The two ham types are distinctly different in their origin, preparation, and flavor.
What Is Ham?
Ham refers to the meat from the upper portion of the back leg of a hog.
Credit: Frederick Hardy II; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey; Prop Styling: Christina Daley
City and country hams are cured, cured and smoked, or cured and cooked before going to market.
What Is Country Ham?
“Each family or village has a special way of creating their version.”
The result is a salty, funky, sometimes nutty flavor that country ham fanatics adore.
What Is City Ham?
After brining, city hams are typically smoked and almost always fully cooked.
The difference in curing process begets the two styles contrasting textures, flavors, and ideal uses.
