If you’re a fan of the salty, savory goodness of country ham, then you’re in luck if you’re in Richmond, VA.
This southern city is known for its love of all things pork, and country ham is no exception. Whether you prefer it cooked or cured, sliced or smoked, there are plenty of options for finding the perfect country ham in Richmond.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to buy country ham in the city, so you can satisfy your cravings and enjoy this southern delicacy to your heart’s content.
So grab a biscuit and get ready to discover the best spots for country ham in Richmond!
Where To Buy Country Ham In Richmond VA?
1. Edwards Virginia Smokehouse: This family-owned business has been producing some of the best country ham in Virginia since 1926. Their hams are aged for up to 400 days and smoked over hickory wood for a rich, smoky flavor. You can purchase their hams online or visit their retail store in Surry, VA.
2. Belmont Butchery: This artisanal butcher shop in Richmond offers a variety of locally sourced meats, including country ham. Their hams are cured and smoked in-house, and you can purchase them sliced or whole. They also offer a country ham sandwich on their lunch menu.
3. S. Wallace Edwards & Sons: Another family-owned business, S. Wallace Edwards & Sons has been producing country ham since 1926. Their hams are aged for up to 18 months and smoked over applewood for a unique flavor. You can purchase their hams online or visit their retail store in Surry, VA.
4. The Pig & Pearl: This restaurant in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood offers a variety of southern-inspired dishes, including a country ham plate with biscuits and honey butter. You can also purchase their house-cured country ham by the pound to take home.
5. Southern Season: This gourmet food emporium in Richmond’s Short Pump Town Center offers a wide selection of specialty foods, including country ham from various producers. You can purchase their hams sliced or whole, and they also offer a country ham biscuit on their breakfast menu.
The History Of Country Ham In Richmond
Country ham has a long and rich history in Richmond, Virginia. The city’s location in the middle of the Ham Belt, a strip of climate zones conducive to preserving meat, made it an ideal location for the production and consumption of country ham. The first official reference to country ham appeared in print in 1944, and it alluded to a method of smoking and dry-curing ham in rural regions, like Virginia and nearby states.
One of the most well-known producers of country ham in Virginia is Edwards Virginia Smokehouse. This family-owned business has been producing some of the best country ham in the state since 1926. Their hams are aged for up to 400 days and smoked over hickory wood for a rich, smoky flavor. Another family-owned business, S. Wallace Edwards & Sons, has also been producing country ham since 1926. Their hams are aged for up to 18 months and smoked over applewood for a unique flavor.
Belmont Butchery is an artisanal butcher shop in Richmond that offers a variety of locally sourced meats, including country ham. Their hams are cured and smoked in-house, and you can purchase them sliced or whole. The Pig & Pearl is a restaurant in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood that offers a variety of southern-inspired dishes, including a country ham plate with biscuits and honey butter. You can also purchase their house-cured country ham by the pound to take home.
Southern Season is a gourmet food emporium in Richmond’s Short Pump Town Center that offers a wide selection of specialty foods, including country ham from various producers. You can purchase their hams sliced or whole, and they also offer a country ham biscuit on their breakfast menu. Overall, there are plenty of options for purchasing and enjoying delicious country ham in Richmond, VA.
Local Farms And Markets For Country Ham
For those who prefer to purchase their country ham from local farms and markets, there are several options in and around Richmond, VA. One such option is Ham Farms, located in Snow Hill, North Carolina. For over 40 years, the Ham family has been committed to growing and processing the finest sweet potatoes and sweet potato products, but they also offer a delicious sorghum-cured Gum Creek Farms ham that is perfect for sandwiches or as a snack with cheese.
Another option is Pine Street Market, located in Atlanta, Georgia. They produce a variety of handmade artisan meats, including country ham that is smoked and aged to perfection. Their hams are made with top-quality pork sourced from Georgia’s own GumCreek Farms, ensuring a fresh and delicious product.
Lastly, for those who prefer to shop at local farmers’ markets, the South of the James Farmers’ Market in Richmond offers several vendors who sell locally sourced country ham. One such vendor is Sausage Craft, who offers a variety of cured meats including country ham that is made from pasture-raised pigs from local farms.
Restaurants Serving Country Ham Dishes
If you’re looking to try some delicious country ham dishes in Richmond, VA, you’re in luck. Here are some restaurants that serve up some of the best country ham dishes in the area:
1. The Roosevelt: This restaurant in Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood offers a variety of modern southern dishes, including a country ham plate with biscuits and gravy. Their country ham is sourced from Edwards Virginia Smokehouse.
2. Early Bird Biscuit Co.: This breakfast spot in Richmond’s Bellevue neighborhood offers a variety of freshly baked biscuits, including a country ham biscuit with honey mustard and cheddar cheese. Their country ham is sourced from S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.
3. Lunch.Supper!: This restaurant in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition neighborhood offers a variety of southern-inspired dishes, including a country ham sandwich with pimento cheese and pickled okra. Their country ham is sourced from Edwards Virginia Smokehouse.
4. The Savory Grain: This restaurant in Richmond’s Fan neighborhood offers a variety of comfort food dishes, including a country ham plate with mashed potatoes and green beans. Their country ham is sourced from Edwards Virginia Smokehouse.
5. The Blue Goat: This restaurant in Richmond’s Westhampton neighborhood offers a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including a country ham pizza with fig jam and arugula. Their country ham is sourced from S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.
No matter which restaurant you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious and unique flavor of country ham in all its forms.
Tips For Choosing And Preparing Country Ham At Home
If you’re looking to prepare country ham at home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose a high-quality ham from a reputable source. Look for hams that have been aged for at least six months, as this will give them a more complex flavor.
Before cooking, you’ll need to soak the ham to remove excess salt. The length of time you soak the ham will depend on its size and your personal taste preferences. Some people prefer to soak their ham for up to three days, while others find that a shorter soak of six to twelve hours is sufficient.
To soak the ham, place it in a container large enough to hold it and cover it with cold water. Keep the container in a cool place, such as a refrigerator or cooler, and change the water every 12 hours. This will help draw out the excess salt and make the ham more palatable.
Once you’ve soaked the ham, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with warm water and use a stiff brush to remove any remaining pepper or surface mold. Mold is a natural occurrence on aged hams and is not harmful, but it can affect the taste if left on the surface.
When cooking the ham, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and pay attention to cooking times and temperatures. Glazing the ham towards the end of cooking can add extra flavor and help create an attractive appearance.
Finally, be sure to slice the ham thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and flavor. Country ham is a delicious addition to any meal, and with these tips, you can prepare it at home like a pro.
Conclusion: Where To Buy The Best Country Ham In Richmond
After researching and considering various options, it’s clear that Edwards Virginia Smokehouse stands out as the best place to buy country ham in Richmond. Their dedication to quality and tradition, along with their extensive aging and smoking process, results in a ham that is simply unbeatable in flavor and texture. However, if you’re looking for a more local option, Belmont Butchery offers a delicious and convenient choice. And for those who prefer dining out or shopping in a gourmet store, The Pig & Pearl and Southern Season are great options to consider. No matter where you choose to buy your country ham in Richmond, you’re sure to enjoy the rich, smoky flavor that is synonymous with southern family traditions.
