Where To Find The Best Johnston County Spiral Sliced Ham

As the holidays approach, many families look forward to celebrating with a delicious spiral sliced ham as the centerpiece of the meal For those in the know, Johnston County spiral sliced ham is widely considered one of the best on the market With its distinctive flavor and texture, this specialty ham has developed a devoted following over the years. But where can you find authentic Johnston County spiral sliced ham to grace your holiday table? Read on for a guide to locating this iconic southern ham.

A Little Background on Johnston County Hams

Johnston County North Carolina has a long tradition of artisanal country ham production dating back generations. The mild climate and abundant access to fresh water contributed to the area’s emergence as a hub for curing and smoking hams using time-honored techniques. By the mid-20th century Johnston County was famous for their cured hams, which became sought after delicacies.

The traditional way of curing a Johnston County ham starts with rubbing the fresh pork legs with salt and storing them for several weeks to draw out moisture. After a salt cure the hams are washed and then smoked using hickory wood. This imparts a distinctive smoky flavor. The hams hang to age for at least six months and sometimes longer for more complex flavor. The end result is a dry cured ham with a rich, nuanced taste.

The Rise of Spiral Sliced Johnston County Hams

While whole bone-in Johnston County hams are still produced in small batches, spiral sliced versions have become more common. This preparation involves spiral slicing the cured ham before packaging it. Not only does it make for attractive presentation, it allows for easier serving. The characteristic salty and smoky flavor comes through whether it is sliced ham or a whole bone-in ham.

For busy families, the convenience of spiral sliced ham is hard to beat. You can simply heat and serve—no need to laboriously carve up a whole ham at the table. The thin slices of meat ensure even cooking and moisture throughout. Whether for a holiday feast or Sunday dinner, spiral cut Johnston County ham delivers tried-and-true southern ham flavor with little fuss.

Where to Buy Genuine Johnston County Spiral Ham

Authentic Johnston County spiral hams are a premium product, but they are available from several online and retail sources. Here are some of the best places to buy:

Direct from Johnston County Hams

For the true connoisseur, buying directly from one of the Johnston County producers is ideal. This guarantees you are getting ham cured and smoked locally in the traditional manner. Companies like Johnston County Hams and Pate-Dawson Southern Traditions have online ordering available. Expect to pay premium prices, but the quality is worth it.

Mail Order Companies

Several online specialty food purveyors offer Johnston County spiral hams for shipment nationwide. Burgess Gourmet Foods has a selection of sizes and types, cured for different lengths of time. Broadbent’s and Colameco’s also ship Johnston County hams across the U.S. You’ll pay more for overnight shipping, but it guarantees the ham arrives fresh.

Select Grocery Stores

Your best bet for finding Johnston County spiral hams at grocery stores is in the South, but some chains do carry them nationally. Publix grocers throughout the southeast U.S. stock them seasonally. Harris Teeter locations from Virginia to Florida also regularly carry Johnston County brand hams. You may be able to special order one at your local specialty butcher as well.

Online Marketplaces

If you don’t live near stores that stock Johnston County hams, check online marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, or Instacart. Search for “Johnston County spiral” and you should find hams shipped frozen or fresh from third party sellers. This is a more affordable way to try a Johnston County ham if you don’t need it right away.

Pro tip: Call ahead to your local gourmet grocery store to ask if they can special order a Johnston County spiral ham for you. Many are happy to do so around the holidays when customers request premium hams.

What to Look for in an Authentic Johnston County Spiral Ham

With a prized specialty food like Johnston County ham, there are bound to be imitators trying to cash in on the famous name. Here are tips for making sure you get the real deal:

• Look for the Johnston County, NC designation. The ham should state it is a product of Johnston County on the labeling.

• Check for the deep pink/mahogany color. This is the signature color imparted by the traditional curing and smoking process.

• Look for some marbling in the meat. A little fat lacing through the ham indicates it is high quality pork.

• Smell the hickory smoke. An authentic Johnston County ham will have a distinctive smoky fragrence.

• Taste the salty, savory flavor. You should detect the nuances from slow curing and aging when you sample the ham.

Buying a whole Johnston County bone-in ham and having it spiral sliced yourself is ideal, but pre-sliced versions make for an incredible timesaver. With proper storage in the fridge or freezer, they live up to the Johnston County legacy of ham excellence. From holiday feasts to backyard barbecues, bring a taste of North Carolina ham tradition to your next gathering with authentic Johnston County spiral sliced ham.