Getting ready to buy a whole ham for Easter. You can pick any brand you want, like “Fleur de Lis,” “Kentucky Legend,” “Hormel Cure 81,” or something else.
I hardly ever buy a whole ham except at Easter. I think I had a spiral cut ham last year but, didnt care for it at all. even though I just barely warmed it.
As the holidays approach, many of us start thinking about picking up a juicy, spiral-cut ham to serve as the centerpiece of festive meals. Smithfield is one of the most widely available and affordable ham brands on the market, which makes it an appealing choice for shoppers looking to stick to a budget. But is this mass-produced pork product actually tasty, or should you shell out extra cash for a pricier artisanal ham? I decided to take an in-depth look at Smithfield hams to find out if they’re worth buying.
A Quick Overview of Smithfield Hams
Smithfield offers two main varieties of spiral-sliced ham hickory smoked and brown sugar. Both are smoked over real wood and come with packets of sweet glaze to brush on after cooking The hickory smoked ham has a more classic salty, smoky pork flavor while the brown sugar version is a little sweeter
In terms of price Smithfield hams offer excellent value. I found them priced at around $2.30 per pound at grocery stores like Food Lion. That’s significantly cheaper than premium mail-order hams which can cost $10 per pound or more. The affordable price makes Smithfield an enticing choice, especially for large gatherings where you need to feed a crowd.
Digging Into Customer Reviews
To get a feel for the quality and taste of Smithfield hams, I took a close look at customer reviews from various sources. Here’s a quick rundown of the feedback:
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The hickory smoked ham gets mixed reviews. Some customers complain it’s too dry or salty while others report issues with inconsistent quality.
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The brown sugar ham fares better overall. Multiple reviewers praise its flavor and juiciness.
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Common compliments focus on Smithfield hams being easy to prepare and a good value for the cost.
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The most common complaints involve hams that are overly fatty, dry, or salty. Some report problems with poor spiral slicing.
So while Smithfield has its flaws, it generally delivers tasty, affordable hams, especially the brown sugar variety. The main concerns seem to be around inconsistent quality and over-salting.
My Experience Cooking a Smithfield Ham
To form my own first-hand opinions, I bought a hickory smoked Smithfield ham to cook for a small holiday dinner. Here’s how it turned out:
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Prep – Very easy. I just had to remove the packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before baking.
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Appearance – It looked nice and plump with decent marbling of fat. The spiral slicing was mostly neat, with just a couple uneven spots.
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Cooking process – I baked it at 350°F for about 2 hours until it hit 140°F internally. The sweet, smoky aroma filled my kitchen.
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Flavor – Overall quite tasty! The meat was moist, tender and had a pleasant smoky flavor. If anything, I found it a touch too salty for my preferences.
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Value – For the cost per pound, it was great quality. My guests all enjoyed it served alongside scalloped potatoes.
The Verdict: A Good Budget Buy
Based on Smithfield’s customer reviews and my own experience, I would recommend these hams as a budget-friendly choice for feeding a crowd. Are they the most tender and flavorful hams out there? No – for premium quality, you’ll have to pay premium prices. But Smithfield delivers a tasty product at an affordable price point.
The main tips I would give are to plan for extra cooking time in case your ham ends up a bit drier than ideal, and consider soaking it in water for an hour or two beforehand if you’re sensitive to sodium. With those precautions, a Smithfield spiral-sliced ham can absolutely satisfy holiday guests without breaking the bank. It provides delicious, old-fashioned ham flavor at costs most shoppers can manage.
Stop Buying This Spiral Ham Brand And Thank Us Later
FAQ
What is special about a Smithfield ham?
What is the best way to cook a Smithfield ham?
Why is a Smithfield ham be soaked in water before cooking?
Are Smithfield hams precooked?
Is Smithfield a good ham?
Smithfield ham, with its robust flavor and firm texture, is an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional ham experience or dishes that demand a bold flavor profile. In the world of cured meats, Smithfield and Sugardale stand as two of the most renowned brands, captivating taste buds with their delectable hams.
What does Smithfield ham taste like?
The smokiness adds a touch of complexity, creating a harmonious flavor experience. Smithfield ham, with its bold flavor and firm texture, excels in dishes where its robust character can shine through. It pairs exceptionally well with sweet and tangy glazes, making it a perfect choice for a traditional baked ham.
What is a Smithfield Country ham?
A Smithfield Country ham is a delicacy known for its unique flavor and texture, unlike other hams which are typically cooked. It is cured but not cooked, resulting in a rich, savory flavor that is deeply ingrained in every slice. The curing process involves salting the ham and allowing it to age for several months.
Which Ham is better Smithfield or sugardale?
Smithfield ham, with its robust flavor and firm texture, is an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional ham experience or dishes that demand a bold flavor profile. Sugardale ham, with its milder flavor and softer texture, is ideal for those who prefer a more delicate ham or dishes where subtlety is key.