How To Smoke Country Ham

Smoking Country Ham: A Delicious Tradition

Smoking country ham is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down through generations. The process of smoking ham not only infuses it with rich, smoky flavor but also helps preserve it for long periods of time. If you’re interested in learning how to smoke country ham, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve mouthwatering, smoky country ham right in your own backyard.

Choosing the Right Ham

When it comes to smoking country ham, it’s crucial to start with the right cut of meat. Look for a high-quality, well-marbled country ham from your local butcher or specialty meat shop. The ham should be uncooked and may require soaking to remove excess salt before smoking.

Preparing the Ham

Before you can begin the smoking process, it’s important to properly prepare the ham. Here’s how to do it:

1. Soak the ham: Place the ham in a large container and cover it with cold water. Allow it to soak for 24-48 hours, changing the water every 8-12 hours to remove excess salt.
2. Trim the fat: Trim any excess fat from the surface of the ham, leaving a thin layer to help keep the meat moist during smoking.
3. Score the skin: Use a sharp knife to score the skin in a diamond pattern, which will help the smoke penetrate the meat.

Smoking the Ham

Now comes the fun part – smoking the ham! Follow these steps for a perfectly smoked country ham:

1. Preheat your smoker: Preheat your smoker to a temperature of 200-225°F.
2. Add wood chips: Choose a hardwood such as hickory, oak, or apple wood for smoking. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
3. Smoke the ham: Place the ham in the smoker and add the wood chips. Close the smoker and let the ham smoke for 3-4 hours, adding more wood chips as needed to maintain a steady smoke.

Finishing the Ham

After the ham has been smoked to perfection, it’s time to finish it off for serving:

1. Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches 160°F.
2. Rest the ham: Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
3. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the smoked country ham thinly and serve it alongside your favorite sides and accompaniments.

Enjoying Smoked Country Ham

Smoked country ham is a true delicacy that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as part of a holiday feast or incorporating it into everyday meals, the rich, smoky flavor of the ham is sure to be a hit with friends and family. With the right technique and a little patience, you can master the art of smoking country ham and create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for more.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a taste of tradition, consider smoking your own country ham. With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the irresistible flavor of homemade smoked ham.