in different regions of Tennessee, centered around factors like climate, available wood for smoking, and local tastes.

Today, many of the state’s iconic ham producers use time-honored traditions and family recipes passed down for over a century to craft these specialty meats.

What Makes Tennessee Ham Special

From the Berkshire hogs to the aging process, several factors contribute to Tennessee hams’ signature flavor and quality:

• Berkshire pork – The marbled meat has more flavor than commercial pork.

• Salt and spices – Dry rubbing salts penetrate deep for seasoning and curing.

• Smoking – Hardwood smoke adds bold, savory flavor over months.

• Aging – Year-long aging intensifies taste and provides tender texture.

• Climate – Tennessee’s humid climate is ideal for traditional curing.

True Tennessee country hams like those from Benton’s take at least a year to produce through careful heritage methods. This slow effort yields incredibly rich, complex pork flavor you can’t find anywhere else.

Popular Types of Tennessee Ham

While country ham may be the most famous, Tennessee produces various cured ham styles. Here are some of the most popular:

Dry Cured Country Hams

• Very heavily salted with bold, salty taste
• Aged for months to multiple years
• Includes brands like Benton’s, Father’s, and Newsom’s

City Hams

• Shorter curing times of 2-3 months
• More mildly flavored and less salty
• Often coated in maple glazes for sweetness
• Brands like Woodlands Pride and Hazelwood

Smithfield-Style Hams

• Similar dry curing as country ham with unique seasoning
• Aged around 6 months
• Brands include Clifty Farm and Edwards of Surry

Prosciutto Hams

• Delicately flavored Italian-style dry cured ham
• Not smoked, only air dried
• Aged for 400+ days
• Produced by select Tennessee prosciutto artisans

Within each category, producers use proprietary techniques that lend unique traits to the final ham.

How to Cook Tennessee Ham

Tennessee hams require special preparation unlike store-bought ham. Here are some tips:

• Soak very salty country hams overnight before cooking to reduce saltiness. Rinse well.

• Simmer in water for hours to soften the dense, dry meat.

• Bake, fry or broil until heated through.

• Glaze city hams and bake uncovered at 350°F until browned.

• For prosciutto, slice paper thin and serve at room temperature.

• Use country ham leftovers for flavoring beans, greens, soup and more.

With the proper cooking methods, you can enjoy the full depth of Tennessee ham flavors. Experiment to find your favorite preparations.

Where to Buy Tennessee Ham

From local stores to online shops, many retailers carry Tennessee hams. Some places to find top brands:

• Specialty meat markets or butcher shops

• Direct from producers online

• Select grocery stores like Whole Foods

• Specialty food stores in Tennessee

• Online mail order websites

Look for hams marketed as “Country of Origin: USA” and cured in Tennessee for authenticity. Prices vary based on type, age and producer ranging from $50 to over $400 per ham.

Taste Tennessee’s Ham Tradition

With its long heritage and distinct curing styles, Tennessee ham offers a truly unique pork product that every food lover should try. Whether salty country ham or sweet glazed city ham, the state’s producers craft hams bursting with old-fashioned Southern flavor. Savor a taste of Tennessee’s cured ham tradition on your next sandwich or charcuterie board!