Hickory honey ham. Just reading those three words is enough to make my mouth water. The combination of smoky, savory ham with sweet, sticky honey coating sounds absolutely divine. But is this deli delight really as scrumptious as it seems or is it just clever food marketing? I decided to get to the bottom of whether hickory honey ham is the real deal.
As a lover of cured meats, I’m always on the hunt for new and innovative ham products to enjoy. But I’ve been burned before by food labels making lofty flavor claims that ultimately fall flat. Was hickory honey ham just another inflated food fad or a legitimately tasty treat? I aimed to find out.
A Brief History of Hickory Honey Ham
While hickory smoked ham has been around for ages, the concept of adding honey to the curing process is actually a relatively recent phenomenon. Hickory Honey Company claims to have pioneered the technique of coating hams with a sweet honey glaze back in the early 2000s. Since then, the popularity of honey-infused ham has steadily grown.
Hickory Honey Company sources premium pork and uses time-honored curing methods to produce its signature hams. Each ham is slow-smoked over fragrant hickory chips for up to 24 hours, allowing the wood smoke to fully permeate the meat. After being spiral sliced the hams are finally brushed with a secret honey glaze recipe developed by Hickory Honey Company over a decade ago.
The Allure of Hickory and Honey
What makes hickory honey ham so uniquely appetizing is the combination of flavors Smoking the ham over hickory wood lends a robust, woodsy flavor and also tenderizes the meat Hickory smoke has an inherently warm, rustic taste that perfectly complements the salty cured ham.
The addition of honey provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the smokiness Honey also adds moisture to keep the ham tender and succulent When these two elements come together, it creates a symphony of flavors that play off each other wonderfully. The smoky, savory ham mingles with the smooth, honeyed glaze to produce a mouthwatering ham that satisfies both salty and sweet cravings.
Putting Hickory Honey Ham to the Test
To truly determine if hickory honey ham lives up to the hype, I knew I had to taste it for myself. I visited a local deli that had Hickory Honey Company’s products and purchased a few slices to sample. As soon as I opened the package, the aroma hit me – this was no ordinary ham. The hickory smoke smelled authentic and robust, while the glistening honey glaze looked perfectly brushed on.
With excitement, I took my first bite and was met with a wonderful medley of flavors. The ham had an undeniably smoky essence but was offset by the sweetness of the honey. The glaze added a subtle fruity flavor as well. As I continued to eat, I was amazed at how moist and tender the ham was – no tough, dry pieces in sight. Overall, the taste and texture exceeded my expectations. This was peak hickory honey ham.
To further test its versatility, I tried some in a sandwich, by itself as a snack, and chopped up in an omelet. Its flavors seamlessly lent themselves to any application. I was able to discern both the hickory smoke and honey notes in every bite. Suffice to say, I was thoroughly impressed by how delicious this ham was across preparation methods.
Hickory Honey Ham is The Real Deal
After conducting my own thorough research (i.e. enthusiastically eating copious samples), I can definitively say that hickory honey ham lives up to its billing. The unique infusion of wood smoke and honey creates a ham that is sweet, smoky, moist, and tender. While it may sound too good to be true, hickory honey ham is the real deal when it comes to maximizing ham flavor.
Hickory Honey Company in particular goes above and beyond to produce high-quality hams, starting with artisanal curing techniques. Their proprietary honey glaze lifts the ham to new heights and gives it a signature taste. I’m happy to declare that hickory honey ham is my new go-to for satisfying salty-sweet cravings. It puts standard honey baked ham to shame.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hickory Honey Ham
If you’re curious to try hickory honey ham yourself, here are answers to some common questions:
-
Where can I buy hickory honey ham? Many major grocery stores will carry it, often under the Hickory Honey Company brand. You can also check at local delis, specialty meat markets, or order online directly from Hickory Honey Company.
-
How should I serve/eat hickory honey ham? It’s delicious eaten by itself, added to sandwiches and wraps, diced up in salads or omelets, and more. Get creative with how you incorporate it into meals!
-
Is hickory honey ham already cooked? Yes, hickory honey ham is fully cooked and ready to eat. You can enjoy it cold directly from the package or warm it up slightly.
-
How long does it last? An unopened pack can last 1-2 months in the fridge. Once opened, it will keep for about 1 week. For longer storage, slice what you need and freeze the rest.
-
Is it expensive? It’s pricier than standard ham but still very affordable, especially considering the artisanal quality. Expect to pay $7-12 per pound.
-
What’s the best way to bring out the flavors? Let the ham come closer to room temperature before eating so the smoky notes and honey glaze shine.
Add Hickory Honey Ham to Your Deli Meat Repertoire
If you want to treat your tastebuds to an unforgettably delicious ham, seek out some hickory honey ham at your grocery store deli or specialty meat shop. I’m willing to bet you’ll be as smitten with this dynamic flavor combo as I am. Every juicy, honey-glazed bite packs a one-two punch of smoky and sweet. This is one food fad that is well worth jumping on the bandwagon for. Just thinking about it makes me hungry for more!
