Uncured meat often gets a bad name. This is another health-related food label that we should keep an eye on. However, unlike most things related to health, uncured meat isnt tough to understand. First, there are two kinds of cured meat. One has a bad name because of how it’s cured, but the other is easier to make and might be better for your health. Most ham that is commercially produced is a cured variety in which you purchase and serve. However, more and more companies are now providing uncuredpork products, and you might be wondering whats going on. What is uncured ham? Is it safe to eat? Is it better for you? How does it taste? Keep reading to find out all the answers to these questions and also to help you decide if it’s the right meat for you.
To give you a better idea about whatuncured ham is, lets first discuss what cured meat is. The chances are, unless labeled otherwise, the ham you purchase at the grocery store is cured ham. When curing ham the two most common curing methods are wet curing and brine curing. Injecting the pork with a mix of chemicals like sodium nitrate, sodium phosphate, potassium chloride, and sodium erythorbate, along with salt, brown sugar, water, and flavorings, is part of the curing process. After the ham is injected it is then fully cooked, in either a smoker or an oven. When creating commercially produced meats, to speed up the process, the ham is placed into a convection oven. This process can be accomplished in just six hours, whereas smoking can take several days. Even though a convection oven is faster, it’s not as natural as smoking. To get the same “smoky” flavor that smoking pork gives pork, more chemicals are added to the ham. The brine and high cooking temperatures kill bacteria in the meat, whether it is smoked or cooked. This makes the ham safe to eat.
For the most part, a ham that says it was cured, smoked, or baked means it is already “cooked” and safe to eat. Most ham that is sold on shelves to consumers or purchased at the deli is already cured.
Now that we know what cured ham is, let’s talk about the important question: what is uncured ham? Uncured ham, which is also called “fresh ham,” is the same cut as cured ham. This is different from cured meat because uncured ham is not mixed with the same chemicals that are used to cure meat. You may notice that uncured ham has a slightly different color than the cured ham you’re used to when you buy it. This is a natural difference. The reason for this color difference is that nitrates in the brine of cured meat often make cured ham look more reddish-pink. Contrary to its name, uncured meatis actually cured. It just undergoes a different, more natural curing processed than that of traditionally cured meat.
Curing is the process of keeping meat fresh by using acid, salt, and sugar. This preservation process works to remove excess water from the meat and prevent it from spoiling. Fruits and vegetables like celery and beets are mixed with seasonings and fresh sea salt to make a tasty meat cure that doesn’t contain any chemicals. The uncured meat process is not only free of man-made nitrates and flavors, but it’s also better for you and tastes much better! The natural curing process changes the meat’s flavor and texture, making the ham a tasty treat that’s ready to eat.
When you are shopping for uncured meats, many types will have an extra label that says “sodium nitrate-free” next to the “uncured” label. It’s important to look for this label because foods with sodium nitrate could be bad for your health.
For generations, ham has been a beloved deli meat and staple ingredient in many recipes. However, over the years, concerns have grown over the potential health risks of processed meats like ham. This has led many people to look for uncured ham – a healthier, more natural alternative.
In this article, we’ll explore what exactly uncured ham is, how it differs from processed ham, and why it may be a smarter choice for your diet and overall health.
What is Uncured Ham?
Uncured ham, sometimes labeled as “no nitrates or nitrites added,” is ham that has not been preserved using conventional curing methods. The typical curing process for ham involves injecting it with sodium nitrite, along with other preservatives and flavorings.
Instead of synthetic nitrates, uncured ham is preserved with natural sources of nitrates like celery juice or celery powder. This is what gives it its characteristic pink color without the need for artificial preservatives. Other natural ingredients like sea salt honey and cherries may also be used in the curing process.
While uncured ham still undergoes curing, it does so through more natural methods. The end result is ham that contains no added nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, or other potentially harmful additives.
What is Processed Ham?
In contrast, processed ham has been treated with various chemicals and preservatives to extend its shelf life and enhance its flavor and color.
The curing process for processed ham typically involves injecting it with sodium nitrite, along with other ingredients like salt, sodium erythorbate, potassium chloride, brown sugar, and artificial smoke flavoring. This gives processed ham its trademark pink color.
Common examples of processed ham include:
- Deli-style ham
- Canned ham
- Spiral sliced ham
- Honey baked ham
While convenient and inexpensive, processed hams contain concerning chemical additives and large amounts of sodium.
Health Risks of Processed Meats
Studies have linked the frequent consumption of processed meats like ham, bacon, and sausage to increased risks of:
- Bowel and stomach cancer
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
This is mainly due to the sodium nitrite, nitrates, and other preservatives they contain.
When heated, nitrites can form cancer-causing compounds called nitrosamines in the body. The sodium and preservatives also contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health issues.
For these reasons, health authorities recommend limiting intake of processed meats and opting for unprocessed alternatives whenever possible.
Benefits of Uncured Ham
Compared to traditional cured ham, uncured ham offers several benefits:
1. No added nitrates/nitrites
Without any added sodium nitrite, uncured ham avoids the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines during cooking.
2. Less sodium
With no added preservatives, uncured ham tends to be lower in sodium than cured varieties. This makes it a better choice for heart health.
3. More natural
The use of celery powder, sea salt, and other natural curing agents results in clean, simple ingredients.
4. More authentic flavor
Without artificial smoke flavors and excessive sodium, many people feel uncured ham has a more natural, pork-like taste.
