Smoked Virginia "Country-Style" Ham, which is whole, boneless, and weighs approximately 5 pounds. This classic Southern delicacy is known for its distinctive flavor, artisanal preparation, and versatility in a wide range of culinary applications.
Preparation and Smoking: Virginia "Country-Style" Ham is a heritage product with a long history of artisanal craftsmanship. The hams are typically salt-cured, resulting in a unique flavor profile. They are then slowly and carefully smoked, which imparts a rich, smoky aroma and flavor that distinguishes them from other ham varieties.
Boneless and Whole: The fact that this ham is both boneless and whole provides culinary advantages. Being boneless makes it easier to slice, whether you prefer thin or thick cuts. The whole ham, weighing approximately 5 pounds, allows for a variety of uses, from serving large gatherings to providing a generous supply of delicious ham for your culinary creations.
Flavor Profile: Smoked Virginia "Country-Style" Ham is celebrated for its deep, complex flavor. The combination of salt-curing and slow smoking yields a ham with a bold, salty, and smoky taste. This flavor makes it a valuable ingredient in numerous dishes, adding depth and character to both savory and sweet preparations.
Versatility: This ham is remarkably versatile in the kitchen. It can be used as a flavorful centerpiece for a holiday feast, sliced thinly for sandwiches and biscuits, diced for omelets, quiches, or salads, and even used to add a smoky, salty element to soups, stews, and beans.
Culinary Applications: Virginia "Country-Style" Ham is a beloved ingredient in Southern cuisine and is featured in classic dishes like biscuits with country ham, ham and bean soup, ham and collard greens, or even as a delightful topping for grits or red-eye gravy. It's also a star in holiday feasts, often served as a whole ham, glazed and adorned with pineapple, cloves, or brown sugar.
Cooking and Serving: The ham can be served either hot or cold, depending on the recipe and your preference. If serving hot, baking is a common method to reheat it, while serving cold, thinly sliced is ideal for sandwiches or charcuterie platters.
Pairings: Virginia "Country-Style" Ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of ingredients, including buttermilk biscuits, collard greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and sweet potatoes. Its salty and smoky notes complement a wide range of Southern and comfort food classics.
Storage: Proper storage is key to preserving the ham's quality. It should be kept in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. When sliced, vacuum-sealing is a great option to keep the ham fresh for an extended period.
In conclusion, Smoked Virginia "Country-Style" Ham, whole and boneless, weighing around 5 pounds, is a beloved and versatile Southern delicacy that embodies the rich culinary traditions of the region. Its distinctive flavor, artisanal preparation, and versatility in the kitchen make it a cherished ingredient for classic Southern recipes and a prized addition to any chef's culinary repertoire. Whether you're serving it at a festive gathering or using it to elevate everyday dishes, this ham offers a genuine taste of the South.
Ingredients: pork, water, spice (salt, sodium phosphate, flavouring (soy, corn), sugar, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite, smoke flavour), carrageenan, natural smoke
