Ham Pinyin: huǒ tuǐ.

1. The Origin and History of Ham

Ham, also known as bacon and smoked ham, is a cured and smoked pork product. It originated in China and can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty around 2000 BC. According to historical records, people at that time had begun to marinate pork with salt to extend its shelf life. By the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, ham making technology gradually spread to other countries and regions, such as Greece and Rome.

2. Ham production process

1. Material selection: Select high-quality pork hind leg meat, remove excess fat and fascia, and cut into appropriate-sized pieces.

2. Pickling: Soak the pork pieces in salt water, and add appropriate amounts of salt, sugar, spices and other seasonings to make the meat more delicious. The pickling time is generally 3-5 days.

3. Smoking: Hang the marinated pork pieces in the smoker, burn sawdust, fruit wood, etc. to produce smoke, forming a dark brown skin on the surface of the pork. The smoking time depends on the size of the pork and the degree of smoke, and generally takes 7-15 days.

4. Storage: Smoked ham needs to be stored in a ventilated and dry place to maintain its taste and flavor.

3. Types and characteristics of ham

1. Golden ham: Produced in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, China, it is famous for its tender meat and mellow taste.

2. Spanish Serrano ham: Produced in the Andalucia region of Spain, it is famous for its unique smoking process and rich aroma.

3. Italian Parma Ham: Produced in Parma Province, Italy, it is loved by gourmets all over the world for its ruddy color and delicious taste.

4. French Bell Ham: Produced in the C?te d'Or province of France, it is highly praised for its delicate meat and unique taste.

4. How to eat ham

1. Ham fried rice: Cut the ham into cubes and stir-fry it with rice and vegetables. It has a rich and delicious taste.

2. Ham pizza: Spread ham slices on the pizza dough, sprinkle with cheese, tomato sauce and other ingredients, and bake until golden and crispy.

3. Ham pasta: Cut the ham into thin slices and cook it with pasta and vegetables. The flavor is rich and attractive.