John Myers
The distinctive smoke aroma is characteristic of the traditional raw ham from the Black Forest. The specialty is made from deboned ham, which is cured and then smoked cold over fir branches. This gives the Black Forest ham its dark outer color and its typical taste. After smoking, the ham is dried for another 3 weeks.
Origin
The ham specialty has been produced in the Black Forest for over 200 years. Real Black Forest ham bears the “g.g.A.” seal (approved geographical indication), which stands for a protected geographical indication. That means the ham must have been produced in the Black Forest using traditional methods.
Season
Black Forest ham is packaged all year round or available at the sausage counter.
Taste
The ham is traditionally cold-smoked over coniferous wood, for example spruce or pine wood from the Black Forest and beech wood chips. Here the ham gets its specific black-brown rind and its dark color and develops its special, strong aroma. Before curing and smoking, the ham is rubbed with e.g. garlic, coriander, pepper, and juniper. This also gives it a spicy taste, which, together with the strong smoke aroma, makes up the typical taste of Black Forest ham. It tastes best when cut as thinly as possible or diced into small pieces.
Use
The ham tastes classic sliced as a sandwich topping. But it is also delicious cut into small pieces in a salad or with asparagus or melon.
Storage
It is best to put whole hams or larger pieces of ham in a linen bag and hang them up in a cool, dry room. Vacuum-packed pieces of ham are also best stored in a cool, dry place. If the ham has already been cut, cover the cut surface with parchment paper. Store already sliced ham wrapped in parchment paper in the refrigerator.
Durability
Properly stored, the whole ham can be kept for months. Once cut, it will keep for a few weeks if stored in a cool, dry place. Sliced in the fridge, it stays fresh for about 5 days. You will also learn interesting facts about smoked ham and other varieties.
Nutritional value/active ingredients
Smoked ham provides about 301 kcal/1261 kJ, 26 g protein, 21 g fat, and no carbohydrates per 100 g. If you want to save fat, you can simply remove the fat edge.
