Easter is prime time for ham and every year questions crop up about it. What’s the difference between the butt and shank parts? How much should I buy? Does the ham get glazed?
There’s no doubt that the price is right if you want to have ham for Easter.
Consumers are being hit hard by rising food prices, but there are lots of deals on hams at area grocery stores. And there appears to be plenty of them. And that makes buying a ham a good value.
From what I can tell from store websites and sales flyers, hams are on sale for as little as 79 cents a pound, but it depends on what kind of cut you buy and whether it’s spiral-sliced. There are, of course, limits on how many you can buy. Buy two if you can because leftover ham has many uses: quiche, salads, sandwiches and soups. A ham for 79 cents a pound is a great deal, even if you just scoop one.
If you have a question about ham, here are some answers, along with one of our favorite recipes from the Free Press recipe archives.
Ham is a cherished centerpiece of many holiday meals and special gatherings But when prepping your next glazed ham feast, one key question arises – should you choose shank ham or butt ham? These two cuts both come from the leg portion of the pig, but have distinct differences in texture, flavor, preparation, and more
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare shank ham versus butt ham across the most important factors from taste to nutrition. Whether you’re team shank or team butt, read on to discover which cut of ham is best for your next meal!
Shank Ham Overview
First, let’s explore shank ham. This cut comes from the lower portion of the pig’s hind leg. It contains a single long leg bone, which makes slicing and carving simpler.
Visually, shank ham has the quintessential ham shape many people recognize It’s often sold pre-cooked as the classic holiday “baked ham.”
Some key attributes of shank ham:
- Lower fat content – Shank ham is quite lean
- Long straight bone – Simpler to carve
- Classic ham shape – Visually appealing
- Budget-friendly price point
- Lower meat yield per pound
- Meat can dry out during cooking
Shank ham is known for its salty, concentrated ham flavor towards the tapered “funnel” section. The shank cut makes up around 30-40% of an entire ham.
Butt Ham Profile
The butt ham comes from higher up on the leg and contains portions of both the femur and pelvic bones. This results in a rounder, meatier profile without the classic ham shape.
Unlike the lean shank ham, butt ham contains more intramuscular fat. Here are some traits of butt ham:
- Higher fat content – More tender and moist
- Femur and pelvic bones – Harder to carve
- Abundant marbling – Rich, flavorful
- Prized for tenderness
- Higher price tag
- Higher meat yield per pound
With its extensive marbling and fat, butt ham delivers a juicier bite and deeper ham taste. Butt ham makes up 60-70% of a whole ham.
Flavor Comparison
When it comes to taste, shank hams and butt hams have noticeable differences in their flavor profiles.
The shank ham delivers a straightforward salty ham taste, especially towards the tapered shank end where the flavor concentrates. The meat is typically leaner, though some fat layers may be present.
Meanwhile, the butt ham offers a richer, meatier ham flavor thanks to its extensive marbling and fat content. The butt section’s high concentration of fat melts during cooking, bastings the meat and producing juicy, succulent results.
If seeking a more intensely pork-forward ham experience, the butt ham’s abundant fat provides a deeper, more savory ham taste. However, some prefer the classic salty punch of a leaner shank ham.
Texture Differences
Texture also differs noticeably between shank ham and butt ham. Due to its leanness and single bone, shank ham can dry out easier during cooking. Extended baking times often yield tougher results.
Butt ham’s higher fat ratio keeps it tender and moist during cooking. The fat bastes the meat, even if slightly overcooked. The extra marbling also delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
However, butt ham contains more connective tissue and gristle around the bones. This can impact the mouthfeel, especially if the ham is not properly cooked to soften these tissues.
Nutrition Comparison
From a nutrition standpoint, shank ham tends to be a leaner, lower calorie option compared to fattier butt ham cuts.
Since shank ham contains less intramuscular fat, it is lower in overall calories and saturated fat. A 3-ounce serving of roasted shank ham contains around 120 calories and 2 grams of saturated fat.
Meanwhile, the same serving size of butt ham delivers 150 calories and 3.5 grams of saturated fat due to its higher fat content.
Both cuts are high in protein, with about 18-20 grams per 3-ounce serving. Cured and processed meats also tend to be high in sodium, so moderation is key.
Easier Carving with Shank Ham
One advantage of shank ham is that it’s simpler to carve cleanly due to its single straight leg bone. With the knife parallel along the bone, smooth slices can be cut.
Butt ham’s odd bone shape with both femur and pelvic bones can make clean slices more challenging. Navigating around the two bones requires skilled knife work.
