Where to Find and Purchase Authentic Ossian Hams: A Complete Guide

Ossian hams have a legendary reputation for their unparalleled smoky, savory flavor. But with their production limited to a single company based in Indiana, you may be wondering – where can I actually buy an Ossian ham?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover:

• An overview of Ossian Hams
• Where to buy online and in stores
• What to look for in an authentic Ossian ham
• Best practices for cooking and serving

Let’s start with what makes the Ossian ham so special.

Overview of Ossian Hams

Ossian hams are produced by Ossian Smoked Meats, a family-owned company operating since 1939 in Ossian, Indiana. Here are some key facts:

• Cured and smoked using a secret multi-day process handing down three generations. The exact blend of curing spices remains a mystery.
• Three main varieties: old fashioned bone-in, premium bone-in, and boneless deli-style
• Sold fresh, not pre-cooked. They require additional preparation before eating.
• Available sizes range from petite 3 lb hams to colossal 20 lb hams.
• Ossian ships their hams nationwide directly through their website.

The rich, smoky flavor of an Ossian ham develops over nearly a week of careful smoking using hardwoods like hickory. They remain one of America’s last true artisanal smoked hams crafted on a small-scale versus mass production.

Where to Buy Ossian Hams Online

Ossian makes purchasing their hams direct online a breeze through their e-commerce website

• OssianSmokedMeats,com – Order all sizes and varieties of Ossian hams along with other smoked meats for delivery nationwide,

• Amazon – Search for “Ossian” in the grocery category to find select hams. Limited compared to their main website.

• Specialty food sites – Occasionally featured on Goldbelly.com, HickoryFarms.com, and other specialty food e-tailers. Stock varies.

When ordering online directly from Ossian, shipping timing ranges from 1-3 days for Midwest orders to 1-2 weeks for far away coastal deliveries. Order by their March shipping deadline to receive hams in time for Easter.

Where to Find Ossian Hams In Grocery Stores

While Ossian manages retail distribution themselves instead of using brokers, their hams may still be found in select specialty food stores and higher-end grocers. Known stockists include:

• Fresh Thyme Farmers Market – Midwest and Chicago locations
• Heinen’s Fine Foods – Ohio and Illinois locations
• Busseto Foods – California
• Kitchen Kettle Foods – Pennsylvania
• Whole Foods Market – Occasional seasonal availability around holidays

Check with your quality local butcher shop or specialty grocer to see if they can source and order Ossian hams. Having a trusted local retailer carry them can be a great way to get smaller sizes more regularly.

What to Look for When Buying an Authentic Ossian Ham

With Ossian hams growing in popularity, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting the real deal from Ossian Smoked Meats versus an imitator product. Signs of authenticity include:

• The Ossian brand name and logo prominently displayed
• A quality stamp dated for when it was produced
• The words “Product of USA” indicated
• A smoky aroma and deep, rich meat color
• Adequate fat and marbling throughout – should not be extremely lean
• Packaged in their signature old-fashioned waxed paper
• An intact hind shank and aitch bone on bone-in varieties

Review any product photos closely before purchase and ask questions to sellers if something seems amiss.

Best Practices for Cooking and Serving Ossian Hams

Once you have your prized Ossian ham, you’ll want to handle it with care through prep and cooking to appreciate its quality:

• Keep refrigerated below 40°F until ready to cook. Do not freeze.
• Allow ample defrosting time when cooking from fully frozen. Up to 7 days recommended in the fridge.
• Follow recipes for your specific type of ham to calculate cook times. A meat thermometer for doneness is recommended.
• Glaze and bake instead of boiling for maximum flavor. Brown sugar glazes complement the smoky notes nicely.
• Rest at least 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
• Carve thin across the grain in smooth, even slices.
• Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge and eat within 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.

From spectacular holiday feasts to everyday meals, you’ll be amazed at the incredibly moist, succulent texture and savory taste of real deal Ossian hams when you follow proper handling. Treasure and savor these artisanal smoked meats just as generations of families have.

Enjoy Your Authentic Ossian Ham!

Here’s to gathering around the table with loved ones to continue time-honored traditions. For your next special occasion, make it an Ossian ham at the centerpiece!