Most of the time, people buy canned goods because they are cheaper and last longer. However, canned meat products aren’t always good. Some of them are scary enough to make a grown man shudder. I know this because I am that grown man.
I decided to try different kinds of canned meat from different stores to see which ones taste the most like meat and make the best sandwiches. I taste-tested the meat by itself and then with a piece of plain white bread. Libby’s corned beef, StarKist tuna, Underwood deviled ham, Armour potted meat, Hormel chicken breast, and Spam were the foods I used for this test.
Here is how each canned meat product fared, ranked in order of my least favorite to my favorite. Advertisement.
In the South, deviled ham holds a special place in the pantry. The zesty, pinkish lunchmeat spread is a longtime staple on crackers and sandwiches. But what exactly is deviled ham? Is it just potted meat in disguise?
To get to the bottom of this mystery meat, we need to understand what potted meat is in the first place. Then we can compare it to deviled ham to see how similar or different they really are.
Potted Meat Defined
Potted meat refers to any type of cooked meat that has been seasoned and processed for preservation in cans or jars. The meat is cooked, pulverized and packed into the container along with salt and spices. This potting process enables the meat to be shelf-stable without refrigeration.
Traditionally, potted meats used leftover bits and scraps from butchering larger cuts of meat. The cooked trimmings were minced up with salt to preserve them. Common potted meats through history were made of beef pork fowl and fish.
Modern potted meat is machine-processed into a paste-like consistency. It often contains organ meats like liver for added richness. Well-known potted meat brands include Spam, Treet Underwood Deviled Ham and Libby’s Potted Meat.
Key attributes of potted meat:
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Made from cooked, ground and processed meat
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Contains salt, spices and preservatives
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Has a soft, spreadable texture
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Canned or jarred for long shelf life
What is Deviled Ham?
Deviled ham is a type of potted ham that originated in the U.S. in the late 1860s. It’s made by grinding cured ham into a pulp, then mixing it with spices for flavor. There are just 3 ingredients in Underwood’s classic recipe: ham, mustard flour and turmeric.
The name “deviled” refers to the use of spicy seasonings. The devil logo appeared within a few years, probably due to the association of spice with heat. Underwood remains the #1 U.S. brand of deviled ham today.
Here’s what sets deviled ham apart:
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Made solely from cured, ground ham
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Spiced with mustard, pepper and other seasonings
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Creamier, smoother texture than regular potted meat
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Uses nitrites to retain pink color
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Stronger smoked ham flavor
Comparing Potted Meat and Deviled Ham
While deviled ham does qualify as a type of potted meat, it has some notable differences from the traditional version:
Meat used – Deviled ham only contains cured ham while regular potted meat can use various meats or blends.
Spicing – Deviled ham has added spices for flavor. Basic potted meat relies on salt for preservation.
Consistency – Deviled ham is creamier and smoother due to its fine grind. Potted meat can be chunkier or pastier.
Color – Pinkish hue in deviled ham comes from added nitrites. Potted meat greys without color additives.
Flavor – Smoky ham flavor in deviled ham. Potted meat has a more general savory flavor.
Shelf life – Similar long shelf lives of 1-2 years when sealed.
Price – Deviled ham costs slightly more than basic potted meat.
Uses – Both used as sandwich spreads and dips, but deviled ham considered more of a premium product.
How is Deviled Ham Made?
The process for making deviled ham is surprisingly straightforward. Here are the basic steps:
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Curing – Fresh ham is cured with water, salt, sugar and nitrites first to develop its signature flavor, color and preservation.
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Grinding – The cured ham is later ground finely into a minced texture optimal for even spreading.
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Blending – The ground ham is blended with dry mustard, spices, and turmeric for flavor and color.
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Canning – The spiced ham paste is packed into cans, sealed and sterilized under high heat to produce shelf-stable spread.
Throughout the simple process, the flavors blend beautifully to create the creamed ham we know and love.
Is Deviled Ham Healthy?
Like most shelf-stable convenience foods, deviled ham is high in sodium. A 2 ounce can contains around 25% of the daily recommended sodium intake. Some brand contain extra preservatives as well.
However, deviled ham is naturally low in fat and carbs. It provides lean protein from cured ham, containing about 7 grams per serving. The nitrates/nitrites used for curing are a concern for some consumers but common in most cured meats.
Overall, deviled ham can be an occasional component of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It provides inexpensive, convenient protein that stores for on-the-go sandwiches or snacks. Just watch your portions and sodium intake.
Southern Food with History
While deviled ham may not be considered gourmet eating, it fills a special niche in Southern food culture. This humble canned meat has been a reliable pantry staple for 150 years. Its nostalgic zing evokes memories of bygone eras in Southern cooking.
Deviled ham may technically be potted meat, but its time-honored recipe of spiced ham packs more flavor than the basic potted version. This Southern classic remains a quick, protein-rich meal solution with a tangy bite of history. Spread it on thick between two pieces of white bread and you’ve got a satisfying sammie packed with nostalgia.
Potted meat had a rich flavor that blended with the bread.
The potted meat went well with the bread, which balanced out some of that salt. For 50 cents a can, it was a cheap meal that I didnt mind eating.
At 50 cents per 3-ounce can, potted meat was the cheapest product I bought.
What it may lack in texture, it makes up in flavor, in my opinion. The meat spread tasted salty. Some people might find it too salty, but I liked it. Advertisement.
Underwood Deviled Meat Spreads – WHAT ARE WE EATING?? – The Wolfe Pit
FAQ
What kind of meat is deviled ham?
Are deviled ham and potted meat the same?
What is an example of potted meat?
What’s the difference between deviled ham and Spam?
What is deviled ham?
It’s a canned meat product that came in cans wrapped in white paper. Deviled Ham is a spread, dip, or topping made of finely chopped cooked ham. The ham is then mixed with several ingredients including mayonnaise, mustard, spices, and seasonings. Deviled ham is usually served cold on top of saltine crackers or in a sandwich as a spread.
How do you eat a deviled ham?
Serve the deviled ham in a bowl with crackers. Serve the deviled ham on white bread with lettuce leaves. For a spicier version, add a little cayenne pepper or additional hot sauce to the mixture. You can also use Dijon mustard or brown mustard instead of yellow mustard. They will also add a little more spice to the ham spread.
How do you cook a deviled ham?
Add the ground ham, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sweet paprika, and celery salt to a large bowl. *For a spicer spread, add ¼ teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. Mix the ingredients until well combined. *Let the deviled ham chill for 2-3 hours before serving.
What can I add to a deviled ham?
1 teaspoon Onion Powder – Onion powder also adds so much flavor to the deviled ham! ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper – I prefer freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor! ½ teaspoon Paprika – Paprika gives the deviled ham a beautiful color and savory flavor. You can sprinkle a little on top too if that’s your jam!