Cooking a country ham is more than just meal preparation; it is a rewarding ritual that honors a rich Virginia heritage. At Padow's Hams Co., a family-led business based in Richmond since 1936, we believe that the centerpiece of any great southern gathering is a perfectly prepared ham. Whether it is for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a special family celebration, serving a handcrafted ham brings warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of togetherness to the table.
Understanding the Salt-Cured Difference
To understand how to cook a country ham, you must first understand the craftsmanship behind it. Unlike modern mass-produced hams, Padow's hams are salt-cured and never smoked. This artisanal process is a legacy dating back generations, ensuring the meat is rich, aromatic, and preserved with expert craftsmanship. Because these hams are cured to last, they possess an intense, savory flavor profile that distinguishes them as a true taste of the South.
Tools You’ll Need for Success
Before you begin, ensure your kitchen is equipped for this traditional process. Because a whole country ham is a substantial and premium product, having the right tools ensures the best results:
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Large Soaking Container: A clean food-grade bucket or a large stockpot is necessary to fully submerge the ham.
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Stiff Bristle Brush: Essential for scrubbing the ham after its soak to remove excess salt.
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Large Ham Boiler or Stockpot: You need a vessel large enough for the ham to be completely covered by water during the simmering process.
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Meat Thermometer: To ensure the ham reaches the perfect internal temperature for safety and texture.
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Sharp Carving Knife: For achieving those traditional, paper-thin slices that define the Virginia ham experience.
Step 1: The Essential Soak
The first secret tocooking country ham successfully is the soak. Because the ham is salt-cured for preservation, it must be rehydrated to temper the saltiness.
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Submerge your ham in a large container of cold water.
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Allow it to soak for 12 to 24 hours, depending on your preference for saltiness.
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For the best results, change the water several times during this period to ensure a savory, comfort-filled experience.
Step 2: Preparing the Ham for the Pot
Once the soak is complete, use your stiff brush to scrub the ham under cold running water. This removes excess surface salt and any natural mold that may have formed during the long curing process, a hallmark of authentic Virginia craftsmanship. This preparation ensures that when you finally serve your meal, it is an authentic reflection of the "art of the cure".
Step 3: Simmering to Perfection
When learninghow to cook country ham, the most traditional method is simmering.
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Place the ham in your large pot and cover it completely with fresh water.
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Bring the water to a gentle simmer, never a rolling boil, to maintain the superior quality and texture of the meat.
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Plan for approximately 20 minutes of simmering time per pound.
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The ham is finished when the internal temperature reaches a safe level, or when the small hock bone can be pulled away easily.
This slow cooking process allows the rich flavors to develop, ensuring a meal that will leave a lasting impression on your family, friends, or business partners.
Step 4: Skinning and Glazing
While the ham is still warm, carefully remove the outer skin (the "rind"), leaving a thin layer of fat. To add a personal touch, you can score the fat in a diamond pattern. While our hams are delicious on their own, many enjoy adding a glaze. You might consider usingPadow's Hams Co. jams,apple butter, orstoneground mustard to create a sweet and savory crust that delivers satisfaction with every bite.
Specific Side Dish Pairings: The Full Virginia Spread
A Padow’s ham is the star, but the "fixings" make the feast. To create the ultimate Virginia experience, pair your ham with these traditional favorites:
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Buttermilk Biscuits: Use our buttermilk biscuit mix to create the perfect vessel for thin-sliced ham and stone-ground mustard.
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Sweet Cornbread: Our sweet cornbread mix offers a savory, comfort-filled experience that complements the salt-cured richness of the meat.
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Southern Grits: Our stoneground white grits provide a creamy contrast to the aromatic ham and bacon.
Sharing the Virginia Experience
Once cooked, aVirginia country ham is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a dinner centerpiece, but it truly shines when sliced thin for traditional ham biscuits or paired with a variety of jams for the tastiest sandwiches. Sharing the gift of great food provides a sense of shared experience, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Ordering Your Authentic Virginia Ham Online
You don't have to live in Richmond to enjoy this tradition.Padow's Hams Co. offers nationwide shipping through our website, delivering the taste of Virginia tradition directly to your door. Each order is handled with care, featuring elegant packaging for a premium unboxing experience.
Giving a Padow’s gift is about more than just food; it is about sharing a taste of tradition and togetherness.
Explore our authentic country ham offerings today!
