Core Ingredients of Schneiders Original Ham
Schneiders original ham, a classic family favourite, is created using a specific set of ingredients to achieve its signature flavour and texture. The foundation of the product is high-quality pork sourced from select cuts of the hindquarter. Beyond the meat, a brine solution containing several key components is used for curing. The full list includes:
- Pork
- Water
- Brown Sugar
- Salt
- Modified Vinegar
- Sodium Phosphate
- Sodium Erythorbate
- Sodium Nitrite
- Smoke
- Wrapped In Collagen
This combination ensures the ham remains juicy, flavourful, and preserved. The subsequent steps of hardwood smoking for several hours are also crucial to developing its rich, satisfying taste profile.
The Role of Curing and Preservatives
Curing is a vital part of the ham-making process, contributing to both flavour and food safety. The curing agents used in Schneiders original ham are carefully selected for their specific functions.
Sodium Nitrite
Sodium nitrite plays a crucial role in the curing process. Its functions are multi-faceted:
- Preservation: It helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, particularly Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism, a serious foodborne illness.
- Flavour: It contributes to the characteristic cured meat flavour.
- Colour: It helps fix the pinkish-red colour of the ham, preventing it from turning greyish-brown.
- Oxidation Prevention: It acts as an antioxidant, preventing the fat from becoming rancid.
Sodium Phosphate
Sodium phosphate is another key additive, used to improve the texture and juiciness of the ham. Here's how it works:
- Moisture Retention: It helps the pork retain water during cooking and processing, preventing it from drying out.
- Protein Binding: By increasing the ham's pH, it allows the meat proteins to bind more water, leading to a juicier and firmer final product.
Sodium Erythorbate
This is the sodium salt of erythorbic acid, which is an isomer of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Its main function is to accelerate the curing process. It works in tandem with sodium nitrite:
- Curing Acceleration: It speeds up the reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide, which is the compound responsible for curing the meat.
- Colour Stability: It helps maintain the ham's cured colour and prevents it from fading over time.
Comparing Schneiders Original Ham to a Natural Ham
To better understand the function of each ingredient, it's helpful to compare Schneiders original ham to a hypothetical 'natural' ham, which might use a different curing method or omit certain additives. A natural ham might be cured with celery powder, which naturally contains nitrates, rather than added sodium nitrite.
| Feature | Schneiders Original Ham | Natural/Celery Powder Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Preservation | Uses sodium nitrite for effective and consistent preservation. | Relies on naturally-occurring nitrates from celery powder, with less consistent results. |
| Colour | Sodium nitrite ensures a consistent pink colour. | Colour may be less consistent and can vary. |
| Juiciness | Sodium phosphate is used for enhanced moisture retention. | Natural hams may have less moisture retention and a drier texture. |
| Flavour Profile | Features a classic, consistently-cured taste. | Flavour can vary depending on the natural curing agents used. |
| Ingredient Labeling | Lists specific chemical compounds like sodium nitrite and phosphate. | Often uses terms like 'celery powder' or 'natural flavourings.' |
| Processing | Standardized industrial process for consistency. | Can vary, with some being less standardized depending on the manufacturer. |
Hardwood Smoking and Final Product
The final step in the process involves smoking the ham over hardwood for an extended period. This adds a deep, smoky flavour that is characteristic of the Schneiders brand and complements the sweet and salty notes from the curing process. The ham is then wrapped in a collagen casing, which helps to hold its shape and retain moisture during packaging and storage.
Understanding the Ingredient List
By breaking down the ingredient list, consumers can better understand the different components that make up Schneiders original ham. From the essential meat and brine to the preservatives and flavour enhancers, each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the final product. The use of additives like sodium nitrite and phosphate ensures the ham is not only flavourful but also safe for consumption and has a consistent quality.
For those interested in the broader context of food preservation, you can read more about the use of curing salts in meat products by consulting reliable food safety resources, such as those from government health agencies.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Schneiders original ham are a combination of quality pork, water, and a specific brine solution containing brown sugar, salt, and several food additives. These additives, including sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite, are essential for flavour development, moisture retention, and most importantly, preserving the ham and ensuring its safety. The signature taste is further enhanced by the hardwood smoking process, a traditional technique that completes this time-honoured recipe.
