Ham is a staple in many households, especially in the South where it’s used in a variety of dishes. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which brand to choose.
One company that often comes up in discussions about ham is Smithfield. You may have heard of them before, but is their ham really worth the hype?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Smithfield ham and see if it lives up to its reputation. From lost deliveries to holiday menus, we’ll cover it all.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about Smithfield ham.
Is Smithfield Ham Good?
The short answer is yes, Smithfield ham is good. But let’s dive a little deeper into why that is.
First and foremost, Smithfield is a reliable company. As mentioned in a review above, they promptly helped out when a ham got lost during delivery. This kind of customer service goes a long way in building trust with consumers.
But what about the taste? Well, according to another review above, the hams from Smithfield taste good too. And it’s not just one person’s opinion – Smithfield has won numerous awards for their hams, including the Grand Champion award at the 2017 National Country Ham Association competition.
Smithfield hams are also known for their unique flavor profile. They are dry-cured and smoked over real hickory wood, giving them a distinct smoky flavor that sets them apart from other hams on the market.
But it’s not just the taste that makes Smithfield ham a good choice. It’s also versatile in the kitchen. As mentioned in another review above, ham is used in a variety of Southern dishes, and Smithfield ham is no exception. From Brunswick stew to black-eyed peas to sandwiches with white bread and mayonnaise, there are endless ways to enjoy this delicious ham.
And let’s not forget about holiday menus. As mentioned in another review above, a Genuine Smithfield ham can set your Christmas menu over the top. It’s a classic choice that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
The History Of Smithfield Ham
The history of Smithfield ham dates back to Colonial Times when Captain Mallory Todd, a merchantman from Bermuda, set up shop in Smithfield and began exporting hams as early as 1779. He is credited with creating the Smithfield ham with his distinct salt and smoke-cured country hams. Todd’s business was very successful, and his first packing house was built in 1880.
The pork and peanut industries were closely related, and peanut-fed hogs were reputed to be the reason for the unique flavor of the Smithfield hams. In 1874, P.D. Gwaltney and O.G. Delk began a peanut business, building a store and smokehouse. Just a year later, P.D. bought out his partner and in 1880 he created P.D. Gwaltney & Company. Peanuts were important, and P.D. was credited with inventing several industry innovations and state-of-the-art facilities on Commerce Street in downtown Smithfield.
P.D. Gwaltney Jr. joined his father in the business in 1882, and in 1906 he expanded the meat processing plants and smokehouses. Joe Luter Sr., founder of Smithfield Packing, began working for P.D. Gwaltney Jr. & Company in 1900.
In 1921, The Great Fire ripped through Commerce Street destroying much of the Peanut storehouses and manufacturing. However, P.D. Jr. continued to expand the ham business, and in 1926, the General Assembly of Virginia passed a law stating that all official Genuine Smithfield Hams must be made within the town limits of Smithfield.
In 1946 Smithfield Packing was started by Joseph W. Luter Sr., his son Joseph Jr., and P.D. Pruden. By the year 1972 all Gwaltney family members had officially retired from the meat industry, and in 1983 Smithfield Foods purchased Gwaltney.
Today, Smithfield is a Fortune 200 Company with headquarters still located along the Pagan River in Smithfield, Virginia. It is the world’s largest pork producer, delivering pork products across six continents. In September of 2013, Smithfield received worldwide attention when it was purchased by the Chinese Company Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd., now WH Group, for $4.7 billion, making it the largest Chinese acquisition of an American firm.
What Makes Smithfield Ham Different?
Smithfield ham is different from other hams on the market in a few key ways. First, it is a long-cut ham, meaning that a good bit of the hip and backbone are left on the leg. This helps to make the middle meat less salty and creates a more robust and savory flavor.
Second, Smithfield ham is dry-cured and smoked over real hickory wood. This gives it a distinct smoky flavor that sets it apart from other hams that may be wet-cured or smoked with artificial flavorings.
