The Most Delicious Ham, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the ham you think is the most delicious!

Updated on May 7, 2024 06:23

When it comes to selecting the most delicious ham, personal tastes and preferences play a significant role. Some enjoy a sweet glaze that caramelizes in just the right way, while others prefer a savory, smoked flavor that resonates with age-old culinary traditions. By ranking different types of ham, individuals can identify which selections have pleased the most palates and perhaps discover new favorites. This interactive experience allows anyone to cast their vote on the hams they believe should be at the top of the list. By participating, voters contribute to a broader consensus, helping guide others in their quest for the perfect ham. As votes accumulate, the rankings shift in real-time, reflecting the collective opinion of a diverse audience.

What Is the Most Delicious Ham?

1

80
votes

Xemenendura · CC BY-SA 3.0

Jamón Ibérico de Bellota

This Spanish ham is made from acorn-fed Iberian pigs and is known for its rich, nutty flavor. It is considered one of the finest hams in the world.
2

26
votes
Scott Brenner · CC BY 2.0

Prosciutto di Parma

This Italian ham is aged for at least 12 months and has a delicate, sweet flavor. It is made from specially raised pigs in the Parma region of Italy.
Prosciutto di Parma is a renowned Italian dry-cured ham that is widely regarded as one of the most delicious hams in the world. It is a specialty of the Parma region in Italy, where it has been produced for centuries with traditional methods.

Origin: Parma, Italy

Curing Time: At least 12 months

Pork Breed: Specifically selected heritage pigs (typically Large White, Landrace, or Duroc)

Diet: Pigs fed a special diet based on grains, cereals, and whey from Parmigiano Reggiano production

Salting Method: Dry cured using a precise amount of sea salt
3

25
votes
Erich Ferdinand from germany · CC BY 2.0

Black Forest Ham

This German ham is made from pork that is smoked over fir and pine wood. It has a distinctive smoky flavor and is often used in sandwiches.
Black Forest Ham is a highly prized and delectable variety of ham that originated in the Black Forest region of Germany. This ham is known for its rich flavor, tender texture, and distinct smoky aroma. It is made from specially selected pork, cured with a unique blend of herbs, spices, and salt, and traditionally smoked over pine or fir logs.

Origin: Black Forest region, Germany

Flavor: Rich and savory

Texture: Tender and succulent

Aroma: Distinct smoky aroma

Curing method: Cured with a unique blend of herbs, spices, and salt
Black Forest Ham in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular deli ham
4

19
votes
John Goetzinger · CC BY-SA 2.0

Virginia Ham

This American ham is dry-cured and smoked over hickory wood. It has a salty, savory flavor and is often used in Southern cuisine.
Virginia Ham is a renowned and delectable type of cured ham that originated from the American state of Virginia. It is widely regarded as one of the most flavorful and succulent hams available. The process of making Virginia Ham involves dry curing the meat with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, followed by a long period of aging and smoking to develop its distinctive flavor and texture. The result is a rich, savory ham with a slightly sweet undertone.

Origin: Virginia, USA

Curing method: Dry cured

Ingredients: Salt, sugar, and spices

Aging period: Typically several months to a year

Smoking: Traditionally maple or hickory wood smoked
Virginia Ham in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular deli ham
5

0
votes
Jardoz · CC BY-SA 3.0

Jamón Serrano

Spanish ham producers

This Spanish ham is similar to Jamón Ibérico de Bellota but is made from free-range white pigs. It has a slightly milder flavor and is often used in tapas dishes.
Jamón serrano is a traditional Spanish dry-cured ham that originated in the mountainous regions of Spain. It has a rich and intense flavor with a slightly salty and nutty taste. The ham is made from white pigs that are fed with a specific diet, which includes acorns, giving the meat its distinct flavor and marbling. The curing process involves salting the ham and letting it dry in a controlled environment for a period of time. Typically, it takes between 12 and 18 months to achieve the desired taste and texture.

Origin: Spain

Type: Dry-cured ham

Flavor: Rich, intense, slightly salty, nutty

Pig Type: White pigs

Diet: Includes acorns
6

15
votes
Nellis430 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Honey Baked Ham

Harry J. Hoenselaar

This ham is coated in a sweet glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and spices. It is a popular choice for holiday meals.
Honey Baked Ham is a mouthwatering ham that is slow-roasted and coated with a sweet, sticky glaze made with honey, spices, and other secret ingredients. This ham is known for its tender and juicy meat that is infused with a rich and smoky flavor.