5. May be more nutritional
The lack of synthetic preservatives could allow uncured ham to retain more of its natural vitamins and minerals. However, more research is still needed on this.
While uncured ham is not 100% risk-free, it avoids many of the concerning chemical additives found in processed varieties. For those looking to reduce intake of sodium, nitrates, and other preservatives, uncured ham can be a smarter choice.
How to Identify Uncured Ham
When shopping for uncured ham, look for the following phrases on the packaging:
- No nitrates or nitrites added
- Uncured
- Nitrate-free
- Naturally cured
- Celery juice cured
Reputable brands will make it clear that no synthetic curing agents have been added. Be wary of labels like “no artificial ingredients” or “no preservatives,” as these don’t guarantee that nitrates were not used.
The color of uncured ham may appear slightly different from cured varieties, with a lighter pink hue. There may also be a wider range of pinks throughout, rather than the uniform color induced by sodium nitrite in processed ham.
Examples of popular uncured ham brands include:
- Naked Bacon
- Applegate
- Oscar Mayer Natural
- Hormel Natural Choice
- Jones All Natural
Reading ingredients lists and buying from trusted suppliers remains the best way to verify that a ham product is uncured.
Cooking and Serving Uncured Ham
Uncured ham can be used in recipes just like regular cured ham. It shines in classics like:
- Ham sandwiches
- Omelets
- Scalloped potatoes
- Split pea soup
- Fried rice
For optimum flavor and moisture, opt for uncured ham steaks or roasts over packaged deli slices.
Uncured ham tends to have a shorter shelf life than cured varieties due to the lack of synthetic preservatives. Keep refrigerated and use within 5-7 days of opening. Frozen uncured ham will last 2-3 months.
Quickly heating the ham, in a pan or microwave, can restore moisture when reheating leftovers. Avoid overcooking, as this will dry out the meat.
Is Uncured Ham Healthier?
While not without flaws, uncured ham does avoid many of the concerning additives found in processed varieties. The lack of added sodium nitrite alone makes uncured ham much less likely to form cancer-causing compounds when cooked.
However, uncured meats are still high in saturated fat and sodium, so they should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Opting for leaner cuts of uncured ham can help minimize fat intake.
For those looking to reduce consumption of processed meats and chemical additives, uncured ham is likely the healthier choice. But, as with any meat, it’s wise not to overindulge.
The Takeaway
With its natural curing agents and lack of concerning chemicals, uncured ham offers a less processed alternative to traditional cured ham. While not 100% without risk, it avoids many of the additives linked to health issues in studies on processed meats. For those wanting to limit nitrates, preservatives, and excess sodium in their diet, uncured ham is likely the smarter choice. Just be sure to verify on labels that no nitrates or nitrites have been added.
Is eating uncured ham safe?
Due to its labeling, many people wonder if theuncured ham is still safe to eat. Despite its name,uncured ham is cured, just in a more natural way. Upon reaching the consumer, unless otherwise stated, most uncured meat has been thoroughly cooked. This means all you have to do is put the ham in the oven, heat it up to the temperature you want, serve it, and enjoy it! In fact, most people think that uncured hams are better for you than cured hams. Many of them are labeled “organic” or “natural,” which means they don’t have any of the man-made nitrates that are used in a lot of cured hams.
What are the Health Risks of Uncured Meats?
Does cured or uncured meat involve higher health risks? When purchasing meat, its important to read all labels. First, youll need to understand that nitrates and nitrites are not the same. Your body converts nitrates into nitrites, which your stomach then turns into nitrosamines. Nitrosamine is a carcinogen, which has often been linked to cancer.
The great thing about uncured meats is that they are cured with natural things like sea salt, celery, and beets. Even though some vegetables, like celery, still have nitrates in them, the vitamin C in those vegetables stops the nitrites from turning into nitrosamines.
When shopping for cured or uncured meats, we recommend opting for the uncured versions. If anything, this will give you piece-of-mind knowing that your meat was not cured using chemicals. In addition, if you are on a certain diet and are wondering “is uncured ham paleo” or “is bacon keto?” we are happy to tell you that both are okay to eat if they are cooked the right way. Learn about the brand and read the ingredients list to find foods that are both tasty and good for you.
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FAQ
Is there a non processed ham?
What is the healthiest ham?
What is unprocessed ham called?
How to tell if ham is processed?
Are uncured hams healthy?
Upon reaching the consumer, unless otherwise stated, most uncured meat has been thoroughly cooked. This means that all you have to do is throw the ham in the oven, warm it to your desired temperature, serve it, and enjoy it! In fact, most people believe thatuncured hams are a healthier alternative.
Is uncured ham considered processed meat?
Uncured ham is not considered processed meat. It is commonly referred to as fresh ham and undergoes a similar processing method as turkey bacon. Unlike traditionally cured hams, uncured ham does not contain any injected brine chemicals, smoke, or flavorings.
Does Ham count as processed meat?
Yep. “Processed meat” is any meat that’s preserved by salting, smoking or curing, or by adding chemical preservatives. That means sausage, bacon, cold cuts like pastrami and salami, hot dogs and, yes, ham. Why does it matter whether or not ham counts as processed meat?
Are all types of Ham processed?
When it comes to ham, many people assume that all types of ham are processed. However, this is not entirely true. Uncured ham, also known as fresh ham, is a type of ham that is not injected with the same chemical brine, smoke, or flavorings that are used in cured meat.