Third, Smithfield ham can only be cured within the Smithfield town limits, as decreed by law. The traditional handcrafting process has never changed, resulting in a superior lean ham that is rich in color and robust in flavor.
Lastly, Smithfield hams are made from peanut-fed hogs that are raised in the peanut-belt of Virginia or North Carolina. This specific diet, along with the curing and smoking process, gives Smithfield ham its unique flavor profile that is prized by those with gourmet palates.
Smithfield Ham Delivery Issues
While Smithfield hams are undeniably delicious, some customers have reported issues with their delivery process. According to one review above, a ham got lost during delivery, causing frustration and inconvenience for the customer. It’s important to note that this seems to be an isolated incident, as Smithfield is known for their reliable and prompt customer service.
Another potential issue with Smithfield ham delivery is the shipping options. As mentioned in the product descriptions above, some shipping options may not be available for certain items, and express delivery comes with an additional cost. Customers should carefully review the shipping options and costs before placing their order to avoid any surprises.
Lastly, it’s important to note that Smithfield hams are shipped frozen and may arrive partially thawed. This is normal and does not affect the quality or safety of the product. However, customers should refrigerate the ham upon receipt to ensure it stays fresh until they are ready to enjoy it.
Smithfield Ham In Holiday Menus
When it comes to holiday menus, Smithfield ham is a popular choice for many families. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday, a Smithfield ham can be the star of the show.
One of the reasons why Smithfield ham is so popular during the holidays is because it’s easy to prepare. Spiral sliced hams come fully cooked, so all you need to do is heat them up in the oven. This makes them a convenient option for busy holiday cooks who want to spend more time with their loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
But convenience isn’t the only reason why Smithfield ham is a great addition to holiday menus. It also has a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re serving mashed potatoes, green beans, or sweet potato casserole, a Smithfield ham can complement these dishes and bring out their flavors.
Another reason why Smithfield ham is a popular choice for holiday menus is because it can feed a crowd. Depending on the size of your ham, you can easily feed 10-15 people with just one ham. This makes it a cost-effective option for large gatherings.
And let’s not forget about leftovers! A Smithfield ham can be used in a variety of dishes after the holiday meal is over. From ham and cheese sandwiches to ham and bean soup, there are endless ways to use up leftover ham.
Smithfield Ham Vs Other Brands
When it comes to comparing Smithfield ham to other brands, there are a few things to consider. One major difference is that Smithfield hams are dry-cured and smoked over real hickory wood, while other brands may use different curing and smoking methods. This gives Smithfield ham a distinct smoky flavor that sets it apart from other hams on the market.
Another thing to consider is the quality of the meat. Smithfield is a reliable company with a long history of producing high-quality pork products. They use only the finest cuts of meat for their hams, which are handcrafted using traditional methods. Other brands may use lower quality meat or mass-produce their hams using machines.
In terms of price, Smithfield hams are typically priced similarly to other premium hams on the market. While they may be more expensive than some cheaper brands, the quality of the meat and unique flavor profile make them worth the investment.
How To Cook Smithfield Ham To Perfection
Now that we know why Smithfield ham is a good choice, let’s talk about how to cook it to perfection.
There are two main methods for cooking a Smithfield ham: baking and boiling. Both methods require a little bit of preparation, but the end result is worth it.
For baking, preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove all packaging materials and place the ham on a wire rack in a shallow roasting pan, flat side down. Add 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the pan and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 14-16 minutes per pound, until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F. It’s important not to overcook the ham, as it can end up dry instead of juicy. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it stand for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
If you want to glaze your ham, follow additional instructions for glazing. It’s important to note that glazing should be done towards the end of the cooking process, so it doesn’t burn.
For boiling, place the ham skin side down in a vessel and cover it with cool water. Bring the water to 190°F (simmering, not boiling) and cook for approximately 25 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 163°F. Add water as needed to keep the ham covered. Once it’s done, take it out of the vessel and remove any skin or fat as desired. If you want a sweet coating, sprinkle the fat side with brown sugar and bread crumbs and bake in the oven at 400°F until brown (approximately 15 minutes).