Ham Joint - Buy Uncooked
Avoid "ham and water product." Only purchase items labeled simply "ham" or "ham with natural juices" to avoid watery, spongy, or bland meat.
Top half of the leg, leaner, more meat, but trickier T-shaped bone.
"Uncooked" can mean several different things depending on your cooking method. buy uncooked ham joint
(Dry-Cured): Salt-cured, aged, and unsmoked (usually). These are very salty, dry, and require soaking before cooking. 2. Key Selection Criteria
Look for a moist, soft-to-the-touch joint. If it feels tough, it is too old. Avoid "ham and water product
(Wet-Cured): Popular in the UK, this is cured but raw. It must be cooked thoroughly. Country Ham
Always prefer bone-in . The bone adds deep flavor, holds the meat together, and provides a superior base for stocks or soups later. Shank vs. Butt End: (Dry-Cured): Salt-cured, aged, and unsmoked (usually)
This is raw, uncured hind leg pork, appearing pale pink/beige like a pork roast. It has not been salted or smoked, offering a natural pork flavor. Raw Gammon Joint