The Distinction Between Ham and Gammon
Ham and gammon, two popular cuts from the rear leg of a hog, may appear similar, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding the difference between ham and gammon is crucial, as they are sold and prepared differently. Let’s delve into the details to unravel their unique qualities.
What is Ham?
Ham is the back leg of a hog that has been transformed into a delectable food item. It can be obtained fresh or preserved through a curing process that involves salting, drying, or smoking. The preservation process turns ham into a compound food or ingredient, incorporating additional elements like salt for preservation purposes.
Different regions worldwide offer various ways to prepare ham. In fact, the Chinese were the first to utilize ham in their cuisine. Dry-curing, wet-curing, and smoking are the common methods employed. In the dry-cured method, salt acts as the curative agent, while the wet-curing process involves soaking the hams in saltwater, sometimes with added sugar for enhanced flavor. Wet-cured ham is typically cooked during processing or aging. Smoking houses are often used to preserve ham. Ham is commonly served sliced and finds its way into sandwiches, especially ham and cheese sandwiches. Additionally, it is a popular pizza topping in the United States.
What is Gammon?
Gammon refers to the back leg of pork, particularly the bottom end of a whole side of bacon. It undergoes a curing process through dry-salting or soaking in saltwater. Unlike ham, gammon should always be cooked before consuming. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, gammon is a traditional Christmas dish, often served during the festive season. It is available in supermarkets as slices or steaks, sold in its raw form. Gammon can also be preserved through different methods, such as smoking and the addition of various flavors. Similar to ham, gammon is used as a filling and topping for various food items, including pizza.
Similarities Between Ham and Gammon
- Both ham and gammon come from the back legs of pigs.
- Both are served smoked, brined, or salted.
- Both are commonly used as fillings and toppings for various dishes.
The Key Differences Between Ham and Gammon
Definition
Ham is pre-cooked meat made from the cuts taken from the rear leg of pigs. In contrast, gammon is raw meat obtained from the same area of the hog.
Serving
Ham is sold and served as pre-cooked meat, ready for immediate consumption. On the other hand, gammon is sold as raw meat and must be cooked before it can be enjoyed.
Shape
Ham is typically served in slices, while gammon is available in both slice and steak forms.
Preservative Methods
Preserving ham involves techniques such as dry-curing, wet-curing, and smoking. In contrast, preserving gammon typically involves dry-salting and brining.
Texture
Ham has a fleshy texture, while gammon possesses a grainy texture.
In conclusion, while both ham and gammon are cuts from the rear leg of a hog, they differ in their preparation and serving methods. Ham is sold as pre-cooked meat, while gammon is sold as raw meat, necessitating cooking before consumption.
Reference:
Image Courtesy:
- Ham (1) By Herk3 – English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0.
- BBQ Gammon Sliced (4767063533) By Beck from East Midlands, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0.
