These are never cooked. Varieties like Prosciutto (Italian), Serrano (Spanish), and Jamón Ibérico (premium acorn-fed Spanish ham) are aged for up to 48 months and served in paper-thin slices. 2. Check the Label for Quality
Lowest quality; can contain any amount of water and often has a spongy texture. 3. Select the Best Cut what is the best ham to buy
Most hams found in grocery stores are "city hams," which are wet-cured in brine. They are typically sold fully cooked and just need reheating. These are never cooked
Popular in the American South, these are dry-cured with salt and aged for months. They have a firm texture and intense saltiness; many require soaking for 24 hours before cooking to remove excess salt. Check the Label for Quality Lowest quality; can
Manufacturers often add water to increase weight, which dilutes flavor and ruins texture. Look for these specific phrases on the label: