If you’re a fan of ham, you’ve probably heard of Cure 81.
This popular brand has been around for 50 years, and it’s still going strong. But have you ever wondered why it’s called Cure 81? What does that even mean?
In this article, we’ll explore the history of this iconic ham brand and uncover the story behind its unique name. From the involvement of homemakers in its creation to the role of curemasters in maintaining its quality, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Cure 81 ham.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about one of America’s favorite hams.
Why Is It Called Cure 81 Ham?
The Cure 81 ham brand was first introduced by Hormel Foods in 1963, and it quickly became a hit with consumers. But what’s the story behind its name?
According to Hormel Foods, the name “Cure 81” was chosen because the ham was cured for 81 days. This extended curing process gave the ham a unique flavor and texture that set it apart from other hams on the market.
But there’s more to the story than just the curing process. In fact, the creation of Cure 81 ham was a collaborative effort between Hormel Foods and over 1,000 homemakers.
In 1963, Hormel Foods asked these homemakers to help create “the world’s most nearly perfect ham.” They provided feedback on everything from flavor to packaging, and their input was instrumental in the development of the Cure 81 brand.
Since then, seven curemasters have been responsible for maintaining the quality and integrity of Cure 81 hams. Attaining the level of curemaster is considered one of the highest honors at Hormel Foods, and these individuals play a crucial role in ensuring that every ham lives up to the brand’s high standards.
Recently, Hormel Foods conducted a study to revisit consumers’ ideas of the perfect ham. As tastes and preferences have changed over the years, the company has continued to evolve and innovate to meet the needs of its customers.
The Origins Of Cure 81 Ham: A Homemaker’s Recipe
The creation of Cure 81 ham was truly a collaborative effort between Hormel Foods and homemakers. Hormel Foods recognized that the opinions and preferences of their customers were crucial to the development of a successful product. Thus, they enlisted the help of over 1,000 homemakers in 1963 to create “the world’s most nearly perfect ham.”
These homemakers provided feedback on everything from flavor to packaging, and their input was instrumental in the development of the Cure 81 brand. The result was a ham that was cured for 81 days, giving it a unique flavor and texture that set it apart from other hams on the market.
Since then, seven curemasters have been responsible for maintaining the quality and integrity of Cure 81 hams. Attaining the level of curemaster is considered one of the highest honors at Hormel Foods, and these individuals play a crucial role in ensuring that every ham lives up to the brand’s high standards.
The Cure 81 ham brand has continued to evolve over the years to meet the changing tastes and preferences of consumers. Hormel Foods recently conducted a study to revisit consumers’ ideas of the perfect ham, and they have continued to innovate with new smokehouse series items like the Hormel® Cure 81® Cherrywood Smoked hams and the new exclusive line of hams sold only online, branded Curemaster ReserveTM hams.
The Significance Of 81 In Cure 81 Ham
The number 81 in Cure 81 ham is significant because it represents the number of days that the ham is cured. This extended curing process allows the ham to develop a unique flavor and texture that is unmatched by other hams on the market.
But why 81 days specifically? Hormel Foods chose this number after extensive research and experimentation. They found that curing the ham for 81 days resulted in the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and juiciness.
The curing process itself involves a combination of salt, sugar, and other seasonings that are applied to the ham. The ham is then left to cure for 81 days, during which time it is carefully monitored and turned regularly to ensure even curing.
The end result is a ham that is exceptionally lean, with a natural hardwood smoked flavor that is both authentic and delicious. Each ham is registered and guaranteed to ensure customer satisfaction, and if for any reason a customer is not satisfied, Hormel Foods will make a prompt adjustment of equal value.
The Role Of Curemasters In Maintaining Quality
Curemasters are an essential part of the Cure 81 ham brand. These individuals are responsible for maintaining the quality and integrity of the product line. They work closely with marketing, research and development, and production professionals to ensure that the hams meet the brand’s high standards.
One of the primary responsibilities of a curemaster is to review consumer comments and feedback to identify trends and ensure that the brand stays relevant to consumers. They also play a crucial role in food safety, making sure that every ham is safe for consumption.
Curemasters are also involved in the development of new products and innovations. They work closely with other professionals to create new flavors, packaging, and other features that meet the needs of consumers.
The role of a curemaster is considered one of the highest honors at Hormel Foods. It is a position that requires a deep understanding of food science, as well as a passion for quality and innovation. With their expertise and dedication, curemasters ensure that every Cure 81 ham lives up to the brand’s reputation for excellence.
How Cure 81 Ham Became A Household Name
Thanks to its unique flavor and texture, Cure 81 ham quickly became a household name after its introduction in 1963. But it wasn’t just the curing process that set it apart – it was also the result of a collaborative effort between Hormel Foods and over 1,000 homemakers.
By involving consumers in the development process, Hormel Foods was able to create a product that truly resonated with its target audience. The Cure 81 brand quickly gained a reputation for quality and consistency, and it wasn’t long before it became a staple at holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Over the years, the role of the curemaster has been instrumental in maintaining the brand’s reputation for excellence. These individuals are responsible for preserving the brand integrity and ensuring that every ham lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors.
Today, Hormel Foods continues to innovate and evolve to meet the changing tastes and preferences of its customers. But despite these changes, the Cure 81 brand remains a beloved household name – a testament to its enduring quality and timeless appeal.
The Future Of Cure 81 Ham: Innovations And Expansion Plans
Hormel Foods is committed to ensuring that the Cure 81 brand remains relevant and appealing to consumers. To this end, the company has continued to innovate and expand the brand’s offerings.
In addition to the original bone-in ham, Hormel Foods has introduced a range of new flavors, including Vermont Maple, Classic, Brown Sugar, Honey, and Black Pepper. These new flavors have been well-received by consumers and have helped to keep the brand fresh and exciting.
Hormel Foods has also expanded the distribution of Cure 81 hams. The hams are now available in select retailers such as Kroger, Price Chopper, Hy-Vee and Brookshire Grocery Company. This expanded distribution has helped to increase the brand’s visibility and accessibility to consumers.
Looking to the future, Hormel Foods is committed to continuing to innovate and expand the Cure 81 brand. The company is constantly exploring new flavors and packaging options to keep the brand fresh and exciting for consumers.
