Where to Buy a Picnic Ham: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Pork Centerpiece
The best place to buy a picnic ham depends on your budget, desired quality, and preference for bone-in or boneless options. You can find serviceable picnic hams at most major grocery stores, but for a truly memorable culinary experience, consider specialized butcher shops or online retailers offering high-quality, heritage-breed pork.
What is a Picnic Ham, Anyway?
Often confused with the more familiar city ham or country ham, the picnic ham (also known as a picnic shoulder or pork shoulder butt) is a cut from the lower portion of the pig’s shoulder, just above the front leg. Unlike its counterparts, it’s not technically a ham in the traditional cured and smoked sense, as it’s from the shoulder, not the leg. However, many are cured and smoked, leading to the common misnomer. This cut is typically less expensive than leg hams but offers a robust pork flavor. It’s also known for having a higher fat content, contributing to a richer, more succulent final product.
Why Choose a Picnic Ham for Your Picnic?
A picnic ham offers several compelling advantages as a centerpiece for your outdoor feast:
- Budget-Friendly: Generally less expensive than other types of ham.
- Flavorful: Rich, porky flavor with a good fat content.
- Impressive Presentation: A whole picnic ham makes a stunning visual statement.
- Versatile: Can be roasted, smoked, or braised. The leftovers are also amazing in sandwiches, soups, or breakfast dishes.
- Feeds a Crowd: Large enough to serve a substantial gathering.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Picnic Ham
Before heading out (or logging on) to purchase your picnic ham, keep these factors in mind:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in hams offer richer flavor due to the bone marrow and retain more moisture during cooking. Boneless hams are easier to carve.
- Cured vs. Uncured: Cured hams have been treated with salt, nitrates, or nitrites, giving them a pink color and longer shelf life. Uncured hams have not undergone this process and will look like a typical fresh pork shoulder.
- Smoked vs. Unsmoked: Smoked hams have a smoky flavor, while unsmoked hams offer a purer pork taste.
- Size: Consider the number of people you plan to serve. A general rule of thumb is about ½ pound of cooked ham per person.
- Price: Picnic hams are usually cheaper than other ham cuts, but prices can vary considerably based on quality, curing method, and location.
Where to Find the Perfect Picnic Ham: Retail Options
Here’s a breakdown of where you can find picnic hams, weighing the pros and cons of each option:
| Retailer | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Grocery Stores | Convenient, often the most affordable option. | Quality can be inconsistent, limited selection of curing/smoking options. | Budget-conscious shoppers looking for a basic picnic ham. |
| Butcher Shops | Higher quality, often sourced from local farms, expert advice available. | More expensive than grocery stores. | Discerning palates seeking premium quality and specific preparations. |
| Online Retailers | Wide selection, can find specialty and heritage-breed pork. | Shipping costs can be high, can’t visually inspect the ham before purchase. | Those seeking unique or hard-to-find picnic hams. |
| Farmers Markets | Fresh, locally sourced pork, supports local farmers. | Availability varies, may only be seasonal. | Supporting local agriculture and seeking the freshest possible product. |
Preparing Your Picnic Ham: A Simple Approach
Here’s a simple method for roasting your picnic ham:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Score the ham’s skin in a diamond pattern. This allows the fat to render and the flavors to penetrate.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
- Roast for approximately 25-30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C).
- Rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: This leads to dry and tough ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
- Not Scoring the Skin: Scoring allows the fat to render properly, creating a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Skipping the Rest: Resting the ham allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.
- Neglecting Leftovers: Picnic ham leftovers are incredibly versatile. Don’t let them go to waste!
Carving Your Picnic Ham
Carving a picnic ham can seem daunting, but it’s manageable with a sharp knife and a little patience. Follow these steps:
- Positioning: Place the ham on a cutting board with the skin side up.
- Slicing: Slice down to the bone, following the natural muscle fibers.
- Separating: Use your knife to separate the slices from the bone.
- Serving: Arrange the slices on a platter and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Picnic Hams
Is a picnic ham the same as a Boston Butt?
No, while both come from the pork shoulder, they are different cuts. The picnic ham is from the lower portion of the shoulder, while the Boston butt is from the upper portion. The Boston butt typically has more marbling and is often preferred for pulled pork, while the picnic ham has a more pronounced ham-like flavor when cured and smoked.
How long will a picnic ham last in the refrigerator?
Cooked picnic ham will generally last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store it properly wrapped in airtight containers or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze a picnic ham?
Yes, you can freeze cooked picnic ham for 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in freezer wrap or place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What is the best way to reheat a picnic ham?
The best way to reheat a picnic ham is in the oven at a low temperature (250°F or 120°C) with a little moisture. Cover the ham with foil to prevent it from drying out.
What kind of wood is best for smoking a picnic ham?
Fruit woods like apple or cherry are excellent choices for smoking a picnic ham, as they impart a sweet and subtle smoky flavor. Hickory and pecan are also good options for a more robust flavor.
Do I need to brine a picnic ham before cooking it?
If you are starting with an uncured ham, brining will add flavor and moisture. However, if you are using a pre-cured ham, brining is usually not necessary as it can make the ham too salty.
What temperature should I cook a picnic ham to?
Cook a picnic ham to an internal temperature of 185°F (85°C). This ensures that the ham is cooked through and tender.
How can I tell if a picnic ham has gone bad?
Signs that a picnic ham has gone bad include a foul odor, slimy texture, and discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, discard the ham immediately.
What are some good side dishes to serve with picnic ham?
Popular side dishes to serve with picnic ham include potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and green beans. Don’t forget some crusty rolls or biscuits!
Can I cook a picnic ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a picnic ham in a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker with about a cup of liquid (such as broth or apple juice) and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What is a good glaze for a picnic ham?
A honey-mustard glaze, brown sugar glaze, or maple glaze are all delicious options for a picnic ham. Brush the glaze on during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
Is it better to buy a spiral-cut picnic ham?
Spiral-cut hams are convenient for serving, but spiral-cut picnic hams are rare because of the shape and muscle structure of the cut. A regular picnic ham, properly sliced, is perfectly acceptable.