What does uncured deli ham mean?

Uncured means the ham has not been chemically treated during curing. Curing methods vary according to the type of meat. While some pork producers cure their meat using salt alone, others add sugar, smoke, herbs, spices, and sometimes vinegar or spices to the meat and then dry it in the sun. The longer the curing process, the harder the ham becomes. It also affects the ham’s flavor.

What does uncured deli meat mean?

When the curing process is complete, it stops the natural enzymes in the meat from breaking down, resulting in a longer shelf life and greater tenderness. However, some butchers skip the curing process entirely, which allows the natural enzymes to continue working. This results in a shorter shelf life and a less tender product.

What is uncured ham?

Since only a small portion of pork producers add curing salt to their pork, a cured version of bacon or ham doesn’t always indicate that the meat is salty. Uncured meat is simply pork that hasn’t been treated with salt and seasoning. This means that the pork will naturally have a salty taste without added salt. If you prefer your bacon or ham to be less salty, look for it in the refrigerated case.

What does uncured deli ham mean meat?

Spices are the main ingredient of cured hams. To prevent the growth of bacteria, these meats are treated with salt and sometimes sugar. Sodium chloride and sugar help reduce moisture loss and make the ham more tender. Other ingredients like nitrites, sulfites, and smoke flavoring are added to help reduce the growth of bacteria.

What does uncured ham mean at deli?

If you buy your ham from a traditional meat market, you can count on getting a cured ham. This means the ham has been cured with salt, sugar, and often smoke to preserve it. While cured hams are delicious, they can also contain higher levels of sodium and sugar than other kinds of meat.