One dilemma faced by most ham eaters is wondering how to tell if ham is cooked or uncooked.
Most hams sold in stores or delis are mostly either cured, baked, or smoked, but the ability to distinguish between cooked and uncooked ham is a good skill to have.
Ham is a tasty and versatile food that can be eaten cooked or raw. But how do you tell if the ham is cooked or raw? There are a few things to look out for.
Uncooked ham is always pink, whereas cooked ham is brown or grey. A meat thermometer can help if you’re not sure what color your ham is. The uncooked ham should be no hotter than 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let’s See How To Tell If Ham Is Cooked Or Uncooked
Nothing is worse than serving dry and overcooked ham. Here are a few tips to help you know how to tell if a ham is cooked.
You can start by checking the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer.
The internal temperature of a precooked ham should be around 145°F.
Also, you should look for signs of completion. If the ham starts to shrink away from the bone, it’s probably done.
One of the ways to determine if a ham is properly cooked is by touching it. If it’s firm to the touch, it’s well-cooked. Food that hasn’t been cooked properly is squishy or soft.
Another way of determining if a ham is cooked or uncooked is by slicing the ham and checking its color. If the center is pink or red, it’s probably not done.
Note: It's probably overcooked if it's white or brown all the way through.
Is It Possible To Tell If Ham Is Cooked or Uncooked Without Using A Meat Thermometer?
There are different methods for cooking ham. It can either be baked, smoked, or cured.
Using a meat thermometer is one of the best ways to determine whether your ham is properly cooked or not.
But in the absence of a meat thermometer, here are a few other methods you can use to determine if your ham is properly cooked or not.
As stated above, the meat’s color is another way to find out if your ham is done. Cooked ham will be pinkish, whereas uncooked ham will be red or pink.
Feeling the texture of the meat is another way to tell if your ham is cooked. Uncooked ham is mushy, whereas cooked ham is firm to the touch.
If it feels soft, it is most likely raw, and if it feels hard, it is most likely cooked.
Finally, the juices that run out of your ham when you cut it can indicate how well it has been cooked.
When the juices run clear, the ham is done. If the juices are pink or red, the ham is undercooked.
Tip: A meat thermometer is an accurate way to determine whether ham is cooked or raw.
Are Smoked Hams From Butcher Houses Cooked?
There are two categories of ham you can get from a butcher shop: either pre-cooked (cured, smoked, or baked) or uncooked (fresh).
Because pre-cooked ham is already cooked, all you have to do is heat it. This can be accomplished in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.
Simply adhere to the heating instructions on the package.
Smoking uncooked ham is also possible. This can be accomplished using either a smoker or a stovetop smoker.
If you’re using a stovetop smoker, cook the ham for about 2 hours at 225 °F.
Is Cured Ham Cooked?
Most people consider cured ham to be a pre-cooked, shelf-stable product. But did you know that a good number of cured hams are not cooked conventionally?
Cured ham is made from pork that has been cured with salt, sugar, and other ingredients.
This method not only preserves the meat but also imparts a distinct flavor to it. After curing, the ham is either sold that way or smoked and then sold.
This adds another layer of flavor while also aiding in the preservation of the meat.
Both cured and smoked hams can be eaten right out of their packaging.
But how do you tell if a smoked ham is cooked? Well, to know if it is properly cooked, check its texture.
If it is soft and has a lighter pink shade, then it is not properly cooked. But if it’s hard and has a deeper pinkish color, it’s done.
Tip: If you want cooked ham, look for those labeled "pre-cooked" or "fully cooked."
Why Is The Color Of The Ham Pink When Raw And Cooked?
Have you ever wondered why ham is pink when raw and pink when cooked? It’s a common question and one that has a simple answer.
When the ham is raw, it is a very pale pink color. This is because it has not been exposed to the air, which causes it to oxidize and turn a pinkish color.
Once the ham is cooked, the exposure to oxygen causes it to turn a deeper, pink color.
How Do You Know If The Ham Is Bad?
To determine whether your ham has gone bad, you must consider several factors. First, consider the color of the meat.
Once it begins to turn brown or grey, it’s probably time to throw it out.
The smell is another indicator that the ham has gone bad. It’s probably no longer good for consumption, something that smells rancid or sour.
Squeeze the ham to finish. If it is sticky or slimy, there is a higher chance of it not being edible.
Tip: If you're still unsure, it's always better to be cautious and discard it.
What Happens If You Eat Uncooked Ham?
There are a few things that could happen if you eat raw ham. First and foremost, you could get food poisoning. This can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, fever, and diarrhea.
This is because ham is processed meat that contains bacteria that can be harmful if consumed.
Second, bacteria found in uncooked meat, in general, are dangerous and could make you sick.
Finally, you might end up getting Trichinellosis. This is a parasitic foodborne disease caused by consuming raw meat infested with the larva of a type of roundworm known as Trichinella.
Tip: Always make sure that you cook your ham very well before eating it.
Why Is Ham Always Precooked?
When you buy ham from the supermarket, it is always pre-cooked.
This is because ham is a cured meat, which means it has been preserved with salt, smoke, or other preservatives.
Ham is cooked meat that has been cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because ham is cured and cooked, it does not need to be cooked again before eating. It is safe to eat right away.
However, before serving, give it a quick reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to bring out the flavor.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to tell if a ham is cooked or uncooked, you can go ahead and cook and enjoy your ham without fear of it turning out undercooked.
A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine whether the ham is cooked or raw.
Check the temperature of the ham by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. If the ham is raw, the temperature will be lower.
The color of the ham can also tell you whether it is cooked or raw. Cooked ham should be pinkish, whereas uncooked ham should be pale pink.
Finally, the cooked ham should be firm to the touch, whereas uncooked ham would be spongy and soft.