Size: Various sizes available

Preparation: Slow-roasted and hand-glazed

Glaze: Made with honey, spices, and secret ingredients

Texture: Tender and juicy

Flavor: Rich and smoky
7

9
votes
John Goetzinger · CC BY-SA 2.0

Country Ham

This Southern ham is dry-cured and aged for several months. It has a salty, smoky flavor and is often served with biscuits or grits.
Country Ham is a type of cured ham that originated in the Southern United States. It is known for its rich and intense flavor, which is a result of the lengthy curing process involving salt, sugar, and sometimes additional seasonings. The ham is typically made from the hind leg of a pig and undergoes a long period of curing and aging, which can last anywhere from a few months to over a year. The result is a ham that is firm, salty, and has a slightly sweet taste. Country Ham is often served in thin slices, either on its own or as an ingredient in various dishes and recipes.

Origin: Southern United States

Flavor: Rich, intense, salty, slightly sweet

Curing Process: Lengthy process involving salt, sugar, and sometimes additional seasonings

Main Ingredient: Hind leg of a pig

Aging Period: Varies from a few months to over a year
8

7
votes
Speck

This Italian ham is cold-smoked and has a slightly smoky, savory flavor. It is often used in pasta dishes or served as an appetizer.
Speck is a type of cured and smoked ham that originated in the South Tyrol region of Italy. It is renowned for its unique and rich flavor, making it a favorite among ham enthusiasts worldwide. The name Speck comes from the German word 'spek,' meaning fat. This ham is traditionally made from the hind legs of a pig, which are carefully salted and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. After the curing process, the ham is cold-smoked over beechwood, giving it a distinct smoky flavor and a characteristic dark red color.

Origin: South Tyrol, Italy

Type: Cured and smoked ham

Flavor: Rich and smoky

Color: Dark red

Main Ingredient: Hind leg of a pig
9

4
votes
Karen278 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Jamón de York

This Spanish ham is similar to American-style ham and is made from white pigs. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is often used in sandwiches.
Jamón de York is a type of ham that is widely enjoyed for its delicious taste and versatility. It is a cooked and boned ham that is typically made from the hind leg of a pig. The ham is cured with a special blend of seasonings and then slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. Jamón de York is known for its delicate and savory flavor, making it a popular choice for sandwiches, salads, and various culinary creations.

Type: Cooked and boned ham

Origin: Associated with British cuisine

Main ingredient: Hind leg of a pig

Curing process: Seasoned and slow-cooked

Flavor profile: Delicate and savory
10

0
votes
Nellis430 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Baked Ham

This ham is coated in a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices, then baked until tender and juicy. It is a classic main dish for holiday meals.
Baked Ham is a savory and succulent dish made from a whole ham that is slow-roasted to perfection. It is commonly seasoned and glazed with a combination of spices, herbs, and a sweet glaze, resulting in a caramelized and flavorful outer crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Size: Can vary but typically ranges from 6 to 15 pounds.

Type of ham: Bone-in or boneless ham, usually from the leg of a pig.

Seasoning: Various options are available, but commonly include a blend of salt, pepper, garlic, mustard, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Glaze: A sweet and tangy mixture that can consist of ingredients like honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, or fruit preserves.

Cooking method: Slow-roasted in an oven or on a grill, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Missing your favorite ham?

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Ranking factors for delicious ham

Quality of the meat

The overall quality of the ham, including factors such as the breed of the pig, how it was raised, and its diet, will greatly influence the taste and texture of the ham.
Curing and aging process

The method of curing and aging the ham will affect its flavor, tenderness, and juiciness. Hams can be dry-cured, wet-cured, or smoked, and each method imparts different flavors and textures.
Seasonings and additives

The types and amounts of seasonings and additives used in the curing process, such as salt, sugar, and spices, will also impact the overall taste of the ham.
Cooking method

The way the ham is cooked can affect its texture and flavor. Baking, roasting, and grilling are common ways to cook ham, and each method brings out different qualities in the meat.
Glaze or sauce

A well-prepared glaze or sauce can greatly enhance the flavor of the ham, depending on the ingredients and flavors used.
Slicing and presentation

The thickness and presentation of the ham can affect its overall appeal and perception of taste. Thinly sliced ham releases more flavor, while thicker slices may be more tender and juicy.
Moisture content

A good ham should have a balanced moisture content, not being too dry or too wet. This can be affected by the curing, aging, and cooking processes.
Marbling

The marbling, or fat distribution within the ham, contributes to its flavor and tenderness. A well-marbled ham will be more tender and flavorful than one with less fat.
Price and value

While a higher-priced ham may indicate a better-quality product, it is essential to consider if the price is justified by the quality and taste.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most delicious ham. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or ham is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1779 views
187 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each ham once every 24 hours. The rank of each ham is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most delicious ham

Ham is a popular and versatile meat that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made by curing and smoking the hind leg of a pig, and different regions and cultures have their own unique methods of preparation. Ham can be served hot or cold, sliced or diced, and used in a wide variety of dishes. There are many types of ham available, including country ham, prosciutto, and honey glazed ham. Each type has its own distinctive flavor and texture, making it a great choice for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a classic ham sandwich or a fancy holiday ham, there's sure to be a delicious option to suit your taste.