You may have looked at turkey ham in the deli section of your grocery store and asked yourself, “What the heck is that?” It doesn’t make much sense at first, like products labeled “chicken beef” or “salmon pork.” Plus, ham has to be made with pig thigh meat by law. But rest assured, turkey ham is made from turkey. Theres no pork in it. Advertisement.
Its a similar type of confusion as the kind associated with almond milk and other non-dairy milk alternatives. An article from the New York Times in 1976 says that turkey ham got into legal trouble with pork producers, just like non-dairy milks do with dairy companies these days. Obviously, turkey ham was able to keep its name, or we wouldnt know it as such today. Because of those legal problems, turkey ham products now have to have a subheading that says “cured turkey thigh meat” to make it clear what it is.
Turkey ham has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork ham. But this leads many consumers to ask the question – does turkey ham contain any pork? The answer may be surprising, as it actually depends on the specific brand and product. While some turkey hams are made totally pork-free, others do sneak in pork contents. Let’s break down this long-standing enigma about what really goes into turkey ham.
What Exactly is Turkey Ham?
Turkey ham refers to ham products made using turkey meat rather than pork. It emerged as a product to provide an alternative to regular ham for those who don’t eat pork due to religious, health or personal reasons. Turkey ham aims to mimic the flavor, aroma, and texture of traditional ham.
Reasons for Opting for Turkey Ham
There are several motivations people may have for choosing turkey ham over pork-based ham
- Religious restrictions – Islam and Judaism prohibit pork consumption
- Health reasons – Lower fat and sodium than regular ham
- Dietary preferences – Personal taste or vegetarian/vegan lifestyles
- Pork allergies – Allergic reaction avoidance
The demand for turkey ham has risen steadily over the years among these groups seeking ham-like products without the pork
The Controversy: Does Turkey Ham Contain Pork?
This is where things get tricky Unlike authentic ham, turkey ham does not automatically equate to being pork-free While some turkey hams are 100% turkey-based, others do contain pork additives as part of the recipe.
For instance, pork may be included as a binder, extender or flavoring agent. Salt, sugars, phosphates or nitrites derived from pork may also find their way into some turkey ham products.
Reading Labels is Critical
Because formulations vary so widely, there is no definitive yes or no answer to whether turkey ham contains pork. Consumers must carefully read ingredient labels to know exactly what is going into a particular turkey ham choice.
Watch out for general terms like “natural flavors” or “cured with” which could conceal pork contents. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly to find out their turkey ham ingredients.
Why Would Pork Be Added to Turkey Ham?
Including some pork in turkey ham provides functional and sensory benefits:
- Binders – Help meat hold together better
- Extenders – Make the product go farther
- Flavor – Enhances taste to be ham-like
- Texture – Makes it closer to real ham
- Color – Helps achieve a pinker shade
While undetectable amounts of pork derivatives may improve the product characteristics, this understandably raises concerns for those strictly avoiding pork for whatever reason.
Seeking Out Authentic Pork-Free Turkey Ham
The good news is there are reputable brands that use only turkey in their turkey ham with no pork-based ingredients whatsoever. This gives consumers options for genuine turkey ham made to Islamic Halal and Jewish Kosher dietary standards.
Large U.S. companies like Jennie-O Turkey Store, Butterball, and Farmer John market popular, pork-free turkey ham lines. But as always, examining contents on a product-by-product basis is the only way to know for certain.
Satisfying Ham Flavor Without the Pork
With the right turkey ham choice, consumers can enjoy full ham flavor and texture without compromising dietary needs or restrictions. Just be diligent about thoroughly checking the detailed ingredient statement on labels. This clears up any ambiguity about whether pork is present in a particular brand of turkey ham.
An informed decision removes any guesswork so those abstaining from pork for any reason can still satisfy their ham cravings. Now we can finally put this ongoing turkey ham mystery to rest!
What is turkey ham?
Turkey ham was invented by the national brand of turkey products Jennie-O in 1975 in collaboration with the influential agricultural scientist Robert C. Baker (whom the New York Times dubbed “chicken Edison” in 1984). Its a cured and sometimes smoked meat made from the upper leg of turkeys — aka turkey thighs. Youll find it sold either as deli slices or as a whole piece of meat, similar to how traditional ham is sold. Turkey ham is a processed food, fully cooked and ready to be eaten right out of the package. Advertisement
Advertising for turkey ham says it’s better for you than regular ham because it has less red meat and more white meat. But turkey ham isn’t red meat, even though it can look darker than other white meats. Red meat is defined as any meat coming from mammals, while white meat includes poultry. Turkey is a bird, not a mammal, so turkey products will always be white meat, even if they’ve been processed to look different.
What does turkey ham taste like?
Turkey ham tastes, well, like ham. It has a similar salty brininess to it that we so often associate with deli meat ham. Theres also a touch of sweetness, but it isnt honey-sweet by any means. The texture is chewy without being rubbery. If you know how most processed deli meats feel, turkey ham texture is similar to the other styles. Advertisement.
Smoked paprika is often spread on the outside of turkey ham to make it taste even better. It’s not spicy, but the paprika adds a good amount of spice to a flavor profile that is otherwise pretty mild. Of course, deli meat usually tastes mostly salty, and turkey ham is the same way, even with the smoked paprika added. The turkey ham will usually go well with other foods because it won’t overpower them. However, you probably wouldn’t want to add it to a sweet dish.
Turkey ham – A delicious pork ham alternative
FAQ
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