For easier serving, opting for a pre-sliced shank ham eliminates carving difficulties. However, part of the classic ham experience is slicing it tableside yourself.
Cooking Tips for Both Cuts
To achieve delicious results from both shank ham and butt ham, use these cooking tips:
- Let the ham reach room temp before cooking for even heating.
- Use a foil tent if edges dry out, but remove later for glazing.
- Glaze during last 30 minutes to avoid burning.
- Cook approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F.
- Use a meat thermometer and cook until 145°F internally.
- Let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
The butt ham’s higher fat ratio requires closer monitoring to avoid overcooking. Meanwhile, the leaner shank ham needs more moisture protection during extended roasting.
Cost Comparison
Pricewise, shank ham tends to cost noticeably less per pound compared to the prized butt ham. This is partly because it contains more bone vs. meat.
Shank ham can generally be found for $2-3 less per pound than butt ham. However, for major holidays, the price gap may be even more significant.
When choosing ham, consider whether the richer flavor and tenderness of butt ham is worth the splurge. For a budget bake, opt for economical shank ham.
Shank Ham or Butt Ham: Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the verdict between shank ham and butt ham comes down to personal preferences around flavor, texture, preparation, and cost.
For classic ham flavor and easier carving, shank ham can be a smart choice, especially for those on a budget. But for indulgent richness and moist tenderness, spring for premium butt ham. Whichever cut you choose, let proper cooking and resting ensure you get the best results.
Now that you know the full differences between these two prized cuts of ham, you can pick the right one for your next meal. Just be sure to savor every delicious, salty, umami-packed bite. Happy ham season!
Butt or shank portion of ham?
The answer is purely a matter of preference, though the taste and cost are factors to consider. A ham labeled “butt end” comes from the upper thigh, closer to the hip. It typically costs a bit more and is fattier and meatier. Carving can be an issue with the butt end because of its irregularly shaped aitch bone. A ham labeled “shank end” is larger so youll get more servings out of it. Its easier to carve, has less fat and costs less.
Personally, I prefer the flavor of the shank end, which isnt as fatty.
While a boneless ham costs more than a shank and butt, it leaves less waste and makes more meals. Boneless will have a binder that holds it together in one solid piece.
When it comes to taste, many cooks and meat experts agree that a ham with the bone in is better. And you can use the leftover bone to make soup.
Spiral-sliced hams are sliced in a spiral fashion around the bone, making serving easy. But you need to watch them closely because they can dry out when reheated. Allow 10 to 18 minutes per pound reheating time for a whole or half spiral-sliced ham. Ive had good luck reheating spiral sliced hams cut side down in the roasting pan.
Should I buy a whole or a half ham? How much ham will I need per person?
A whole ham typically weighs more than 10 pounds. It would be hard to move that big of a piece around in a roasting pan, which is why there are so many half hams. But if youre feeding a lot of people, you might consider it. A bone-in ham should give you about ⅓ to ½ pound of meat per person, or 2 to 3 servings per pound. If you want extra, you can always cook more. For a boneless ham, figure about ¼ pound per person, or more for leftovers.
Smithfield ham shank and butt portion
FAQ
Which ham is better, shank or butt?
What type of ham has the best flavor?
What is the best ham for baked ham?
What kind of ham is best for sandwiches?
What is the difference between a shank Ham and a butt ham?
Butt ham is a cut of meat that comes from the upper portion of the pig’s leg, including the tail and buttocks. This cut contains the femur and pelvic bone, which can make it challenging to carve around. However, despite this difficulty, butt ham is a more tender and flavorful cut of meat compared to shank ham.
What is the difference between a ham and a shank end?
The butt end is what is sounds like, that half of ham comes from the top part of the ham cut, closer to the tail of the pig. The shank end is the end that is closer to the hoof. There is debate over which ham is better. On the surface it might appear the butt end will be easier to carve. The shape is more uniform.
Is a ham healthier than a shank?
Due to its lesser fat content when compared to the shank. The butt ham is the healthier choice. While ham contains unhealthy or saturated fat, the effect of this becomes obvious if you consume it in large quantities. Since I am watchful of my calorie intake, I only take hams occasionally, preferring the butt ham to the shank.
Are shank half hams cheaper?
In general, shank half hams are cheaper than butt half hams. This is because shank half hams consist of a smaller portion of the entire ham and include the shank bone, which is not as meaty as the butt portion. On the other hand, butt half hams are larger and have more meat than shank half hams, making them more expensive.