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Your guests will be amazed when you serve a spiral-sliced ham at your next party. But before you glaze and bake the ham, you need to get rid of that ugly clear button that sticks out of the bone. If you’ve never thrown away a small piece of plastic before, it might seem scary. Don’t worry, though; taking away the clear button is simple if you know how.
In this complete guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to safely and easily remove the clear button from your holiday ham. We’ll discuss
- What is the clear button on a ham?
- Why it’s important to remove it
- Helpful tools to have on hand
- A step-by-step tutorial on how to remove it
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s get started!
What Is the Clear Button on a Ham?
The clear button found on most spiral sliced hams is a small piece of plastic inserted into the bone It serves an important purpose – to hold the slices of ham together during shipping and storage. Without it, the slices would fall apart before reaching the grocery store or your table
The button is made from food-safe plastic and is perfectly edible. However, it’s best to take it off before cooking for both looks and taste reasons.
Why Remove the Clear Button?
There’s no reason not to eat the clear button, but here are some good reasons to take the time to do so:
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Appearance – The plastic button leaves an unsightly blemish on the ham. Removing it allows for a prettier presentation.
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Taste – The plastic can impart a slight chemical flavor. Getting rid of it prevents any plastic taste in your ham.
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Safety – The button could melt, fall out, or become a choking hazard when cooking at high heat. Removing it prevents any risks.
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Glazing – The button may prevent glazes and seasonings from adhering evenly to the ham. Taking it out allows for even coverage.
Helpful Tools for Removing the Button
Removing the clear button takes just a few minutes and requires minimal tools. Here is what you’ll need:
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Your fingers – For many hams, you can simply use your fingers to grasp and pull out the button.
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Needle-nose pliers – The narrow tip allows you to firmly grip the button.
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Tweezers – Great for getting into tight spaces around bones.
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Sharp paring knife – Only use the tip to gently loosen a stubborn button by sliding it underneath.
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Clean kitchen towel – Prevents slippage when gripping with tools.
Avoid using tools with sharp edges that could tear the ham slices. Work slowly and gently to avoid damaging the meat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for successfully removing the clear button from your ham:
1. Locate the Button
- Place the ham flat side down on a clean work surface.
- Find the end of the bone where you see the clear button protruding. It is often near the thinner “knuckle” end of the bone.
2. Clean and Dry the Area
- Use a paper towel to wipe away any juices or moisture around the button. Getting it nice and dry will make it easier to grip.
3. Grip the Button
- If using your fingers, press down firmly on either side of the button to get a good grip.
- If using tools, place their tips right up against the button.
4. Slowly Pull the Button Out
- Apply slow, steady pressure to ease the button straight out of the bone.
- Wiggle it gently from side to side if needed to loosen it.
- Switch tools or grip spots if you’re having trouble getting traction on the slippery plastic.
5. Check for Any Remaining Plastic
- Examine the hole where the button was inserted and use a knife tip to remove any remaining fragments.
- Run your finger over the bone to check for bumps or rough areas.
6. Rinse the Area
- Once the button is fully removed, rinse the end of the bone with cool water to wash away any loose fragments.
And that’s it! With the plastic button removed, your ham is ready for the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to dealing with the clear buttons on hams, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Are all hams sold with a clear button?
Most spiral sliced, bone-in hams will have a clear button, but not all of them. High-end artisan hams typically do not need them. Check your ham carefully to see if it has one.
Can I reuse the clear button after cooking the ham?
It is not recommended to reuse the clear button. The high heat of cooking can warp the plastic so it won’t hold slices as securely. The button also becomes difficult to sanitize after cooking.
What if the button won’t come out?
First, don’t force it! If the button is really stuck, try using a knife tip to gently loosen the edges all the way around it. Switch to a different grip spot or tool and rock it slowly back and forth. The key is gentle persistence. If needed, ask someone else to lend an extra set of hands.
Can I eat the ham if I can’t remove the button?
While not ideal, the ham is still safe to eat if the button remains. Be sure to warn diners to avoid that area. Consider slicing around it and not serving the end piece with the button.
Removing the clear button from a spiral cut ham takes just a few easy steps. Now that you know what to do, you can prep your holiday ham like a pro! Simply locate it, grip it, and pull it out. Then you’ll be ready to bake and glaze the most picture-perfect ham for your guests to enjoy.
