Have you ever noticed a clear plastic button on the bone of a ham?
You may have wondered what it is and whether it’s safe to eat. Well, fear not!
In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of this mysterious button and provide you with some helpful tips on how to properly prepare and serve your ham.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of ham buttons!
What Is The Clear Button On Bone Of Ham?
The clear plastic button on the bone of a ham is actually a hock lock. Its purpose is to secure the hind legs, or hock, of the ham during the curing and cooking process.
The hock lock can be made of heat-resistant nylon or metal and is perfectly safe to leave in the ham while it cooks. However, it’s important to remove it before serving to avoid any potential choking hazards.
The Purpose Of The Ham Button
The purpose of the ham button, or hock lock, is to keep the ham’s hind legs secure during the curing and cooking process. This ensures that the ham retains its shape and texture while it cooks. The hock lock is made of a heat-resistant material, so it can withstand the high temperatures of the oven.
It’s important to note that the hock lock should be removed before serving the ham. Leaving it on could pose a potential choking hazard, especially for small children or elderly individuals. Additionally, if left on during cooking, the plastic hock lock could potentially release harmful chemicals into the meat.
Is It Safe To Eat The Ham Button?
It is not safe to eat the plastic hock lock button on a ham. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) warns that leaving the plastic bone guard on the meat during cooking may give off an abnormal chemical odor or taste. Even cutting away the meat around the exposed area will not necessarily solve this potential food safety problem because the penetration of the chemical into the meat will be unknown. If meat is cooked in a closed container, the chemicals may penetrate the entire piece of meat. Therefore, it is advised by the USDA to discard any ham with the plastic hock lock button still attached after cooking.
When it comes to eating ham, it’s important to choose the right type of ham depending on your holiday hosting scenario and the type of meal you’re trying to serve. Butchers can guide you to the right type of ham, whether it be boneless or bone-in, depending on your preferences. Additionally, it’s important to properly warm up your ham in the oven at 325°F until heated through before serving. By following these tips and tricks, you can safely enjoy a delicious ham without any unexpected chemical flavors or odors.
How To Properly Prepare And Serve Ham With The Button
When preparing a ham with a hock lock, it’s important to follow a few simple steps to ensure that your ham is cooked to perfection and served safely.
Firstly, choose a high-quality ham like Harry & David’s Spiral Ham, which is already seasoned and cooked, making it easy to prepare. If you’re cooking your own ham, be mindful of your cooking temperature and time to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Next, if your ham has a hock lock, leave it in place while cooking. It will help keep the ham’s shape and prevent the meat from falling apart. However, be sure to remove the hock lock before serving to avoid any potential choking hazards.
When it’s time to glaze your ham, you can make your own or use the included Harry & David glaze for added flavor. The glaze will also help keep the ham juicy and moist.
To carve your ham, turn it on its side so that the spiral slices run vertically. Use a sharp carving knife to carve off slices one at a time. For added flavor, serve the ham with juices from the roasting pan or gravy.
Finally, if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to seven days or freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your ham again, thaw it gently in the fridge and serve either cold or warmed up.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare and serve a delicious and safe ham with a hock lock button.
Other Interesting Facts About Ham Buttons
Aside from the hock lock, there are other interesting facts about ham buttons that you might not know. Ham buttons are small, metal or plastic devices that are inserted into the thickest part of a ham to help determine when it’s fully cooked.
When a ham is cooked to the proper temperature, the button will pop out, indicating that it’s done. This is especially helpful for home cooks who may not have a meat thermometer on hand or who want an extra level of assurance that their ham is cooked to perfection.
Another interesting fact about ham buttons is that they were first patented in 1943 by a man named Ralph W. Seely. His invention was called the “Seelye Ham Tester” and was designed to help commercial meat processors determine when their hams were fully cooked.
Today, ham buttons are widely available for home cooks and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some even have temperature indicators on them, making it even easier to determine when your ham is ready to serve.