What Brand of Ham is Uncured? A Guide to Natural Choices

According to the USDA, a ham can only be labeled as "uncured" if it contains no synthetic nitrates or nitrites, though it is still preserved using natural ingredients. So, what brand of ham is uncured and how do you find it in the grocery store? This guide will help you identify brands and understand the key differences.

Quick Summary

This article details popular brands offering uncured ham, explaining the difference between natural and synthetic curing processes. It provides a list of common brands and addresses consumer questions about ingredients, taste, and labeling. A comparison table highlights key distinctions to aid informed purchasing decisions.

Key Points

• Identifying Uncured Ham: Hams labeled "uncured" are preserved with natural nitrites from sources like celery powder, not synthetic chemicals.

• Top Uncured Brands: Popular options for uncured ham include Applegate, Pederson's Farms, Boar's Head (All Natural line), Hempler's, and Tender Belly.

• Flavor Profile Differences: Uncured ham typically has a milder, less salty taste, and a more natural pork flavor than traditionally cured ham.

• Label Verification: Look for packaging that explicitly states "no nitrates or nitrites added except for those naturally occurring in ingredients like celery powder".

• Cooking Considerations: Most uncured hams are sold fully cooked and require reheating, but some fresh varieties need more thorough cooking.

• Shelf Life: Uncured ham has a shorter refrigerated shelf life compared to conventionally cured products, so check dates and storage guidelines.

• Health Perspective: While often considered a healthier alternative due to avoiding synthetic additives, uncured ham still contains naturally occurring nitrites and should be consumed in moderation.

Understanding the 'Uncured' Label

When you see a ham labeled "uncured," it is actually a bit of a misnomer. This product is still preserved, but it uses natural sources of nitrates and nitrites, such as celery powder and sea salt, rather than synthetic additives like sodium nitrate. The USDA requires these products to be labeled with the phrase "no nitrates or nitrites added except for those naturally occurring in ingredients like celery powder".

This distinction is important for many health-conscious consumers who prefer to avoid synthetic preservatives. The natural curing process still extends the meat's shelf life and provides food safety benefits, but the ingredients are sourced differently. The final product can have a more subtle flavor and less uniform color compared to its traditionally cured counterparts.

How Natural Curing Works

Natural curing is an ancient method of preserving meat. In modern production, manufacturers use brines or rubs containing naturally nitrate-rich ingredients. Here's a quick look at the process:

• Ingredient Selection: Producers select high-quality pork, often from humanely raised animals, and create a curing solution.
• Brining: The pork leg is treated with a brine made from water, sea salt, sugar, and natural flavorings. Cultured celery powder, a concentrated source of natural nitrates, is a common substitute for synthetic agents.
• Cooking or Smoking: The ham is then cooked, often by smoking over hardwoods like applewood or hickory, which further enhances the flavor.
• Packaging and Labeling: After processing, the ham is packaged with the legally required label clarifying the use of natural curing agents.

Popular Uncured Ham Brands

Numerous brands offer high-quality uncured ham products, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. These include major national brands as well as specialty producers focused on quality and ethics.

• Applegate: Widely available and known for its commitment to natural and organic products. They offer several uncured options, including Black Forest and Slow Cooked varieties, made without antibiotics.
• Boar's Head: Their All Natural Traditional Uncured Ham is a popular choice found in many deli counters. It's seasoned and slow-cooked with no artificial ingredients.
• Hempler's Foods: This brand offers a variety of uncured hams, emphasizing no added nitrates or nitrites and a commitment to natural preservation. They also provide nutritional information online.
• Pederson's Farms: A well-regarded brand focusing on organic and humanely raised pork. Their product line includes uncured, bone-in spiral sliced ham that is also no sugar added, appealing to keto and paleo diets.
• Tender Belly: This brand offers a premium, 100% Berkshire uncured honey-glazed spiral cut ham that is dry-cured for twelve days, resulting in rich flavor and moist texture.
• North Country Smokehouse: Offers organic, uncured maple bone-in whole ham, highlighting its flavor from maple and smoking.
• Oscar Mayer: Provides a more accessible, grocery store option with its Deli Fresh Smoked Uncured Ham.

