The Ultimate Guide to Buying Jinhua Ham in Singapore

Jinhua ham, also known as Jin Hua ham, is a type of dry-cured ham from China that is a highly sought after delicacy. With its deep umami flavor, supple texture and striking red color, Jinhua ham is a stellar addition to various Chinese dishes. However, finding authentic and high-quality Jinhua ham can be challenging, especially in Singapore.

In this comprehensive guide I will share insider tips on how to identify and buy authentic Jinhua ham in Singapore. Whether you are looking for the ham to enjoy at home or to gift friends and family this guide has all the information you need to become a Jinhua ham expert!

Let’s first understand what sets Jinhua ham apart:

• Named after Jinhua city in China’s Zhejiang province, this ham has over 1500 years of history

• It is made by dry curing pork hind legs with salt and rice wine. The curing process takes at least 6 months.

• Authentic Jinhua ham has a brilliant red color and a bold aroma

• It has a dense texture that is supple and moist. When sliced thinly, the ham almost melts in the mouth.

• The flavor profile is savory, slightly sweet and full of umami. It is much more intense than Western hams.

• Jinhua ham is served raw and used to flavor various dishes in Chinese cooking. It is also enjoyed plain with congee or fried rice.

Now that you know what makes Jinhua ham so prized, let’s see where you can buy it in Singapore.

Where to Buy Jinhua Ham in Singapore

Here are the best places to purchase Jinhua ham locally:

Chinese Supermarkets and Wet Markets

Head to large Chinese supermarkets like those in Chinatown to browse their deli sections. Well-stocked wet markets also offer fresh Jinhua ham slices. Go early in the day for the best selection. Recommended places include:

• Chinatown Complex Wet Market & Food Centre
• Maxwell Food Centre
• Tiong Bahru Market
• People’s Park Complex Food Centre
• Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

Specialty Grocery Shops

Several specialty shops in Singapore sell premium imported Jinhua ham. Though expensive, you can be assured of their authenticity. Some recommended shops are:

• Jia Fu Wei Imported Foodstuff
• Hung Long Provisions
• Seng Kee Black Chicken Herbal Soup
• Ocean Provisions
• FairPrice Finest outlets

Online Shops and E-Commerce Sites

For convenience, head online to order Jinhua ham for home delivery. Reputable specialty online shops sell vacuum-packed Jinhua ham with transparent origins. For ease, check:

• RedMan Shop
• OmniPork
• Joyce’s MarketPlace
• Golden Food Products
• Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks

Commercial Distributors

Hotels, restaurants and catering companies source Jinhua ham from commercial food distributors in Singapore. While not open to the public, some of them like Lim Chee Guan, Tam Kah Seafood and Hua Yu Wee Seafood do offer retail sales if you contact them directly.

5 Tips to Choose Authentic Jinhua Ham in Singapore

Follow these insider tips to pick only the best quality Jinhua ham in Singapore:

1. Check the Appearance

• Authentic Jinhua ham has a striking blood-red color without black spots.

• It should have white fat marbling instead of yellow fat streaks.

• The ham should be properly trimmed without ragged edges or excess fat.

2. Smell for a Savory Aroma

• Good Jinhua ham has a rich savory smell, not an offensive odor.

• It should not smell very salty. A mild fragrance denotes quality curing.

3. Look for a Smooth and Supple Texture

• High quality ham slices feel smooth, silky and moist.

• There should be no dryness or gritty areas.

• It should be tender but still have some chew. Not rubbery.

**4. Taste for Complex Flavor **

• Real Jinhua ham has a melt-in-the-mouth texture with rich umami depth.

• It tastes slightly sweet and salty, without a harsh or bitter aftertaste.

• The flavor improves the longer you chew, releasing meaty essence.

5. Check Transparent Sourcing

• Buy Jinhua ham from reputable sellers who can vouch for authenticity.

• The origin, ingredients, processing method and expiry date should be clearly specified.

How Much Does Jinhua Ham Cost in Singapore?

The price of Jinhua ham in Singapore ultimately depends on factors like:

• Brand reputation
• Source and aging period
• Quality grade
• Retailer markup
• Import costs

On average, you can expect to pay:

• $15 – $25 per 100g at wet markets and regular supermarkets
• $30 – $50 per 100g at specialty food stores
• $60 – $100 for ultra premium Jinhua ham

For an authentic experience, expect to pay a higher price. It balances out since you need just a little ham to flavor dishes.

How to Store Jinhua Ham Properly at Home

Preserve the deliciousness of your Jinhua ham with proper storage:

• Keep the original packaging until you are ready to use it.

• Once opened, wrap ham tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper.

• Store in the coldest part of the fridge away from foods with strong odors.

• Use within 2 weeks for highest quality.

• Discard if you notice any sliminess, stickiness or strange smells.

With the right techniques, you can enjoy the intense flavor of Jinhua ham for weeks without waste.

Enjoying Jinhua Ham in Singapore Cuisine

Once you have sourced some authentic Jinhua ham, here are some ways to enjoy it:

• Thinly slice ham and eat it plain with congee or fried rice for breakfast.

• Add it to dumpling fillings, fried rice and noodle dishes for a flavor boost.

• Use it to wrap ingredients like asparagus before steaming or stir-frying.

• Dice it finely and add to soups and vegetable dishes as a seasoning.

• Bake ham strips until crispy as a topping over congee, noodles or salad.

• Use ham stock made from the bones to cook rice, vegetables or poach chicken.

With its rich aroma and sweet-salty flavor, Jinhua ham brings an indulgent taste of luxury to everyday Chinese meals. This definitive guide to buying Jinhua ham in Singapore has all the insider secrets to finding and enjoying authentic Jinhua ham.