Uncured vs. Cured Ham: A Comparison

Feature	Uncured Ham	Cured Ham
Preservation Method	Uses natural nitrates from sources like celery powder and sea salt.	Uses synthetic nitrates like sodium nitrite.
Color	More natural, muted color.	Distinctive bright pink or red color due to synthetic nitrates.
Flavor	Often milder, less salty, and more natural pork flavor.	Saltier, often more intense and smoky.
Shelf Life	Generally has a shorter shelf life.	Longer shelf life due to powerful synthetic preservatives.
Labeling	Labeled "uncured" and includes a note about naturally occurring nitrates.	Simply labeled "cured" or "ham".
Health Perception	Often perceived as a healthier, more natural option, but still contains nitrites.	Some health concerns regarding synthetic nitrates and nitrosamines.

What to Look For When Buying Uncured Ham

Label Clarity

While the term "uncured" is a key indicator, always read the full ingredient list. The packaging must state "no nitrates or nitrites added except for those naturally occurring". If a ham is truly free of any curing agents, it would be labeled "fresh ham" and would be entirely raw. The presence of celery powder or juice is a strong sign of a naturally cured product.

Quality and Source

Many uncured ham brands, particularly specialty or organic ones, emphasize the quality of their pork. Look for labels indicating humane practices, vegetarian diets, or no use of antibiotics. Brands like Pederson's Farms and Applegate provide such transparency.

Flavor Profile

Consider your desired flavor profile. Uncured hams can vary widely in taste depending on the curing ingredients and smoking process. Brands like Tender Belly highlight their signature spice rubs, while others, such as North Country Smokehouse, emphasize a maple flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, uncured ham is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

Finding what brand of ham is uncured requires a quick glance at the label for the specific "uncured" designation, along with the required disclaimer about natural nitrates. With a growing market for natural food products, consumers have a great deal of choice. Popular and reliable options include Applegate, Boar's Head, Hempler's, and Pederson's Farms. The choice between cured and uncured often comes down to a preference for a more natural flavor profile and ingredient list. By understanding the natural curing process and recognizing the key brands, you can confidently select the right ham for your needs, whether for a holiday feast or everyday sandwiches.

Visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website for more information on meat labeling standards.

Common Brands with Uncured Ham Offerings

• Applegate Farms: Offers organic and natural uncured hams, deli slices, and roasts.
• Pederson's Natural Farms: Specializes in uncured, no-sugar-added products suitable for various dietary restrictions.
• Boar's Head: Carries an all-natural line that includes uncured traditional and Black Forest hams for deli counters.
• Hempler's Foods: Family-recipe hams preserved naturally with no phosphates, chemical preservatives, or gluten.
• Tender Belly: Known for its naturally uncured, Berkshire pork products, including honey-glazed spiral hams.

Uncured Ham Flavor and Cooking Tips

• Less Salty Taste: Because uncured ham uses less intense salt brines, its natural pork flavor is more pronounced.
• Moisture Content: Uncured hams tend to have higher moisture content, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
• Cooking Preparation: Most store-bought uncured hams are fully cooked and only require reheating, similar to cured hams. Always follow the label instructions and ensure an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Storage: Uncured ham has a shorter refrigerator shelf life (3-5 days after opening) compared to its cured counterparts.
• Versatility: Its milder flavor makes uncured ham versatile for various recipes, from sandwiches to main dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between cured and uncured ham?

The main difference lies in the source of the curing agents. Cured ham uses synthetic sodium nitrate or nitrite, while uncured ham uses natural nitrates derived from ingredients like celery powder or beet extract.

Does uncured ham have nitrates?

Yes, uncured ham contains nitrates, but they are naturally occurring from the ingredients used for preservation, such as celery powder. The USDA labeling laws require this distinction to be noted on the packaging.

Is uncured ham healthier than cured ham?

Uncured ham is often perceived as healthier because it avoids synthetic chemicals. However, since it still contains nitrites from natural sources, some experts note that potential health impacts are still under debate and moderate consumption is recommended.

Is uncured ham ready to eat?

Most store-bought uncured hams are fully cooked before sale. It is generally safe to consume without further cooking, but it is always best to check the product label for specific heating instructions and preparation notes.

Why is uncured ham less pink than cured ham?

The bright pink color characteristic of cured ham is primarily due to the synthetic sodium nitrite reacting with the meat. Uncured ham, which uses natural sources, typically has a more natural, muted color.

How long can uncured ham be stored in the refrigerator?

Once opened, uncured ham should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 5 days. It has a shorter shelf life than traditionally cured ham.

What does uncured ham taste like?

Uncured ham generally has a milder, less salty flavor profile, allowing the natural pork taste to be more prominent. The specific flavor can vary depending on the smoking method and spices used.